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 third floor which is accessible by lift or stairs. The front door has a temporary ramp which can be put in place upon entrance. There is one step and then another three at the entrance. The room is large, has a table, chairs and sofas, and the option of different lighting.

When accessing the building, you will press a buzzer which someone will answer and buzz you in.

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.

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

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!  

The post Spring Health Fair appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

What is available in this LGBTQIA+ Awareness Training?

This will be an interactive workshop with the aim to provide the following as learning objectives:

• Increase understanding of The Rainbow Project, our services, and other services available to LGBTQIA+ people.
• Learn about identity and its importance, particularly in regard to sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Gain clarity on key language and terminology in regard to LGBTQIA+ people.
• Increase understanding of the health and wellbeing needs for LGBTQIA+ people in relation to experiences in the North West.
• Increase understanding on the key barriers that impact LGBTQIA+ people.
• Learn more about what LGBTQIA+ discrimination is, why it happens and what the impact is.
• Grow in ability to become stronger allies to LGBTQIA+ friends, family, colleagues or loved ones.

What is the North West Learning City Region?

Derry City and Strabane District Council successfully became a member of UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) in July 2019 under the Learning City name of ‘Derry City and Strabane Region’, with the aim to promote lifelong learning for all, it has always been their goal to expand the status to the wider North West Region to include close partners in Donegal.

The North West Tertiary Education Cluster; Derry City and Strabane District Council; and Donegal County Council are relaunching the UNESCO Learning City Initiative with it being expanded to the North West Region to become the ‘North West Learning City Region’.

To celebrate this they are holding a Lifelong Learning Festival on 5th March, 2026 which includes LGBTQIA+ Awareness Training delivered by The Rainbow Project as the leading experts on LGBTQIA+ identities, issues and experiences in the North West.

The post Lifelong Learning Festival – LGBTQIA+ Awareness Training appeared first on The Rainbow Project.