Annual Report 2011

11A White Street Cork Email: info@linc.ie www.linc.ie

Contents
Introduction and Chairpersons Address by Susan OBrien Executive Summary Healthcare and Mental Health Education, Learning and Skills Provision of Supports Policy and Communications Fiscal Agent Financial Accounts Funding, Governance and Evaluation Steering Group and Staff Page 2-3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7-14 Page 15-16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20

INTRODUCTION

LINC (Advocating for Lesbian and Bisexual Women in Ireland) is a Company Limited by Guarantee and a registered Charity (CHY No. 18645). Parfrey Murphy Audited Accountants provide advice and assistance with LINCs annual audit accounts. The accounts are lodged with the Companies Registration Office. For almost thirty years, Lesbian and Bisexual (LB) women in Cork have been providing support services for others in the community and have been active in promoting equality and social inclusion for LB women. LINC now in its thirteenth year is the fruit of such activism and continues to develop and expand at local, regional and national level. The management, staff, volunteers and community members acknowledge the many different women who have been part of this historical progression. LINC is the only community development organisation working exclusively with Lesbian and Bisexual women and their families in the Republic of Ireland. Diversity is embraced within LINC and respect for the values; life experiences; cultural and political views of everyone in the community is a key aspect. The main focus of work is to provide a safe accessible resource space to the LBT community and their families and to support this community to develop both individual and group networks using a peer support model. The provision of health focused programmes, education and training (in house and in the wider community) and social supports are essential to the health and well- being of our service users and their next of kin.

LINC aims to: Improve the quality of life, health and well-being of all women who identify as lesbian or bisexual in Ireland.

Objectives: * To build a safe, accessible and vibrant community centre (actual and virtual) for lesbians, bisexual and transsexual (LBT) women. * To provide information and support for LBT women and their families. * To promote the mental, physical, emotional and sexual health of LBT women. * To inform and contribute to relevant policy development at local, regional and national level. * To be a model of best practice rooted in feminist, social justice and community development principles.

Chairpersons Address
LINC relies on the dedication and hard work of its staff, steering group and volunteers; the goodwill of the community it serves; and the support of its funders for its continued success. I would like to thank everyone involved for all that has been achieved in 2011. In 2011 LINCs coordinator, part-time administrator and 2 CE scheme community workers were kept extremely busy and continued to develop and grow both the programmes and services offered by LINC and the community and user-bases that LINC serves. The Phoenix Youth Group has become successful and firmly established, and Late LINC has re-established itself around themed evenings promoting physical and mental wellness. The promotion of health care and education for Lesbian and Bisexual women and their families is the core of what LINC is about. The Target 1000 community education programme was established in 2011 and will continue into 2012. The outside counselling services which LINC makes available for community members continues to attract new clients. LINC has been very fortunate and successful in 2011 in making links and raising awareness outside of its immediate community and environment. Two members of the Steering Group represented LINC by invitation at ras an Uachtarin to celebrate St. Patricks Day. LINC was part of the innovative inter-agency group including Cork City Council that planned Cork LGBT Awareness Week, the first of its kind in Ireland. Nominated by the HSE, LINC along with The Cork Gay Project received a runner up award in the All Ireland, All Island Pride of Place Awards; this was the first time that LGBT communities were recognized in this competition. The awareness training that LINC offers to other community organisations and institutions has developed strongly in 2011, in particular with Travellers organisations and LINC has in turn participated in a pilot programme receiving Traveller awareness training. LINCs Christmas party, childrens Christmas party, Childrens Summer Camp, Craft Fair and Volunteers Recognition barbeque were all fun and popular social events which allow LBT women and their families to meet, socialize and network in a safe environment. LINC continued to operate as fiscal agent in 2011 for the Building Sustainable LGBT Communities programme. This is a very challenging role which has built the capacity of LINC in many ways. LINC will remain fiscal agent for the LGBT Diversity strand until 2012. LINC looks forward to continuing its essential work in difficult times in 2012. Once again thanks to the wonderfully committed staff, all our funders, the volunteers and steering group for making all this work. Regards,

