A new training programme designed to help youth workers explore the issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people in Northern Ireland was launched by the Minister for Education, Caitríona Ruane, at the University of Ulster on 10 June 2009.

‘OUTstanding Youth Work’ is a two-day training programme developed in partnership by staff from Youthnet, Gay and Lesbian Youth NI, the Rainbow Project, Youth Action NI and Opportunity Youth and supported by Ulster’s Community Youth Work Department. 

The resource is the first of it kind in Northern Ireland and is the only specific training programme for youth workers focusing on LGBT issues.

Speaking at the launch at Ulster’s Jordanstown campus, Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane said:  “Everyone in our society has basic human rights and I, as Education Minister, take my duty to respect and treat all sections of the community equally very seriously.  The training pack being launched today is an excellent resource and I congratulate Youthnet on the work it has done to develop it.    

“LGBT young people should have access to support and a full range of learning opportunities to help them develop to their full potential.  I am keen to support any resource which gives youth workers the opportunity to understand more about the specific experiences facing all our young people.” 

LGBT young people can often face considerable barriers in terms of marginalisation, invisibility and discrimination. They may also face emotional, physical and cultural challenges during the process of coming to terms with their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In previous research [1] 91% of LGBT young people believed that youth organisations should support them to address their needs.  This research also indicated that 79% of youth organisations would like to access specific training for their staff. 

The training programme has been designed to meet this need, using the collective experience of youth workers from Youthnet, GLYNI, The Rainbow Project, YouthAction NI and Opportunity Youth. 

For further information on LGBT awareness raising training contact Amanda Stephens, Youthnet on: 028 90331880.