'People of all ages are still struggling with coming out'

Sarah Murphy She/Her At Manor Street Youth and Community Centre, the Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Service (WSTCYS), operates two adult peer groups that aim to help develop connections and offer support in an inclusive environment.

Funded by HSE Social Inclusion, the LGBT+ Health Project offers a space where people can come together to share their experiences and support one another, which is incredibly valuable for building a stronger, more inclusive community. The LGBTQIA+ Peer/Social Adult Group and the Transgender Adult Peer Support Group, hold weekly group sessions to offer support to members by allowing them a safe environment to discuss issues that may be affecting them.

According to Sarah Murphy, LGBT+ Health Worker at Manor Street, peer support groups can provide a sense of belonging and solidarity, which is especially important for those who may feel marginalised or isolated. 

“My role is to support LBGT+ adults in the community. I create a space where acceptance is very important, as is respect, confidentiality and non-judgement. These are the principles we work on.” 

 Since she began working in the project two years ago, Sarah has set up the two adult peer groups to provide essential support and foster a sense of acceptance for individuals in search of community and a place where they can be themselves. “The LBGT+ Adult Peer and Social Group runs on a Monday evening and on Wednesday we hold a specifically Trans Adult Group. 

One has been running for over a year and both are proving successful with 8-10 people attending every week.” Sarah, who is currently studying for her Honours Degree in Community Education and Development, believes there is very little support for adult members of the community. 

“A lot of services work with young people until they are 23 and after that there isn’t a lot out there for the older age groups. It’s important to have that support for adults also.” Having a safe space where people can openly discuss their experiences and find understanding and empathy from others who share similar identities, can be empowering and comforting. 

“I think it’s hugely important, I see the benefits every day when our members are here. You can see barriers lifting the minute someone walks in the door because they are able to relax, they know they are accepted in this part of their life. People have similar things in common in the group, and when they come in they can relax and be themselves. 

There’s a mutual understanding of what people are going through in their lives and some people in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s that are still struggling with coming out or being trans. For some people, it’s the only space they are safe to be themselves in. 

I also offer one-to-one support, if people are anxious coming in to the group they might need a little pre-development work beforehand.” Sarah also coordinates and delivers the South East Community Healthcare (SECH) LGBT+ Awareness Training Model. 

Its goal is to increase knowledge and understanding of the needs of LGBT+. The training is offered to HSE staff, service providers and any organisation interested in increasing their awareness around LGBT+. The training aims to promote the development of a welcoming and supportive environment to both employees and people using the service, who identify as LGBT+. 

Funded by the HSE, there is no fee to take part in the training. Last year, almost 400 people took part in this valuable training, which is proving very successful.

Sarah and the group members are looking forward to Pride of the Déise and they will be joining up with the youth projects at Manor Street for the celebrations. “We will all meet up at Manor Street for breakfast and then walk down to Cathedral Square to hear the speeches. We will all march in the parade and there’s a party afterwards on O’Connell Street.” 

 Sarah is excited for the future of the group and urges anyone who is interested to get in touch for a chat. “It’s open to anyone who would like to join. I always meet potential members first for a cup of tea and a chat, to see if the group is right for them.” Contact Sarah for more information on 083 0136136 or by email lgbthealth@wstcys.ie