Between 2024-25, we’ve reached more people than ever before. From delivering over 1,300 counselling sessions to supporting young people through Rainbow Youth and launching new work like our Cancer Champions programme, this report shows the real difference that support, safety and community can make in people’s lives.

At its heart, this report is about people. It’s about those who trusted us with their stories, and the staff, volunteers and partners who make this work possible every day. It shows how, together, we are not only changing lives, but helping to build a more equal and inclusive society.

As we look ahead, our focus remains clear. We will continue to stand with our community, deliver vital services, and push for the lasting change needed to build a better Northern Ireland for LGBTQIA+ people and their families.

You can view the full report below

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As Simon puts it ‘Visibility helps us find community’

‘It helps us find each other, find role models and other ways of existing in this world’

‘Its a real opportunity for us to show some positive visibility for trans and non-binary people

‘Especially with the current negative rhetoric in the media at the minute’

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It’s something we’ve been working towards for a while, and it comes at a time when the need for support and space in the North West has been steadily growing.

Why this space matters

Over the past few years, more people have been accessing Rainbow services in the Foyle area, particularly through Rainbow Youth, but across all of our work.

Our previous space had reached its limit. It was clear we needed something that could properly support what’s already happening, and what’s still to come.

This new centre gives us that.

What’s here now

The centre brings a range of services together in one place, including sexual health support, counselling, peer support, cancer support, youth services, and wider community programmes.

Just as important as the services is the environment itself.

The aim was to create somewhere people feel comfortable coming into, somewhere open, accessible, and genuinely welcoming, without barriers.

Hearing from people using it

Since opening, it’s been encouraging to hear how people are experiencing the space.

Young people have talked about how it feels more open and easier to be in, particularly for those with sensory needs. Others have mentioned the difference having more room makes, being able to move between spaces, see what’s happening, and take part in more activities.

Those small things add up to a very different experience.

A full circle moment

There’s also something significant about opening this centre in Foyle.

This is where The Rainbow Project began. Now upgrading with a new space reflects how much has changed, not just in the organisation, but in the scale of need and the visibility of LGBTQIA+ communities across the region.

Looking ahead

The new centre includes a number of flexible spaces that can be used in different ways, from support groups and youth work to events, exhibitions, and community gatherings.

To find out more about the centre and venue hire contact us at: studio@rainbow-project.org

The post Launch Of Our New Foyle Centre! appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

It involves a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes, as opposed to a grief support or counselling session.

The objective is to increase awareness around death, help encourage people to make the most of their lives and support individuals who are going through loss or have lost someone.

Why is it important?
Death, dying and bereavement are a part of life, but this is often a taboo subject and can be difficult to talk about.
Death Cafés offer connection, friendship, friendship, kinship. We know from our previous cafe’s that there are things that come up for LGBTQIA+ folks in a safe space around end of life care, complex grief, funerals, partners, family…we are here to share and to listen.

They are a great way to connect with new people who can understand what you’re thinking, feeling and going through. This allows you to validate your own experiences and remind you that you aren’t alone!

Do I need to have come to a Death Café before?

Not at all, everyone LGBTQIA+ is welcome to attend, regardless of your experiences with death, dying and bereavement. You might be curious about the topic, or just want a dedicated space to discuss it.

Who runs the event?

This event will be externally facilitated by Patricia Lübeck, Birth and Death Doula. It is hosted by the Cancer Champions, a partnership pilot project between The Rainbow Project and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The event will be in Derry/ Londonderry, held in new The Rainbow Project centre at Waterloo House, Magazine Street BT48 6HH, in Studio 1 at 6-8pm.

The venue is wheelchair accessible & fitted with accessible toilets, internal lifts, and there are outdoor ramps to gain access to the walls.

Note: This event is strictly for LGBTQIA+ (18+) attendees to ensure that it remains a safe space for service users. 

Tea/coffee provided as well as traybakes/buns/biscuits! Vegan & gluten free options will be available.

Register for free below so we can contact you with any changes or updates to the event.