_______________ Chairperson

Executive Summary
Issues/concerns requiring a response
Although it is widely acknowledged within and outside the Community and Voluntary sector that approximately ten percent of any population are Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual, the allocation of main stream funding for the LGBT sector remains extremely weak. Research carried out in Ireland over recent years clearly shows the significant need for supports and services specific to LGBT people and their families, in particular the capacity to provide health and education supports. Resourcing this work is a challenge to the small staff team of Co-ordinator, part-time Administrator and two parttime Community Employment Scheme (CE) staff and a dedicated team of volunteers.

On-going Development/areas of excellence

Despite the lack of financial and human resources, LINC manages to provide supports and services to LB women and their families and engages with the wider community to deliver its aims and objectives. This is largely due to the passion, commitment and energy of the Steering group, staff, volunteers and community members combined with a strong supportive relationship with our HSE Community Worker. LINC has managed to maintain its ethos where LINC is for the community and by the community as well as continuing to diversify and develop.

Overall Judgement
LINC is a thriving effective organisation which is growing and diversifying rapidly. The needs of the LBT community and their families are broad and multi-levelled with a strong health focus. The provision of appropriate services and programmes to meet these needs is a priority for LINC. While existing services and groups provide some support, the daily requests for information and supports across a broad range of issues continue to grow. As LINC continues to become more successful, an ever increasing number of women with mental health and other health related issues have been contacting LINC and using the centre. We respond to such a broad range of issues with limited resources. To achieve these objectives, LINC requires the centre to be open full time (in particular, outside of regular hours) and needs a strong supported team, in particular a full-time Co-ordinator, Community Health Worker and full-time Administrator.

Healthcare and Mental Health

Underpinning all of LINCs service provision is promoting health care and education for Lesbian and Bisexual (LB) women and their families.

Target 1000
This year LINC was successful in securing a grant from Dormant Accounts and the Department of Health for the Target 1000 Health Project which will: o Promote positive mental health among the lesbian and bisexual community in Cork o Enhance the capacity of LINC to further engage in LB suicide prevention work o Enhance the capacity of local agencies and health practitioners to provide an accessible and appropriate service to LB women at risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviour in Cork. Target 1000 will build on previous mental health promotion and suicide prevention work carried out by LINC. The aims of the project are: 1. To promote coping skills and help-seeking behaviour among LB women at risk of self-harm or suicidal behaviour in Cork. 2. To promote awareness and understanding among mental health and other support services in Cork of the issues facing lesbian and bisexual women and how to provide an accessible service that is appropriate to their mental health needs This is a two year project running from April 2011 to April 2013. The objectives for year one were to achieve the aims of promoting coping skills and help-seeking behaviour among women through a community education programme and designing a positive mental health information booklet. The key components of the community education programme were:

Peer support training for Phoenix youth group. Series of coping skills workshops covering issues such as: stress management; building strong relationships; self -harm and suicide ideation; problem solving; sadness and isolation. Twelve group peer support sessions over a three month period facilitated by an experienced Psychotherapist. Training and support around sexual health and drug & alcohol misuse with Phoenix youth group.

The Working group developed the information booklet which is specific to Lesbian and Bisexual women and the first of its kind in Ireland. This is in its final stages and the aim is to launch it at the next Community meeting. 5,000 copies will be disseminated on a national level. Occupational First Aid Twelve participants all successfully completed a level 5 FETAC Accredited Occupational First Aid Course. Counselling Services
LINC secured further funding from ESB Electric Aid to continue the availability of low cost counselling services for LB women and their families. 5

