LGBT+ Project to continue to operate in Offaly in 2024

Earlier this month, the Midlands LGBT+ Project announced that the service would cease operation on November 31, meaning the loss of 3 jobs and valuable support for the LGBT+ Community in the Midlands. The organisation has now announced that, due to funding being secured and an influx in recent donations, they will be in a position to continue providing services into 2024.

Welcoming the news, Councillor Mark Hackett, who recently brought a Motion to Offaly County Council on the matter of LGBT+ Funding, said;

“Offaly is a county where the rural LGBT+ Community feel extra isolation. I have worked with the Project on many occasions and the work they do to counteract that isolation is so essential here. From support and social services to visibility and awareness.

At a local level, I’m proud to say that the Green Party in Offaly, Laois, Westmeath and Kildare really rallied to get behind the project at this difficult time to ensure that funding was secured through every possible avenue.

I’m delighted that the efforts to ensure this essential service is maintained have paid off.”

Minister Pippa Hackett added;“While this is not the end of the concerns for the Midlands LGBT+ Project, their securing of funding, through a number of sources, means that vital supports remain available for LGBT+ people in the Midlands.

I have given my commitment to the Project to continue to work with my colleague, Minister O’Gorman, to ensure that they remain funded into the future.”

Earlier, in a statement on social media, the team at Midlands LGBT+ Project thanked everyone who got behind their call and supported them; “From rallying their TD's and local councillors, to donating, purchasing our merch and flooding us with offers of help, words of support and encouragement. We ask that you continue to spread the word, help us to fundraise and support us to keep our doors open until we can find a more long term solution.”

Each month the support service runs social and support services right across the Midlands; from trans support groups to over 50’s groups and queer book clubs to coffee meetups and sports groups, as well as larger Pride festivals across the Midlands.

To support the Project further, you can donate, or buy one of their t-shirts or tote bags on their website  www.midlandslgbtproject.com/support