The post LGBTQIA+ Death Cafe – Foyle appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

The post Contribute to the LGBTQIA+ ‘Before I Die’ Wall appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

Socially conservative political pressures in Northern Ireland have significantly shaped the pace of LGBTQIA+ rights, contributing to delayed reforms. As a result, Northern Ireland was the last part of the UK to decriminalise homosexuality and to legalise same-sex marriage. LGBTQIA+ communities experience disproportionately poorer health outcomes and care. This is particularly evident in mental health: The Rainbow Project’s own survey of more than 1,100 members highlights the scale of the issue, with 39% reporting self-harm, 45% experiencing suicidal ideation and 65% reporting depression.

Scott Cuthbertson, CEO of The Rainbow Project, takes a selfie with the Rainbow Project bloc at Belfast Pride in 2025. Image: Astra Photography NI

Commenting on the award, Scott Cuthbertson, Chief Executive Officer of The Rainbow Project, said: ‘We are delighted to be one of the 10 winners of the 2026 GSK IMPACT Awards. The Rainbow Project is a charity about making change: as LGBTQIA+ people, we know that the status quo does not work for us, so our impact is vitally important to us. We have worked hard to build an organisation that meets the needs of the communities we serve, while standing resilient to the challenges faced in Northern Ireland. We are very much looking forward to the leadership development programme provided by The Kings Fund, to continue to improve our impact in future.’

The post The Rainbow Project named in top 10 UK Charities for ‘GSK Impact Awards’ appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

Through discussion and facilitated activities we will explore ideas and imagine possibilities for a more inclusive housing system for LGBTQIA+ people in Northern Ireland. We want to hear your ideas, perspectives and insights on what inclusion is, what it looks like, and how it feels. 

The focus group is part of a research project which seeks to understand how housing and homelessness support for LGBTQIA+ people can be improved. Engagement in the focus group provides an opportunity to have an impact on developing inclusivity within existing housing support providers, as well as to consider the possibility of introducing LGBTQIA+ specific provisions.

*Please note: The Rainbow Project does not provide housing support services at present. This focus group is a space to explore ideas, and will not be able to provide support or advice.

Who can attend

Anyone from the LGBTQIA+ community, who lives or has lived in Northern Ireland can attend. You do not need experience of housing insecurity or homelessness to take part.

Access needs

Unfortunately this project does not have a budget to accommodate access needs which require additional resources. Nonetheless, we are happy to discuss ways which can facilitate attendance and engagement. If you have sensory needs, require particular seating, require larger print text, additional communication supports, need a support worker to attend or anything else, please feel free to get in touch by emailing hannah@rainbow-project.org, and we will endeavour to meet those accommodations.

The room we will be using is on the sixth floor which is accessible by lift or stairs. There will be a sign at the entrance and a member of staff at the reception desk at the MAC to direct you. The room has a large table and chairs that surround it, please let us know if you are using a wheelchair so that we can accommodate you.

Cancellation

Due to limited capacity, if you are no longer able to make it we ask that you cancel the booking, or email hannah@rainbow-project.org.

If there are no longer spaces available but you are still interested in participating in the research, please get in touch with hannah@rainbow-project.org , particularly if you have lived experiences of housing insecurity or homelessness.

The post Focus Group: Dreaming LGBTQIA+ Housing Provisions appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

The Rainbow Project invites housing and homelessness providers from across Northern Ireland for a workshop to explore how the sector can develop LGBTQIA+ inclusion in service delivery. The session will facilitate discussions for housing providers to reflect on current approaches, share sector expertise and consider practical strategies to develop LGBTQIA+ inclusive practices.

The workshop will be an opportunity to share experiences, barriers and needs with providers across the sector and to discuss what support and preparation housing providers need in developing LGBTQIA+ inclusive practices. Engagement in the workshop will inform recommendations for a research project conducted by The Rainbow Project on LGBTQIA+ inclusion within the housing and homelessness sector in Northern Ireland.

