Even prior to the last 16 months or so of lockdown, Cara-Friend were being increasingly called upon by young LGBTQI+ individuals. Some have been struggling with coming to terms with their gender or sexual identity; some were feeling isolated, depressed, lonely; many felt they had no-one to turn to.
Either through our work in schools, regional Youth groups, Family Ties or the LGBT Switchboard // Listening Ear Service or peer mentoring, Cara-Friend has been able to offer help, support and guidance when needed.
As a charity with limited resources, we never want to turn anyone away or no be able to offer support when a young person needs it.
Not everyone who reaches out to Cara-Friend needs crisis support. Often just having a chat with someone who understands what they are going through can work wonders. Or the offer advice on their coming out journey can often help reassure a young person.
With the increase in demand for all our services, we recognise the need to put in place dedicated resources, support and project-specific structures to be able to continue supporting LGBTQI+ individuals across Northern Ireland who face mental health challenges.
This is why we need your support.
A small donation can and will make a difference to the lives of young LGBTQI+ individuals and the wider community.
Please give what you can and if you are at least a basic rate tax payer, you can Gift Aid your donation and Cara-Friend can maximise your generosity, at no extra cost to you, through HMRC.
