Cara-Friend is one of the longest-running LGBTQIA+ organisations across Britain and Ireland, having been established in 1974. Since then, we have been serving and empowering the LGBTQIA+ community in Northern Ireland by providing a range of core services, including:

 

o   Inclusive Schools’ Charter

o   Regional Youth Services

o   Trans Specific Youth Services

o   Mental Health & Mindfulness support

o   National LGBTQIA+ Switchboard/Helpline

o   Advocacy, Campaigning, Policy Development and Volunteering Opportunities

 

Support would help Cara-Friend increase the reach of our LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Schools’ Charter. The Schools’ Charter is a Northern Ireland-wide programme designed to increase awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues facing pupils in schools. 

 

o   Schools achieve Charter Status through:

o   education and awareness sessions; 

o   All Out Anti Bullying workshops; 

o   Educate the Educator teacher-training and 

o   professional guidance for school leaders. 

 

Our aim is simple: to create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for all pupils, but particularly those identifying as LGBTQIA+. 

 

Ultimately, each pupil, supported by the school community and peer allies can develop fully as a person and be their true authentic self at school.

 

The LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Schools’ Charter enables schools to have the understanding, skills and resources to proactively include LGBTQIA+ pupils in every aspect of school life, guiding teachers and staff and providing a high-quality experience for the wider school community. 

 

Schools receive a wide range of support and resources alongside the active guidance of our Education & Training Manager to guide schools through the programme, including: 

 

Training 

 

All costs relating to the project are covered by corporate sponsorship and donations, individual gifts, company employee fundraising activities and charitable trusts and foundations.