A Rainbow of Possibilities: YSI Celebrates the Belong To Rainbow Award

We are incredibly proud to announce that Young Social Innovators (YSI) has received the Belong To Rainbow Award! This recognition is part of an important initiative aimed at helping youth services across Ireland become fully inclusive of LGBTQ+ young people, staff, and volunteers through training, resources, and ongoing support.

The ceremony took place in the vibrant Rose Room at the Clarence Hotel, organized by Belong To, and was a night filled with inspiration.

After an empowering speech by guest speaker Ollie, who shared their personal journey and passionately advocated for the importance of creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, the event continued with a thought-provoking panel discussion.

Panelists—ranging from youth workers to LGBTQ+ activists—shared their personal experiences and discussed the importance of inclusivity in youth services. They highlighted the significant role that safe and accepting environments play in helping young people, especially those from LGBTQ+ communities, feel valued and empowered. The conversation sparked deep reflection on how far we’ve come and how much more work there is to do to ensure every young person feels safe to be their authentic selves.

The evening was wrapped up by a dynamic and uplifting performance from the youth of Donegal Youth Service, reminding everyone of the joy and strength that comes from being part of an inclusive community.

At Young Social Innovators, we are committed to empowering young people to bring about positive change and build a more inclusive society. Joining the Rainbow Award initiative strengthens our dedication to creating safe, welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. Our mission has always been to equip young people with the tools they need to tackle the social issues that matter most to them, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. The Rainbow Award gives us the opportunity to further refine our approach, ensuring that LGBTQ+ young people feel supported and respected in everything we do.

A Shared Mission for Change

At YSI, we believe in the transformative power of young people. The Rainbow Award provides our organisation with the guidance and resources we need to ensure that every LGBTQ+ youth feels not only safe but valued. 

We are excited to continue working alongside LGBTQ+ youth, advocating for equality, and fostering an environment where all young people can feel empowered and heard. The Rainbow Award supports our mission to help create lasting change in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth across Ireland. Together, we are building a future where everyone, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation, has the opportunity to flourish.

A Heartfelt Thanks

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Belong To for this incredible recognition and for organizing such a meaningful and impactful ceremony. The evening was a testament to the collective strength and dedication of everyone working to create a more inclusive society. We would also like to give a special shout-out to the amazing youth services we’re inspired by, including Belvedere Youth Club, Southill Hub, Bru Youth Services, Donegal youth service, Bradóg Youth Service, Familibase, and Crosscare Bray. Your work continues to inspire us every day.

Together, we are creating a rainbow of possibilities for LGBTQ+ youth, and we are just getting started.

To learn more about the Rainbow Award and how it’s helping youth services across Ireland, visit Belong To.

Through our programmes, we’ve witnessed how young people—particularly those from LGBTQ+ communities—thrive when they are given the chance to work on projects that address their concerns. The Rainbow Award partnership is a crucial step for us in continuing to foster inclusive environments where every young person, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can succeed and grow. Moreover, it provides a platform for young people to develop vital skills in leadership, collaboration, and advocacy, all while working toward meaningful social change. We look forward to continuing our work alongside LGBTQ+ youth, advocating for equality, and fostering an environment where all young people can feel empowered and heard. The Rainbow Award supports our mission by providing the guidance we need to enhance our efforts and make a lasting difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth across Ireland.