Breakout Sessions

Session One:

Session A – Taking control of your own wellbeing through Volunteering and WRAP training, MindWise Room 1

Session B - Nine heads are better than one, Nexus NI Main Room

Session C – The only Gay in the village, The Rainbow Project. This room

Following coffee break, please make your way to your first session for 11.15am

#TFYlearn Together for You – Targeting LGB&/T populations Together for You –Targeting The RainbowLGB&/T Project populations –Promoting the health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexualThe Rainbow and/or Projecttransgender –Promoting people and the healththeir families and wellbeing in Northern of lesbian, Ireland. gay, bisexual and/or transgender people and their families in Northern Ireland. Who are we?

Ireland’s largest LGB&/T organisation –2 bases Established in 1994 Official change in September 2012 Charity Commission registered in 2014 Our Vision The Rainbow Project’s vision is of a society free from homophobia, heterosexism and transphobia where all people are recognised as equals. Who are we?

Mission Statement The Rainbow Project aims to promote the health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people and their families in Northern Ireland, as well as those questioning their orientation or gender, through partnership, advocacy and the development and delivery of appropriate support services. Values Our role

Sub –contracted partner –LGB&/T intervention • 4 Social and Peer Support groups in areas with limited/no LGB&/T social and peer support • 60 people beneficiaries of one to one support or social support • 6 emotional health and wellbeing workshops for LGB&/T people • 4 personal development programmes for LGB&/T people • 360 total support contacts Our role – Progress

• 3/4 groups have been developed so far • 33/60 Beneficiaries so far • 6 Workshops (lower numbers than anticipated so more workshops planned to increase numbers) • 1/4 Personnel development programme completed • Support contacts 240/360 What has worked well? • Building on TRP outreach model • Flexibility and support throughout project (from AMH leads) • Staff support and wider organisational support at TRP • Support from partners in Together For You • Support from external partners (Focus, Youth Action, LGBT Sector, Start 360) • Volunteers taking lead • Standardised referral and evaluations and monitoring • Personal development and workshops evaluations Not as effective

• Budget issues (travel) • Self‐sustaining model requiring more time • Local presence not always viable • ‘Hard to reach’ exacerbated in rural areas • Local advertising • Volunteers and capacity in supporting them • Later start to project • Political climate? • Outward referral from LGBT provision • Limited resource to build community capacity • Community Infrastructure Learning gleaned

• Regional development for ‘hard to reach’ groups may require more resource and ideally locally based • Travel budget must be significant • Peer connections and promotion are invaluable • Scoping of key local partners in advance • Assertive outreach essential • We don’t refer out much…sorry! Collaboration

• Communications reports • Operational meetings • Referral, monitoring and evaluations process • Building partnerships (external and internal) • Core of support through AMH Shared learning?

• LGB&/T people as ‘hard to reach’ • Convincing other stakeholders that LGB&/T safe spaces are needed • Late start to project and later for some partners • Engagement/resistance from other stakeholders • LGB&/T health and wellbeing implicitly linked to equality Shared learning enhancement • More understanding on the barriers that exist in rural areas for the LGB&/T community such as location, transport, fears of being outed.

• Being able to reach more LGB&/T people and able to give them information on support in their areas or areas that may be closer to them other than Belfast/Foyle.

• The opportunity to network and link in with other organisations to provide the best support for the LGB&/T community in the areas we are supporting

• How working with other organisaitons and internal referrals are so beneficial for people looking support as they only have to contact one organisation. The Only Gay In The Village??? LGB&/T Peer Social and Support Groups can reduce and or diminish social isolation…

Social Isolation can reduce a person's quality of life, which results in people just existing but not living, because of the lack of social contact, separation from social groups and a lack of meaningful relationships. Growing up in a heterosexist society and identifying as LGB&/T is not easy. LGB&/T people are growing up in a society in which they are unable to be their true selves. This causes problems and issues, and a significant problem is social isolation and the impact this has; feeling alone as 'the only gay in the village' with no opportunity to meet other LGB&/T people for social support, friendship and no opportunity to express their sexual orientation and gender identity in an understanding and safe environment. The need for LGB&/T Social and Support Groups

Why can LGB&/T become socially isolated?

