Supporting LGBTI ‘a priority’
As Ireland continues on its proud path of LGBTI inclusion and equality, Cork has taken another big step in the right direction.
Cork ETB Youth Services has stepped up its support of young LGBTI people in the city and county with the launch of a new resource booklet and small grant scheme to enhance provision of targeted supports.
The booklet, launched recently by LGBTI rights campaigner Senator Jerry Buttimer, highlights services currently available to young people, providing signposts to resources and projects that have active LGBTI elements, while also serving to identify gaps where future funding will be directed.
Cork ETB’s (CEBT) Youth Development Manager Ruth Griffin said the booklet and grant scheme are further steps along the road to ensuring that young members of the LGBTI community in Cork feel “secure and included” in their city and county.
She said: “Supporting young LGBTI young people is a priority for Cork ETB. The 40-plus youth projects we fund from Mizen Head to Youghal have all highlighted a growing need for services related to gender identity, mental and physical health and development.
“The booklet helps to identify the obstacles LGBTI young people face in their everyday lives, including what youngsters describe as the ‘general lack of acceptance and understanding in society’ which is a fundamental need.”
Ms Griffin added that, in launching the report, CEBT also wishes to recognise the ongoing work of the Cork City LGBT Interagency committee, Cork City Council and Cork Pride, as well as the work of student groups such as CIT LGBT society.
Cllr Mick Finn, Youth Officer with CETB, said this move was further proof of ongoing work for Cork young people.
“This is Cork leading the way with many agencies coming together to support the LGBT community,” he said.
He added: “It is targeted based on needs identified among young people via youth projects, along with other measures supported by the ETB including funds and personnel to help young people in homelessness, and to reach those living in emergency accommodation.”
Senator Buttimer was accompanied at the launch by CEO of Cork ETB, Denis Leamy, and Chair of the LGBTI Interagency Group, Siobhan O’Dowd.