Education
Research shows that LGBT people may suffer greatly in school as a result of Homophobia and are prone to early school leaving.. LINC provides educational programmes on an annual basis both in-house and within our Outreach Programme. The deciding factors pertaining to what training is made available is largely dependent on funding allocation and community needs. In 2011, LINC provided: o o o o o o Basic IT skills CV design and development Communications Creative Writing Health care training (outlined above) Sexual orientation and Homophobia awareness training

LINCs Outreach Awareness Training Programme is delivered to: secondary schools, colleges, social and care professionals; community development projects; family resource centres; service agencies such as HSE, An Garda Siochana, local partnerships; youth organisations etc In 2011 LINC and The Cork Gay Project worked with the Traveller Health Unit (THU) to create links between Corks LGBT Centres and the Traveller Communities and Organisations and deliver sexual orientation awareness workshops. Dave and Toddy delivered Awareness Training to eight Traveller Organisations and developed positive working relations. This venture was extremely successful and further funding is granted for 2012 to continue this work. The purpose of this awareness training is to raise awareness, not to lay blame with individuals who have scepticism or fear of homosexuality. The question of sexual orientation is a sensitive and sometimes challenging subject for many people. The ethos of LINC is to heighten awareness and understanding around discrimination and prejudice. We are acutely aware of the challenges people face in understanding the question of sexual orientation, but this fact need not be a barrier to gaining a better knowledge and understanding and consequently alter attitudes positively.

Provision of Supports
The provision of supports in LINC is always dictated by the communitys needs.

LINC is somewhere I can be myself quote

from community member

LINC provided the following supports in 2011:

Youth Support
Support for LB youth in Cork has grown during the past two years. Phoenix Youth Group developed rapidly during 2011 with the support of our youth worker. Phoenix and UNITE participated in Cork Pride with the showcase of their rap performance and Phoenix launched their CD in October. Phoenix and UNITE combined later in the year to form UP Cork. They meet every Thursday in the newly formed Youth Caf in The Other Place.

Parents and Children Supports

LINC supports lesbian and bisexual parents/carers and their children throughout the year with the provision of educational and social activities. This year, LINC provided a Summer Camp for children aged five to twelve for one week in August. The aim of the camp was peer support through fun activities for the children of lesbian and bisexual parents. Activities included survival skills course, creative arts, sports day and much more. Pride BBQ is a much loved and well attended family activity as is the annual childrens Christmas party.

Bisexual Womens Group

This group, although clearly identified as a significant need in our community has suffered because we are unable to provide the level of support needed to sustain the groups development. Six weeks of supported facilitation is not enough to enable the group to continue within a peer support model.

Mna Mna Choir

This group runs every Thursday night from 8-10pm. The choir space is open as a drop in service and provides a fun and informal space in which to sing and meet like-minded women

Lesbian Helpline
The help-line is run by a group of trained volunteers and supported by LINC through the provision support from staff and steering group and a room in the centre. The group continues to develop itself by providing training to new volunteers annually. The line runs on Wednesday from 6pm -8pm and provides confidential information and support to women who are questioning their sexuality, in the process of coming out or who are new to the City and need information. The Cork Lesbian Helpline is now part of the National Helpline which is funded by Community Foundation of Ireland and also provides a website LGBT.ie 7

Drop in
LINCs drop-in service is hosted by staff and volunteers Monday Wednesday 11am-3pm and Thursday is LATE LINC where the centre is open to everyone from 11am 8pm. This is an invaluable service where women can access support, develop informal networks, find information and have a sense of belonging in a safe and supportive environment where they can be completely Out. This service also acts as a first step into participation in the existing groups in LINC and builds capacity to volunteering at all levels of the organisation.

One to one support

This continues to be a significant area of need within the LBT community and for family and friends of LBT people. Over 500 women accessed LINC for support throughout 2011.

