#BreakOut is a youth project focused on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) young people aged between 12 and 24. The project operates a weekly drop-in provision in Letterkenny, as well as training, information and one to one support. BreakOut is a project for young LGBTI people, LGBTI Allies and young people that believe in social justice
The aim of this programme is to ‘work for an Ireland where LGBT young people are empowered to embrace their development and growth confidently and to participate as agents of positive social change in their own environment’.
Why We Exist
The aim of BreakOut is to work toward an Ireland where LGBTI+ young people are empowered to embrace their development and growth confidently and to participate as agents of positive social change in their own communities.
To achieve this, BreakOut provides safe, appropriate, and fun youth work services to LGBTI+ young people in Donegal, which:
-
Facilitate exploration, development, and growth.
-
Enable access to all their rights as equal citizens.
-
Empower young people to participate in positive social change.
BreakOut also works to promote services for LGBTI+ youth throughout Donegal, addressing key issues such as:
-
Bullying and victimization, particularly in schools and local communities.
-
Lack of peer support and fear of communicating identity concerns to family members.
-
Marginalization in school and local communities.
-
Exclusion of LGBTI+ topics in school education programs.
-
Mental health challenges, including depression, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation.
-
Poor self-image due to societal attitudes toward sexual identity.
-
Drug and alcohol misuse as a coping mechanism.
-
Internalized homophobia resulting from experiences of discrimination.
Where We Operate
BreakOut runs weekly drop-in sessions in Letterkenny providing a safe and supportive space for LGBTI+ young people.
BreakOut Letterkenny:
-
Ages 12-17: Saturdays from 2 - 4 PM
-
Ages 18-24: Saturdays from 4 - 6 PM
BreakOut organises events and activities across Donegal, such as BreakOut at Inish Adventure, Moville
When It All Began
BreakOut has been supporting LGBTI+ young people since April 2009. The project continues to evolve, providing essential support, education, and advocacy to ensure LGBTI+ youth feel safe, valued, and empowered.
For more information, contact us at (074) 91 29630, via social media, or by email at breakout@donegalyouthservice.ie.
Follow us
BreakOut operates with a countrywide steering group consisting of personnel from the HSE, Gardai, Youth Reach, Donegal Youth Service, Donegal Youth Council, Letterkenny Youth and Family Service, ETB Youth Officer, Inishowen Development Partnership, Pobail Le Cheile, Family Resource Centres and BeLonGTo. The project has been in operation since April 2009 and has 2 dedicated youth workers facilitating the groups.
For more information you can contact us on (074) 91 29630, on social media or email at breakout@donegalyouthservice.ie.
BreakOut is funded by HSE, BelongTo, Healthy Ireland and the Department of Children & Youth Affairs.
