Survey shows urgent need for supports for Clare’s LGBTQ+ community
Survey shows urgent need for supports for Clare’s LGBTQ+ community
80% of respondents to an online survey aimed at members of the LGBTQ+ community in Clare said they would like to have more connection with other LGBTQ+ people. Over half of all respondents did not feel sufficiently connected and supported in their community.
The survey, which was conducted during March as part of a short-term project called LGBTQ+ Clare, highlights an urgent need for supports and services for the LGBTQ+ community in the county.
More than 70% of respondents had faced discrimination based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. Many respondents felt there was a lack of LGBTQ+ focused mental health supports in the county and that they would benefit from improved mental health services. More than 30% of respondents did not feel their sexual orientation and/or gender identity are understood when they engage with services in Clare.
Some also called for community specific sexual health clinics and better access to gender-affirming hormones.
Many respondents said they would benefit from an LGBTQ+ cafe, pub or community space in order to meet others who identify in a similar way. Others felt that businesses in Clare could openly show their support for the community by placing flags, stickers, etc. on their premises.
The survey results point to several key issues that need to be addressed:
• Education concerning sexual orientation and gender identity in schools and other spaces.
• Improved visibility and support from the wider community.
• Access to healthcare, particularly sexual orientation and gender identity focused mental health supports.
• The formation of an LGBTQ+ social/peer group in Clare.
• The creation of a confidential helpline that those struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity can reach out to.
Overall, there is evidently a strong desire to form a social group, preferably a meet-and-greet to improve inclusivity and visibility in the Clare area. There is a lack of gender-neutral spaces for trans and non-binary individuals such as locker rooms and bathrooms.
The survey results point to a lack of education both in schools and other spaces on issues pertaining both to sexual orientation and gender identity.
To conclude, the LGBTQ+ community in Clare would greatly benefit from better access to healthcare and mental health supports. Many members of this community report a lack of connection within their community and many are still facing some form of discrimination here in Clare. There are steps which can be taken in order to improve the experience of this community, as outlined above.
More than 50 people from across Clare took part in the survey.
LGBTQ+ Clare is a short-term project run jointly by Clare PPN, Clare Women’s Network, Clare Local Development Company and Rape Crisis Midwest, and supported by The Department of Rural and Community Development and Clare County Council.
LGBTQ+ Clare is currently planning its next steps. If you would like to be part of the organising group or you would like some more information, please get in touch by emailing: lgbtq.clare@gmail.com
Notes from Local Climate Conversation, 15th March
Notes from Local Climate Conversation
Clare PPN was chosen by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) to host an online Local Climate Conversation on 15th March. These conversations have been taking place across Ireland as part of the National Dialogue on Climate Action, to inform the development of the Government’s 2021 Climate Action Plan and also the roll-out of the Climate Action Fund.
Following this conversation our notes were submitted to the DECC. You can read the notes from the Clare PPN-hosted conversation here:
http://clareppn.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ClarePPN_Climate_Conversation_15March2021.pdf
Quarterly Report January to March 2021
Quarterly Report January to March 2021
Click Work report for Clare PPN January to March 2021 to view our first quarterly return of 2021. Wishing you all a Happy Easter.
Irish Water Submission February 2021
Irish Water Submission February 2021
Clare PPN hosted a consultation workshop in relation to Irish Water’s public consultation on its first National Water Resources Draft Framework Plan (NWRDFP) for its environmental college and Clare Environmental Network on February 22nd 2021. This submission is the result of that workshop and previous work done by the above groups in relation to consultations on the management of water and catchment areas.
Mary Mather Leahy reps report on Social Development SPC 10th March 2021
Mary Mather Leahy reps report on Social Development SPC – 10th March 2021
Repair & Leasing Scheme is still available to house Owners and can receive 60 thousand Euros for a minimum leasing time of 5 years. But there’s no take-up of the scheme.
Housing First /Homeless Accommodation, two buildings have been identified for the project and the interviews have been held with the future clients to be homed.
Irish Water has abandoned Rural Ireland with 52 Towns & Villages in Clare are still without Wastewater Treatment Plants this is having effects on the Local Authority Building and Development Programme. Irish Water has been invited several times to meet without success. Some builders expressed their difficulties with them. See the EPA Reports for 2020-2024 Irish Water Live Projects Water Treatment Plans. Europe drives Irish Water on Waste Water with EU Directives.
Wrap 11, is a successful project and Clare has benefited from it through the Arts & The Western Development Commission, Audio & Visual Film Production Industry and Profile of the Clare Region.TV programme Smother is filmed at Moy House near Lahinch and two other films made in Kilkee are listed for the BAFTAS.
Due to Covid, there were no sports reports.
Mary Mather Leahy
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