From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
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Over €440,000 allocated across Phases One and Two.
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, today announced Phase Two of the LGBTI+ Capacity Building Initiative. Funding is being provided through this phase to support LGBTI+ young people throughout the country.
The funding will provide for organisations working with young people to undertake training, mentoring, coaching and development of policies to work with LGBTI+ young people. It aims to support the development of better, more supportive services nationwide for LGBTI+_young people, through sharing of knowledge and expertise.
The Initiative is part of the LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy, which is the first of its kind in the world. A key action from the Strategy is to "create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for LGBTI+ young people".
Speaking today, Minister Zappone said that:
“Through this funding, we are continuing to work towards the improvement of safe, supportive and inclusive spaces for LGBTI+ young people in all walks of life. We are committed to ensuring that LGBTI+ young people are widely supported and have the confidence to be themselves and actively participate in all aspects of society without fear of harassment and discrimination."
ENDS
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs administered €165,686 in 2019 for Phase One of Capacity Building Initiatives in LGBTI+ specific organisations or services on a pre-funding basis over the last quarter of 2019.
The total amount allocated across Phases One and Two in 2019 and 2020 is €446,558.
The attached table outlines the allocations for Phase Two (2020) under this Capacity Building Initiative.
The LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy was published in June 2018 and is a world first. It is a key commitment for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and makes a significant contribution towards the government's broader commitment to continue to strive for the full inclusion of LGBTI+ people in Irish society. The mission of the Strategy is to ensure all LGBTI+ young people are visible, valued and included.
The Strategy seeks to ensure a cross-governmental approach to put additional measures in place to further enhance the lives of LGBTI+ young people and address some of the key challenges they may face as part of their day-to-day lives. The Strategy sets out the goals and objectives for serving the needs of LGBTI+ people aged 10–24.
The aims of the LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy are to:
The Strategy and its governance lie within the framework of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014-2020 and contributes to achievement of the five national outcomes for children and young people: