The Government has allocated funds of €98,156.72 to support the Laois Youth Services CLG trading as Youth Work Ireland Laois.
This funding will assist the development of community infrastructure in Laois, Offaly, Kildare and Westmeath.
It will be welcoming of LGBTI+ persons and it will address gaps in LGBTI+ services and also support LGBTI+ community organisations.
It will also improve the access for LGBTI+ people to supports and services which will improve their quality of life.
Laois Youth Services CLG trading as Youth Work Ireland Laois, based in Portlaoise is the lead organisation for this application and for the delivery of the project.
Minister for State at the Department of Finance, Sean Fleming, welcomed the news.
He said: “I want to compliment all involved for their work in making this application on behalf of the region.
“It is very important that each LGBTI+ person feels safe and included in their own community.
“These organisations behind the funded projects are doing valuable work.
“I would like to commend the staff for promoting this work in the midlands region and for all the important work that they do.”
Minister Pippa Hackett added: “This funding will help Midlands LGBT+ to support LGBT+ people to feel safe, welcome and included in the communities of Laois, Offaly, Kildare and Westmeath.
“It may be coincidental that this announcement comes during the 16 Days of Action against gender-based violence but it is related.
“A report on gender-based violence is to be submitted to the Offaly Joint Policing Committee today will highlight that LGBT+ people are more likely to feel at risk of gender-based harassment in public spaces and modify their behaviour because of this.
“We need a cultural shift and projects like Midlands LGBT+, the supports they provide and the events they organise are of immense importance in this.
“I also welcome the funding of projects with a nationwide remit and am especially grateful that rural communities are to be especially supported with this funding.
“I look forward to seeing LGBT+ inclusion in everything from arts to youth work, advocacy to legal advice over the coming months.“
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