Who can attend

This workshop is for employees within the housing and homelessness sector. We invite participation from managers, frontline staff and staff working in policy, research or strategy roles. We are interested to hear from temporary accommodation providers, housing associations and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Both statutory and VCSE organisations are invited to join. We welcome organisations with varying levels of experience in supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Aims

Through facilitated discussion and interactive exercises, we will:

• Map current inclusive practices, training, policies, outreach and cultural competence across the sector
• Understand the specific needs, support and competencies organisations require to develop and implement inclusive practices
• Discuss potential strategies and approaches which are viable to implement in the Northern Irish homelessness sector
• Foster dialogue across the sector to develop collaborative approaches to LGBTQIA+ inclusion

Participation

Places are limited so we ask that 1-2 people per organisation participate. If you register but are no longer able to attend, please cancel your ticket so the place can be offered to another organisation. If you would like to learn more information about the research project, or your organisation cannot attend but would like to contribute to the research, please contact:

hannah@rainbow-project.org

Location: The Works, 4th Floor,  The MAC, 10 Exchange Street, Belfast.

The post Housing Provider Workshop: LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Practices appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

Whatever way you’re looking to boost your health & wellbeing join us and drop-in to our ‘Spring Health Fair‘ on Sunday 22nd March 1-4PM at LGBT Centre, 23-31 Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 2DX for an easy-going day of chats, craic and community!

Our Spring Health Fair will include;

• • Cancer Champions
  • The Rainbow Project
  • Belfast Frontrunners
  • The Men’s Group
  • The Belfast Trans Resource Centre
  • Queerspace
  • Rainbow Refugees
  • Out Connections 
• Complimentary massage therapies
• ‘Taster’ yoga class for beginners
• Workshop on practical advice & tips for fighting ‘doom-scrolling’ and ‘bedrotting’
• Rapid HIV & Syphilis testing (18+)

Please note, whilst registering will require you to give an address & phone number – you may instead include The Rainbow Project’s address (23-31 Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 2DX) and phone number (028 90 319 030)

You do not need to register to attend, but it is preferred!  

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This decision runs contrary to the Executive’s stated agreement to participate in this trial, and demonstrates that the apparent need for evidence-gathering and more research are being abandoned in favour of political game-playing and culture wars.

Alexa Moore, Policy Campaigns & Communications Manager at The Rainbow Project, said, “The Executive claimed that its ban on puberty blockers was based on evidence: this decision is very clearly based on politics. This clinical trial was held up by Executive parties across the board as a means by which to gather the evidence for the use of blockers, assess their safety and efficacy, and make a decision on their use on that basis.

“Trans communities are bearing the brunt of a political culture that views us as a stick with which to beat political opponents, not as real people with real lives and real healthcare needs. This decision demonstrates that no amount of evidence, no amount of research, no amount of suffering within trans communities will trump the need for politicians to score political points against each other at our expense.”

A Freedom of Information Request submitted by Belfast Live and seen by The Rainbow Project showed that, when approving the indefinite ban on puberty blockers, “Ministers agreed that the scientific and medical advice must be followed and noted the importance in public messaging of referring to the clinical trial as providing an evidence base for future policy decisions in this area.”

Scott Cuthbertson, CEO of The Rainbow Project, said, “The Health Minister’s reversal of his position on this clinical trial, coming on the same week as the Justice Minister was forced by Executive colleagues to remove protections for trans people from her Hate Crime legislation, demonstrates very clearly that this Executive is not interested in doing anything at all to improve the lives of trans people.

“We are clear: the Executive’s decision to ban puberty blockers was contingent on both the funding of gender services and participation in this clinical trial. All Executive parties agreed to this course of action. If Northern Ireland will not partake in these trials, Northern Ireland should not have a ban on puberty blockers – it should be reversed, and doctors should once again be empowered to make decisions in the best interests of their patients.”

ENDS

Notes to the editor:

• The Freedom of Information request referenced above can be found here: https://www.rainbow-project.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Final-Executive-Minutes-E-M-24-22-Executive-meeting-10-December-2024-1.pdf
• The indefinite ban on puberty blockers, passed by the Executive in December 2024, only applies to their use as treatment for under-18s experiencing gender incongruence. Puberty blockers remain routine medicine used in other treatments, including for under-18s, such as precocious puberty.
• The Justice Minister stated in the Assembly on Tuesday 10th February that “I sought the agreement of [Executive] colleagues to include “transgender” in the list of protected groups under the hate crime provisions in the sentencing Bill. Regrettably, there has been a lack of consensus on that measure, so I have had to remove “transgender” from the list of protected groups identified in the Bill.”

The post Press Release: “NI Executive, Stop Playing Politics with Trans Lives” appeared first on The Rainbow Project.