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  1. Help and Advice
  2. Health and Wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing

Most of us take our mental health for granted. After all, since it’s such a basic, yet unseen, part of who we are, it doesn’t seem to merit a lot of thought compared to everything else going on in our lives or in the world. As people, we tend to spend more time concentrating on our physical health – exercising, loosing weight, eating properly, getting enough sleep, etc, and yet the reality is that our mental health is a major factor in all aspects of each of our lives.

We see it play out in our relationships, in our performance at work or school and in health issues. Today, protecting and strengthening our mental health couldn’t be more important, especially for gay and bisexual men.

Research shows that LGB&/T people are particularly vulnerable to developing mental health problems due to the homophobia, discrimination and oppression that exists within society. It is not surprising, therefore, that this community is more likely sometimes to self-harm, feel suicidal, experience depression, misuse alcohol/drugs, suffer from anxiety or develop problems with food.

Being LGB&/T, however, does not necessarily mean that you will experience poor mental health. It does mean, however, that we need to spend as much time looking after our mental health as we do with our physical health.

When you are mentally healthy you feel good about yourself, enjoy relationships, learn confidently and overcome your difficulties. When you aren’t, you may feel overwhelmed by misery, anger or fear.

In this section of our website, you will find a range of articles on being LGB&/T and looking after your mental wellbeing.

Gender Identity Awareness

Read more

Published: 18th September, 2020

Author: Jayne Robinson

Related topics:
  • Health and Wellbeing
Regional LGBT Groups

Regional LGBT Groups

Peer and social support groups for LGBT people throughout regional areas of Northern Ireland Read more

Published: 18th June, 2018

Updated: 22nd April, 2020

Author: Leo Lardie

Related topics:
  • Health and Wellbeing
Befriending

Befriending

The aim of the Befriending service is a volunteer-led service and the aim of the service is to reduce LGBT individual’s social isolation. Read more

Published: 26th July, 2017

Updated: 28th February, 2019

Author:

Related topics:
  • Health and Wellbeing
Feeling Suicidal

Feeling Suicidal

Lifeline is a 24-hour counselling service for people of any age in Northern Ireland who is in distress or despair. Calls are answered by qualified counsellors who will listen, offer support and advice, but not judge. Read more

Published: 26th July, 2017

Updated: 10th August, 2017

Author:

Related topics:
  • Health and Wellbeing
Self harm

Self harm

Self harm is when someone deliberately injures themselves. They may cut themselves to draw blood, take too many tablets or bang their head against a wall. Read more

Published: 29th June, 2017

Updated: 10th August, 2017

Author:

Related topics:
  • Health and Wellbeing
Personal development

Personal development

The Rainbow Project offers free Personal Development Programmes that supports LGBT people in building their resilience in a safe and affirmative environment. Read more

Published: 29th June, 2017

Updated: 10th August, 2017

Author:

Related topics:
  • Health and Wellbeing
Internalised Homophobia

Internalised Homophobia

As we grow up we are taught the values of our society. In our homophobic, heterosexist, discriminatory culture, we may learn negative ideas about homosexuality and same-sex attraction. Read more

Published: 29th June, 2017

Updated: 28th February, 2019

Author:

Related topics:
  • Health and Wellbeing
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  • Staff Profiles

    The Rainbow Project’s staff team are responsible for the operational delivery of the The Rainbow Projects services and advocacy work. Our dedicated team work hard to meet the needs of LGB&/T people and their families in Northern Ireland. Meet the team below.

  • Balanitis, Cystitis, Non-Specific Urethritis, Proctitis and Thrush

    Balanitis, Cystitis, Non-Specific Urethritis, Proctitis and Thrush

    Balanitis, Cystitis, Non-Specific Urethritis, Proctitis (part of a group infections called NSGI’s or Non-Specific Genital Infections) and Thrush are all common infections which are caused by an inflammation of the lining of certain parts of your body.

  • About us

    The Rainbow Project is devoted to promoting the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people and their families in Northern Ireland, as well as those questioning their orientation or gender, through partnership, advocacy and the development and delivery of appropriate support services.

  • Counselling

    The Rainbow Project provides the only LGB&/T specific counselling service in Northern Ireland. Counselling offers an opportunity to talk in confidence about challenges, losses, problems or issues that concern you.

  • Get a safer sex pack

    Get a safer sex pack

    The Rainbow Project is funded to provide LGBT individuals with access to free Safer Sex Packs in Northern Ireland. You can receive a pack by simply filling out the form attached below and you will receive your pack within 2 weeks.

  • Outreach clinics

    Outreach clinics

    The Rainbow Project works closely with other providers to provide full sexual health screening in Satellite Clinics.

  • Volunteer

    Volunteer

    The Rainbow Project couldn’t carry out its work without the help of our amazing team of volunteers. We have a strong volunteering ethos and seek to create opportunities for people to contribute to our overall organisational aims and objectives.

  • Dear Arlene Letters

    Dear Arlene Letters

    The Rainbow Project has today published 65 letters received from LGBT people from across Northern Ireland and from individuals who no longer live in Northern Ireland in response to its #DearArlene campaign. Here are some of the responses.

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GEG Newry Pride So I can breathe this air Theatre of PlucK
Trans Swimming Appeal

Trans Swimming Appeal

“When I was younger and home alone I sometimes put on a swimsuit during a shower since I probably would never get to wear it to swim… Thanks @TRPNI for changing that tonight!” - Help keep our trans swimming service afloat. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 27th November, 2019

Updated: 23rd March, 2020

Author: Jayne Robinson

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Belfast Office
23-31 Waring Street
Belfast
BT1 2DX

028 9031 9030

[email protected]



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Orlan House
Londonderry
BT48 7AB

028 7128 3030

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Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC100064
A company limited by guarantee No. NI030101 Rainbow Health Ltd
Registered company office: 23-31 Waring Street, Belfast BT1 2DX

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