Parents Support As part of the LGBT Diversity programme, a working group was formed to support the development of a national network for parents, family and friends of LGBT people. LINC is represented on the working group. Parents Support facilitated sessions took place in LINC towards the end of 2011. This group has a large turnover of parents coming for information and support. Volunteering
LINC relies heavily on the support of its community members to give of their time voluntarily. In 2011, LINC acknowledged the many volunteers with a Volunteer Appreciation Brunch. Over thirty women and children attended and received certificates of appreciation. Volunteer training, induction and Peer Support training takes place annually in LINC.

Social Events
Social events play an important role for service users. They provide entertainment and an informal environment in which to meet other LBT people; gain information; understand and learn about the LGBT Community. This year, LINC and The Other Place joined forces and Out 4 Dinner was formed. This group meets once a month and was an instant success.

Christmas Celebrations
LINCs Christmas Party. This annual event is held on/around 20th December and proves very popular with the community. This year was fun filled and very exciting. Our wonderful community provided great entertainment with The Pixie Lols, The Three Tenors, a visit from SanTina (our very own Santa) and a special guest appearance from Winnie McGoogan. This is followed by the traditional Christmas carol session. For many women, this may be the only celebration they can embrace completely as an LBT woman. Christmas Craft Fair - was held at the beginning of December. Community Members were invited to sell their crafts at LINC. This was open to the public but sadly was not well attended. The Annual Childrens Christmas party continues to be a favourite event in LINC. A visit from Tom the magician and Satty Santa had the kids and adults laughing and enjoying the Christmas spirit and excitement.

Virtual support Website, Facebook, Newsletter, Text service

For many women this is their only easily accessible contact with LINC and the LB community. This is due to many factors, but geographic isolation is a key factor. The website is particularly important for young lesbians who are too young and/or reluctant to become in involved in many of our other groups and activities. This site is updated by our staff and volunteers to keep women informed of LINC events and wider current policy and legislative changes. Facebook has become a valuable social networking tool for the LGBT Community and LINC. The weekly newsletter is a valuable tool as a way of regularly informing the LBT community about LINC training, events and general information. Unfortunately, only those with access to computers receive it as there is no financial resource available for postage. For women without access to the Internet, LINC uses text service when possible to inform community members about supports and services.

Supporting our LGBT Community: All the groups below are volunteer run in Cork and are supported by LINC at different levels, by providing meeting space, participating, volunteering, and advertising in the centre, on our website and email data base

Cork Rebel Awards

Miss Gay Cork

Womens

Womens Camp

Fun Weekend

Tennis

Badminton

TEAM Cork

Cork Pride
Out 4 Dinner Meet And Greet

Vixen

Thank you to all the volunteers who gave time, energy, donations, commitment, and much, much more. We appreciate you!

10

Social Policy and Networking

The issues affecting Lesbian and Bisexual women have come into sharp focus within the social policy arena. Issues relating to coming out, same sex partnership rights, lesbian parenting, access to hetero-normative public services and homophobic violence, amongst others, have become central to the development of the equality agenda in Ireland. Due to funding constraints LINC has, to date, responded reactively in this regard but given its role as the only Lesbian organisation in the Republic of Ireland the Steering Group would prefer LINC to be proactive in the emerging debate and analysis through providing representation at the policy makers tables. development on several groups at local and regional level. 2011 was a historical year for the LGBT people of Ireland in that many of our LGBT Community held Civil Partnership ceremonies. However, LINC considers it to be a starting point on the road to achieving full equality for Lesbian and Gay people and their families. The Civil Partnership Bill does not provide equality, recognition and legal protection currently enjoyed by opposite sex couples/families. In actuality, Civil Partnership promotes inequality, exclusion and discrimination on fundamental basic Human Rights. The absence of the term family clearly positions same-sex couples with or without children outside of the family unit. This undeniably subjects same-sex couples and their children to inequality, discrimination and prejudice on the basis of sexual orientation. Our former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern stated: Our sexual orientation is not an incidental attribute. It is an essential part of who we are and what we are. All citizens, regardless of sexual orientation, stand equal in the eyes of the law. Sexual orientation cannot, and must not, be the basis for second-class citizenship. Our laws have changed, and will continue to change to reflect this principle. Although the Taoiseachs statement states that lesbians and gay men are equal in the law, this is not the case in relation to marriage. Civil partnership certainly does not accord this equality to lesbians and gay men. The most serious deficit with Civil Partnership legislation is the absence of the acknowledgement of children within same-sex families even though the government-established Colley group identified the welfare of children as a key principle to inform its work. The lack of recognition and protection afforded to children fails to support and protect the rights of children in line with international human rights law. Article 17 of the ICCR (International Conference on Cultural Policy Research) states: Every child shall have without discrimination as to race, colour, sex, language, religion, national or social origin, property or birth, the right to such measures of protection as are required by his status as a minor, on the part of his/her family, society and the state. LINC continues to advocate for a civil partnership/marriage which contains the crucial rights and protections needed in relation to the position of children and families, where financial provision for 11 LINC is represented in policy