Even though there are laws and legislation in place to protect the LGB&/T community there still is further work to be done within society to dispel prejudice and to end discrimination, homophobic/transphobic abuse and hate crimes towards the LGB&/T community. People are still frightened to come out because of this fear of bias, prejudices, discrimination, homophobic/transphobic abuse or hate crimes or because they may be disowned by their family and friends. Consequently they may stay hidden, and become socially isolated rather than risk rejection by society.

LGB&/T people hide their true sexual orientation and or gender identity to fit in with society's heterosexual norms, and as a result can become socially isolated from the LGB&/T community. LGB&/T people can become socially isolated for many reasons; through fear of rejection; because they are socially stigmatised; because of other people's religious beliefs; because of the way they have been brought up, or because they may have been victims of homophobic/transphobic hate incidents/hate crimes. The need for LGB&/T Social and Support Groups

People may not come out as LGB&/T because of the barriers they have to face; trepidation of homophobic/transphobic bias, discrimination and bullying, rejection from their family and community. They become invisible; living their life with the pretence they are heterosexual. "Gay children and adolescents are moving silently through our lives ‐ through our homes, our schools and our communities. Very often nothing distinguishes these children from other children and no one knows they are gay" Baker (2002:P8).

Individuals who attend LGB&/T Peer Social and Support Groups are in different stages of coming out; (disclosing their sexual orientation is other than heterosexual and or their gender identity is different than the gender they were assigned to at birth). Some people may be out to everyone, other people may only be out to a few people and others might not be out at all. The group is a safe space for people to talk openly about their lives and not feel judged or afraid of who may over hear them talking openly about their lives. And for some people this is the only time they would feel comfortable doing this, they may have to go through their daily lives in at home, work, university, college etc. not talking about their private lives….normalisation of minority experience. Showcase What is your role within the LGBT peer social and support groups?

Tasha ‐ I’m the chairwoman of the committee of the LGB&/T group in Omagh, it’s my job to make sure the meetings run smoothly and efficiently. I keep in touch with Nuala from Rainbow regarding the progress of the meetings and for the likes of training. At the actual meetings themselves I’m there with the other founding members to greet people and ensure they settle into the group nicely. They also know that if they have any questions or queries I’m always happy to help.

Damian ‐ I am one of the founding members of the Omagh LGB&/T group. I keep in touch with the other members and Nuala to ensure the group meetings are organised and there’s always someone at the premises to help with the meetings. I’m there to provide help and support to all members, old and new.

How much do these communities and people need support?

Tasha ‐ To try and put a limit on it is just impossible. Especially in the likes of our group in a town where homophobia is still an issue. There is most definitely a great need for our group and the help that we provide.

Damian ‐ I think they need a lot of help in different aspects. We can provide social and peer support and ensure that local LGB&/T people have somewhere they can turn to and feel safe. We offer so much personal advice and anything that is out of our hands we can pass them onto The Rainbow Project. Showcase What are the benefits of these groups –how do they help LGBT people?

Tasha ‐ Our group in Omagh offers everything from a cup of tea and a chat with likeminded people to training and awareness courses. You’d actually be surprised with what a games night or a movie night can do for people. Just to be in an atmosphere where you feel safe and secure whilst being able to be yourself is extraordinary. These groups are a fantastic way for people to meet others like themselves in their community when they’ve often felt alone.

Damian ‐ You’re able to meet other LGB&/T people in your community. You can have a chat with them and be totally honest about who you really are. A lot of people we have encountered within the group aren’t ready to be open about their sexual orientation and they have no one else to turn to, except us.

Do you think there is a neglect of the needs of LGBT here in Northern Ireland?

Tasha ‐ Most definitely. Northern Ireland still sees LGB&/T people as a second class citizen and someone to feel threatened by. It’s a case of brushing it under the carpet and forgetting about it; hoping it’s a craze and that it disappears. Because of this, it is neglected. A person in power being openly homophobic also certainly does not help in progressing the cause either.

Damian ‐ I thought there was a massive neglect, that was until we started the Omagh LGB&/T group. I now feel that I’m not so much on my own anymore and there are people and organisaitons in Northern Ireland working towards helping. I know now if I have any problems there’s going to be someone in that group I can talk to. Not everyone in Northern Ireland is that lucky. Showcase How can people get involved in these groups?

