“ place when you are
”
LGBT …
BellTIME
School can be a scary
BeLonG To Youth Services offers
advice, resources and training for
teachers supporting LGBTI+ students.
These are the words from one of the young people who regularly visits BeLonG To Youth Services for
support and advice. They described a time at school as the ‘darkest period of their life’ as they faced
harassment and abuse daily. The intervention of one supportive teacher, however, changed their
experience at school, and this student went from fearing walking through the school gate to feeling
like they belonged. Finding supportive allies through classmates, teachers, and guidance counsellors
can transform a young person’s experience at school.
Teachers, principals, members of the board of management, and parents can ensure that their school
creates a safe and positive culture of inclusion by participating in the annual event, Stand Up
Awareness Week supported by the Department of Education and Skills, and letting their LGBTI+
students know they are welcome and accepted.
As part of this campaign, BeLonG To runs training sessions at the start of the school term for those in
the education sector. Participants learn terminology to ease conversations around the topic, how to
support an LGBTI+ person who comes out, how LGBTI+ bullying can impact the mental health of
students, and how to signpost a young person to support services.
For more information,
visit www.belongto.org
or call 01 670 6223
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BeLonG To Youth Services is the national organisation for
LGBTI+ young people in Ireland offering free support services,
counselling, training, and LGBTI+ youth groups nationwide.
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