Belong To: Giving Ireland's LGBT Youth a Safe Haven

Based in Dublin, Belong To is a non-profit organization that helps lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people ages 14 to 23 in Ireland. As a national youth service, Belong To provides direct youth work services to LGBT individuals in Dublin, as well as supports LGBT youth groups across the country. The organization offers safe spaces where the LGBT community can get personalized help from youth workers, meet like-minded friends, participate in various activities, and more. Additionally, Belong To runs a free, confidential, and non-judgmental drugs service that addresses any concerns LGBT youth may have about drug and alcohol use.

Aside from assisting LGBT people, Belong To works with their parents as well, giving them the tools they need to cope and ultimately support their child. Belong To also seeks to change negative societal attitudes towards LGBT youth by training youth workers and teachers, running awareness campaigns in schools, and collaborating with government departments.