Anyone in the LGB&/T community is more than welcome to be a part of our group. We’re an extremely open minded group. We have had people of all different backgrounds come together in such a small town.

You can get more information on the group from The Rainbow Project, The Together For You programme or by visiting our Facebook page ‐ https://www.facebook.com/omaghLGBT

LGB&/T Social and Peer Support Groups are vital to confirm with people that they are ‘Not The Only Gay in the Village’

There is support out there from professional organisations and other LGB&/T people. Contact

Nuala@rainbow‐project.org www.rainbow‐project.org Belfast LGBT Centre 9‐13 Waring Street Belfast BT1 2DX 02890 319030 Breakout Sessions

Session Two:

Session D – Overcoming depression, changing lives, Aware Defeat Depression Main Room

Session E – Innovation and collaboration in carer training and support, CAUSE This room

Session F – Building partnerships, building relationships, RelateNI Room 1

Please make your way to your next session for 11.50am

#TFYlearn Innovation and Collaboration in Carer Training and Support Innovation ‘Innovation is change that unlocks new value’ Jamie Notter Collaboration ‘Unity is strength. When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.’ Mattie Stepanek Innovation • Fresh thinking • Improving what was there already • Adding a new dimension • Responding to change in a creative way Course Design • Fresh thinking Developing new courses with volunteer input • Improving what was there Working with outside suppliers to create training relevant to carers • Adding a new dimension Peer led training using volunteers in design and using a range of exercises • Responding to change in a creative way Continual improvement and reflecting feedback through changes to materials. Attending other training to collect ideas and benchmark delivery. Successfully dealing with challenges faced. Course Delivery • Fresh thinking Using a combination different types of training at a range of times • Improving what was there Ensuring quality of venues and catering and training across Northern Ireland • Adding a new dimension Team of Associates to deliver training with caring experience and linking in with existing carer groups • Responding to change Marketing the courses in different ways in different areas, flyers, adverts and mail shots and training brochure. Course Delivery • Fresh thinking Volunteers attend training to provide feedback on it • Improving Trainers suggest improvements and training materials are regularly updated • Adding Encouraging all stakeholders to attend training and give feedback • Responding to changes Proactively dealing with any issues from the training to maintain quality and consistency Collaboration • Transferring Know‐How ‐ Law Centre and Aware • Compatible Goals ‐ Mindwise • Reflecting on behaviour and communication • Working with the carer coordinators in the Trusts and with the new discovery colleges Carer Training Carer Support Innovation for the Benefit of Carers Developing forensic advocacy and joint events

Using carer expertise to share and develop services Innovation for the Benefit of Carers

Reflections from Carers Collaboration for the Benefit of Carers

Together For You Project gives the opportunity to collaborate both with other partners and Health and Social Care Trusts throughout Northern Ireland Collaboration for the Benefit of Carers Working with Together For You Partners to: ‐ Make carer support more accessible ‐ Link carers to further supports Working with Health and Social Care Trusts to: ‐ Provide independent advocacy ‐ Raise the profile of the carers role ‐ Quality information Breakout Sessions Session Three:

Session G – Working with a collaborative focus, AMH MensSana Room 1

Session H – New group bereavement services, Cruse Bereavement Care This room

Session I – It’s good to talk, Praxis Care CBT Counselling & Befriending Main room

Please make your way to your next session for 12.25am

#TFYlearn Together For You Cruse Bereavement Care Services

• Bereavement Information Sessions

• Bereavement Support Groups

• Community Bereavement Workshops

• Partner Capacity Building

• Develop Bereavement Information Resource Availability

FOYLE NORTHERN

NORTH DOWN & ARDS

BELFAST

OMAGH/FERMANAGH

SOUTHERN (MOY)