children is set out and which grants to civil partners, inter alia, guardianship rights and adoption rights. Homophobia, discrimination and social exclusion based on ones sexual orientation continues to impact on lesbian and bisexual women and their families throughout Ireland and in particular, in rural areas where supports and services are non-existent. LINC continues to promote education and advocate for inclusion and equality through the provision of Sexual Orientation and Homophobia Awareness training, by creating strong links and developing positive relations with local partnerships, community organisations and service agencies. LINC is a member of the Cork Interagency GLB Steering group. This group works towards implementing the recommendations of Objective 86 Imagine Our Future - Cork City Development Boards Integrated Strategy which states: Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual people will be enabled to fully participate in the social, cultural and economic life of Cork City. This will also result in an improvement in the service delivery to the gay, lesbian and bisexual communities by public sector organisations. LINC is represented on the Steering Committee of the Building Sustainable LGBT Communities Programme - LGBT Diversity. This provides an opportunity for LGBT organisations nationwide to: meet regularly; build positive working relationships; network with funders; impact on policy legislation and work together to develop a cohesive LGBT sector in Ireland. As part of the LGBT Diversity programme, a comprehensive LGBT Parenthood Research is being developed

. LINC and The Cork Gay Project were delighted with this years nomination for the 'All Island Pride of Place Awards 2011'. The Pride of Place Competition recognizes and celebrates the vital contributions that community partnerships make to Irish society. The focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their local area. It differs from other similar projects in that they specifically recognize the involvement of the local community in all aspects of rural and urban regeneration including, promoting social cohesion, involvement in planning, the promotion of heritage and environmental awareness. This is the first time in the history of the Pride of Place Awards that LGBT communities received an award. Our appreciation goes to the Cork City Council and HSE for the nomination.

12

Communications
Regular communication with the LB Community is in the form of a weekly newsletter sent to over 300 recipients. The LINC website is in the process of being revamped and will launch in early 2011. Other forms of communication used are Facebook, text mail and various advertising methods as well as an open door policy in the centre. LINC continues to represent and advocate for LB women and their families with the media in Cork and beyond. In 2011, local and national newspapers interviewed LINCs Co-ordinator and community members on significant topics as: Coming Out later in life, lesbian parenting, lesbian headed families, to discuss the need for organisations like LINC and the service provision as well as challenging heterosexist views publicly. Local radio stations rely on LGBT Organisations to discuss the

consequences of homophobic bullying; the need for equality; reactions to legislation, campaigns etc

13

Fiscal Agent
In late 2009 the directors of LINC endorsed LINCs role as fiscal agent for the Building Sustainable LGBT Communities 3 year programme. A Memorandum of Understanding was drawn up to formally acknowledge the respective roles and responsibilities of the various parties and signed between LINC, the Joint Working Group and Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI). The Fiscal Agent actively participates in the Joint Working Group and works closely with the: LGBT Diversity Chairperson; Programme Manager; TENI Chairperson, Treasurer; Director (formerly Programme Coordinator) and both Programme administrators.

