Community Resources
We know that community support is one of the things that makes us thrive. One of the most beautiful things about the LGBTQIA+ community is our diversity, and with that comes a diverse set of needs. We all need some help sometimes, so we've gathered some signposting here for easy reference. Scroll below and see some of the available supports.
Local Supports
Amach LGBT+ Galway
AMACH! LGBT Galway represents and advocates on behalf of the LGBT+ community in Galway city and county. They hold support groups, drop-ins, activities, delivery of education, training, and health programmes in addition to support for individuals identifying as LGBT+ and for those who are 'coming out’.
Galway Traveller Movement
The Galway Traveller Movement seeks to challenge discrimination and racism experienced by the Traveller community in Galway city and county, to challenge the status quo and to empower members of the Traveller community to take action to realise Traveller rights.
Samaritans
Samaritans' mission is to be there for anyone struggling to cope. They provide a confidential, non-religious, non-judgemental, and free line of support for people in crisis . If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, for any reason, please reach out.
Samaritains has a 24/7 helpline, an online chat, and email for a variety of ways to reach out.
Bród Soc - University of Galway
The aims of the society are to promote a forum where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual, and Ally students & staff can meet in a comfortable and supportive environment, and to increase awareness and help to end discrimination on the LGBTQA+ community.
GOSSIP Galway
Gossip is a Galway-based peer support group for trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse individuals.
Email the group for more information.
Sexual Health West
Sexual Health West is a charity which provides a safe and welcoming environment for everyone with whom it works. Their office based in Galway, and they offer many important programmes like HIV, AIDS, and STI education, one-to-one and peer supports, Rapid HIV Testing, and free condoms and lube, among other services.
Galway Migrant Service
Galway Migrant Service provides dedicated specialised information, advocacy and support services for Migrants and their families in Galway City and County.
The service is strictly confidential and is delivered on a one-to-one basis.
Jigsaw Galway
Jigsaw Galway specializes in accessible mental health support for young people aged 15-25. They offer accessible mental health services, as well as work on public mental health promotion, awareness, and advocacy.
SHEnanigans
This group is for women who identify as LGBTQ. It is a Social Club for adult women (18+) who want to meet new people, develop new friendships, participate in common interest activities, network, share resources, build 'a sense of community' and have a bit of Craic! This is an inclusive group for women of all ages and backgrounds who identify as LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, or Questioning).
Galway Rape Crisis Centre
GRCC is dedicated to providing a professional, caring and confidential counselling and support service for those affected by sexual abuse and sexual violence. They also work towards ending cultural and societal tolerance of sexual violence through advocacy, awareness raising and education programmes.
Outwest
OutWest is a voluntary social, support and advocacy group for LGBT+ people in the West of Ireland. The group aims to organise social outings and events several times a year in various venues in the West of Ireland, as well as doing advocacy and awareness work, including educational sessions, to benefit the LGBT+ community, both in Connacht and on a national level.
shOUT! LGBT+ Youth Project
shOUT works with LGBT or questioning young people aged 14-17 and 18-24 years of age in the Galway region. Through weekly social meetings, shOUT aims to provide a place where young LGBT people can be themselves and socialise with their peers in an open and accepting environment.
Belong To
Belong To is the national Youth LGBTQ+ organisation. They specialize in national youth services and advocacy with and for LGBTQ+ children and young people.
LGBT Ireland
LGBT Ireland is a national organisation underpinned by localised knowledge and responses. Together with their network members, we provide support, training, and advocacy which aims to improve the lives of LGBT+ people across Ireland.
National
Bi+ Ireland
Bi+ Ireland aims to create a space where bi+ people can make friends, access peer support and reduce any isolation they may experience. We aim to increase the visibility and presence of bi+ people in Ireland and to create diverse, vibrant and welcoming communities.
LGBT Pavee
Pavee Point’s mission is to contribute to improvement in the quality of life, living circumstances, status and participation of Travellers & Roma through working innovatively for social justice, greater solidarity, development, equality and human rights. They have a dedicated page specifically for LGBT Pavee.
GCN
GCN (Gay Community News) is Ireland's national monthly free gay magazine. Pick up a copy, read it online or download the app for all your Queer News needs!
Switchboard
Switchboard provides confidential and non-judgemental listening and support helplines 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.
HIV Ireland
HIV Ireland is a voluntary, non-profit organisation, linked to various local and national networks. In addition to advocacy and education, they provide programes like education, free HIV and STI testing, and more.
TENI
TENI is dedicated to ending transphobia, including stigma, discrimination and inequality. TENI engages in activities that promote the equality and well-being of trans people in Ireland. We work nationally in four main areas: healthcare, employment, education and legislation.