SOUTHERN (NEWRY) What has worked well o New service development o Evidence from clients of benefits of services o Evidence from Cruse volunteers of benefits to them and organisation o Ability to share throughout Cruse UK o Linking with TFY partners o Sharing partner information with all contacts – coming with full package o Referrals from partners (individuals and organisations) What has not worked so well or not been as effective as expected. o Challenges associated with introduction of new services across the NI organisation o Numbers attending some services o Uptake of capacity building workshops o Clients willing to share experiences o Time to build relationships within partnership o Opportunities for collaborative working Learning gleaned from involvement in the TFY project

o Highlights benefits of consistency throughout the organisation o New training skills in organisation o Duplicating shared learning model within Cruse o More choice for clients o Embedding of Community development ethos/partnership working approach in locality offices and other Cruse projects o Potential of further developing the new services o Opening possibilities to future partnerships •What has worked well •What has not worked so well or not been as effective as expected. •Learning gleaned from involvement in the TFY project •Any collaborative working arrangements have been implemented •What shared learning has taken place •How learning has enhanced service provision and/or policy development. •Highlight any examples of work which could be showcased at the shared learning event along with beneficiary case studies/stories. Aims of Event o Review and Share o What has worked well o Explore solutions to challenges o Learn from others o Action plan for year 3 o Inspiration and enthusiasm Collaborative working arrangements implemented

o Nexus NI, Cause & TFY participation at NI conference o Capacity Building Workshops o Mindwise support group o Potential AMH service delivery o Mindwise Volunteer Scheme Shared learning Enhanced service provision and/or policy development through learning.

o Additional services available to clients o Focus on working with men o Increased awareness of benefits of linking with natural partners o Beginning of attitude/cultural approaches in organisation o Sharing of learning & experiences in NI o Sharing of learning & experiences in UK o Shared Learning Event March 2015 Client Impact

Bereavement Information Session

Female aged 30: The session was very informative. I now know that there is professional care and support available to me. I now hope to attend a support group with other people who will understand what has happened to me and how I am feeling, because they are experiencing the same thing. I found the evening calming and gentle to me. I no longer feel so alone. I am coming away with hope for the future –I didn’t have that coming through the door.

Male aged 69: I have gained an insight into how my loss has impacted on my mental health. My family have been focussing on the practical changes, which are very important, but I now realise I need to be proactive about improving my mental health to avoid long term implications. It has provided me with the knowledge about what services Cruse provide, and the confidence to participate in a bereavement group to help me avail of the support they offer. Bereavement Support Group

Male aged 52: The support group really met my needs. I now understand the process I am going through; why I have been feeling and acting the ways I have. It was only on week 6 when I compared my responses to questions I had been asked in week 1 that I realised how much coming to the group has helped –this in itself helped me to see I am on a journey, but little improvements are taking place. I have been able to talk to people who are experiencing what I am experiencing. We have been able to share our experiences and listen to each other. I thought I was the only one. It has been great to come every week somewhere that everyone cares for each other in such an understanding way. Sometimes just being together was enough even without talking. I thought about them through the week, and they were thinking about me. We cared for each other. It is good to feel part of something again. We all plan to stay in touch and meet up again soon. I’m looking forward to this, and I haven’t looked forward to anything in a long time. Female aged 60: I was unable to express the pent up feelings I had, and they were getting worse and worse. I had tried to talk to friends, but they told other friends what I had said, and I was even more upset at this. I began to feel I couldn’t trust anyone just to listen and be supportive with out judging me. My friends not only didn’t understand, they were tactless –when my husband died I lost my best friend, and found our old friends didn’t understand this or me anymore. I saw a poster for the group in Cruse and plucked up the courage to phone and ask about it. I was reassured by all the information I was given and thought I would try it –I had nothing else. Bereavement Awareness Workshop Male aged 31: The workshop was probably some of the best training I have ever received. It was relevant, practical, sensitive and interactive. It really increased my knowledge and confidence on a difficult and taboo issue.

Female aged 29: The day before the training I was thinking of not going –a day talking about death isn’t something anyone looks forward to. I am so glad now I came. It was definitely not what I expected, and I really enjoyed it. Everything covered was so relevant to my work setting and to my personal life. I have gained so much from this workshop that I’m going to recommend it to my own workplace. I now feel I have a much better understanding about bereavement and grief, and it has taken away the fear of approaching people who have been bereaved and supporting them. Questions & Comments LUNCH

#TFYlearn