LGBTQIA+ and have a cancer diagnosis, supporting a loved one, unsure of your cancer risk or have questions on services and screening?
We are here for you. If you would benefit from one to one support, a space to talk, or to find out what practical support is available in your area, email info@rainbow-project.org, or call us on the numbers below.
 Belfast: 028 9031 9030/ Foyle: 028 7128 3030
We know cancer impacts every area of your life. That’s why we offer support no matter how long it has been since your diagnosis, or since you supported someone through it. If you are experiencing grief or bereavement by cancer, we are here for you too.
Want to learn more about how you can support LGBTQIA+ people with cancer?Â
Suitable for all knowledge levels on the topic, our LGBTQIA+ Awareness sessions combined with our Cancer Champions section raise your confidence supporting LGBTQIA+ people throughout their cancer care.
Enquiries to: training@rainbow-project.orgÂ
At the end of the session, we aim to leave you with:
- An awareness of the Cancer Champions project and how to refer in.
- An understanding of the barriers faced by LGBTQIA+ people within cancer care.
- An understanding of the research and current landscape.
- Increased confidence having conversations around identity and sexuality.
- Practical tips on how to move towards inclusive healthcare.Â
We welcome all volunteers who want to give up their time and skills to help us raise awareness of cancer in the LGBTQIA+ community.
From supporting us with one-off events, offering your writing, video or artistic skills on a project to getting trained in cancer awareness and delivering in the community, there are lots of ways to volunteer with us.
Send us an enquiry email at info@rainbow-project.org, or download an application form here.Â
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Cancer Champions Volunteer Officer: Sinéad McGarry
You can also use your experience to inform our service by joining our Cancer Champions steering group. Are you:
- LGBTQIA+ and have lived experience of cancer, or supporting a loved one with cancer?
- A healthcare professional who wants to help shape inclusive services?
We meet online every 3 months. Contact info@rainbow-project.org with the subject line ‘steering group’ to express interest.
Read our blog post with the Cancer Care Map
Our Trans and Non-Binary Breast/Chest Screening video with the Northern Trust HSCNI walks you through an appointment at one of their Mobile Breast Screening Units. More information on our collaboration and video project here.
End of Life Workshops
We are delighted to be hosting the first series of ‘Courage conversations’. These workshops are for the LGBTQIA+ community to come together and talk about life goals and their end of life planning in a gentle, comfortable way – we hope you can join us.
Death Cafe’s
Find out more about our new LGBTQIA+ Death Cafe’s here. Started between Cancer Champions and The All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative care, we collaborated on three new Death Cafe’s for the LGBTQIA+ community, which we now run every few months with the support of external professionals in bereavement and trauma.
Inclusive Bra Fitting
We will put you in touch with a LGBTQIA+ friendly, trained fitter who can offer advice and signpost to a confidential fitting appointment. Any fitter we recommend is one we have collaborated with, used previously and are confident can meet your needs.Â
If you have undergone breast reconstruction, lumpectomy or mastectomy, we can help find you the bra that works best for you.