LGBTQIA+ Support

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If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and you’re struggling, you are not alone. Support is available both locally and nationally.

If you need immediate support, you can call the Samaritans any time for free on 116 123. You can also chat with somebody online by visiting http://www.samaritans.org.

Local Support in Roscommon

BelongTo Youth Groups

BelongTo is an LGBTQ+ youth charity, and it runs a number of local groups in Roscommon for young people.

Roscommon Town: The Indigo LGBT+ & Allies group is for young people aged 13-18. The group meets weekly on a Tuesday from 6.30pm-8pm in the Quad Youth Centre. The aim of the group is to allow LGBT+ young people to meet and socailise in a safe, supportive environment that is free from prejudice, discrimination, and social exclusion. If you would like to join the group, or would like to find out more information on behalf of your child, contact Helen on 086 143 7606.

Boyle: Boyle LGBT+ & Allies is a Youth Group for LGBT+ people and allies aged 13-18. The group meets weekly on a Wednesday from 7:30 – 8:30pm at The Family Resource Centre in Boyle. For more information contact Helen on 086 1437606.

Ballaghaderrean: Ballaghaderreen LGBT+ & Allies is a Youth Group for LGBT+ people and allies aged 13-18. The group meets weekly on a Thursday from 5 – 6:30pm at The Phoenix. If you would like more information about the group, contact on Helen 086 1437606.

Online: There is also an online youth group for LGBTQ+ people in Roscommon aged 18-24. They meet weekly on a Thursday from 7.30pm-8.30pm. Contact group leader Gary on 086 010 6654 for more information.

Website: https://www.belongto.org/roscommon/

Jigsaw Roscommon

Jigsaw offers free mental health support for young people in Roscommon. If you would like to register to avail of Jigsaw’s services locally, you can do so by visiting jigsaw.ie/go. Contact details for Jigsaw Roscommon are below.

Phone: 090 666 5087
Email: roscommon@jigsaw.ie

National Support

LGBT Ireland

Confidential support, information and referral services for LGBTQ+ people and their families.

National LGBT+ Helpline (Freephone): 1800 929 539.
Online chat available through the website.
Website: https://lgbt.ie/

Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland

Support for LGBTQ+ young people across Ireland.
Offers youth groups, one-to-one support, online programmes and family resources.

Website: https://www.belongto.org/

The Switchboard – LGBTQIA Support & Resources

The Switchboard provides a confidential and non-judgemental listening and support helpline 7 days per week. Their phone lines are geared towards offering support and resources to different areas of the community on different days with trained volunteers able to provide more specialised help and support in those areas, although you can also call on any day of the week.

Helpline: 01 872 1055
Email: ask@theswitchboard.ie
Website: https://www.theswitchboard.ie/

Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI)

TENI operates a Gender Identity Family Support Line on Tuesdays from 10am-12pm and on Sundays from 6pm to 9pm. You can contact the support line on +353 (0)1 907 3707.

Support for Parents and Families

Belong To provides information and links to parent support groups, including groups in the Roscommon area for families of LGBTQ+ young people.

Website: https://www.belongto.org/

Community and Events

Roscommon Pride

Roscommon Pride takes place each year in August and is the county’s LGBTQIA+ Pride festival. If you have any queries or concerns, or would like to participate, you can contact us at info@roscommonpride.ie.

If You Need Immediate Support

Samaritans (Ireland)

Available 24 hours a day for anyone who needs someone to talk to.

Freephone: 116 123
Website: https://www.samaritans.ie/