Financial Report
LINC has developed a set of good practice financial management procedures which meet the stringent requirements of acceptance of monies from the public purse. To this end, LINC employs the services of a chartered accountant and is fully compliant as regards tax clearance and registered charity requirements for external audit.

Fundraising
As ever, LINC continues to struggle with minimal funding and advocates on a local and national level for mainstream funding. Fundraising within our local community provides LINC the opportunity to: support the provision of counselling services; help the youth group with social activities; and provide further programme activities throughout the year. Our appreciation goes to those who participated in LINCs first Cork City Marathon fundraiser, Ms Gay Cork and TEAM Cork for their valuable donations to LINC and to members of the community who give donations of time; materials and money.

Funders:
LINCs Steering group would like to acknowledge with thanks and appreciation all the funders who supported LINC in the provision of supports and services to our community in 2011: Health Service Executive (HSE) Cork City Partnership VEC ESB Electric Aid Department of Health and Children National Lottery LGBT Community in Cork The District Court 14

15

Governance and Evaluation

Since its establishment a Steering Group has managed LINC. The Steering Group consists of: the directors of LINC; voluntary members from the community; representatives of the various peer support groups facilitated by LINC and a representative from the HSE. The Steering Group meets on a monthly basis and more frequently if required. Its stated role is to manage the organisation and provide assistance and guidance to staff in relation to the overall management of LINC. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, Steering Group members are charged with maintaining the overall ethos of LINC as stated in the vision and aims of the organisation. Members of the Steering Group are elected through the Annual General Meeting, with officers Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary being appointed by the elected Steering Group members. Since its incorporation as a company limited by guarantee a number of Steering Group members have agreed to become directors of the company and therefore carry the additional responsibility of compliance with various Companies legislation and regulations. LINC continues to evaluate and build the capacity of this management group through training, strategic planning and annual reviews of policies, procedures and the provision of supports and services to its members.

16

LINCs Steering Group Members

Susan OBrien (Chairperson) joined LINCs Steering Group in 2009. She has been active in the LGBT community in New York and Ireland for over twenty years. Helen Slattery is one of the founding members of LINC. Helen served as LINCs Chairperson for three years (2008-2010) she has been politically active in the LGBT community for over twenty years and is committed to the further development and sustainability of LINC. Eleanor Moore is a Community Development/support worker with the HSE. Her role is to support the management team and ensure a health focus and activities that are funded by the HSE. Kate Moynihan (Secretary) is a qualified social worker working with the West Cork Traveller Organisation. She has been a steering group member since 2005 and prior to that as a drop-in volunteer. Her particular interest is in social policy. Fidelma Twomey joined the Steering Group in March 2011. She brings 17 years experience in the Community and Voluntary sector and now works as a family support worker in Cork. Jo Tickner joined the Steering Group in June 2011. She brings HR expertise to the group and is a regular volunteer during LINCs drop-in times. Regina Curtis joined the Steering Group in April 2011. She has been an active volunteer with LINC for the past six years and is currently studying in UCC completing a youth and community degree.

Staff
Toddy Hogan (Project Co-ordinator) is involved with LINC since 2003 as a Steering Group member for four years and as Co-ordinator since 2008. She is an experienced Community Development and Education resource worker with significant experience in project and programme management. Karla Crowley (Administrator) is working in LINC since May 2010 on a FAS CE Scheme. She is qualified in Accounts/Payroll and has numerous years of office and administration experience.

Tina Carr (Development Worker) has been the Community Liaison worker in LINC since September 2011. She comes from a facilitation/Trainer background having worked in the Community sector for 9 years specialising in sexual health. Tina is also a trained Community Mediator and has worked as a community mediator with Cork Mediation Services. Emma Hurley (Development Worker) joined the LINC staff in May. Emma is currently undertaking a PHD in Psychology and has been involved with LINC as a volunteer and member since 2006.

17