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
Policy advice – particularly Anti-Bullying policies and practices
Practice
Promotional Material and Resources
All costs relating to the project are covered by corporate sponsorship and donations, individual gifts, company employee fundraising activities and charitable trusts and foundations.
