Annual Report 2012

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

Contents
Introduction and Chairpersons Address by Helen Slattery 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 2012. In 2012 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 UP Youth Group is successful and firmly established, and Late LINC has created 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 continued into 2012. The subsidised counselling services LINC has available for community members continues to draw new clients. LINC has been very fortunate and successful in 2012 in making links and raising awareness outside of its immediate community and environment. Two members of staff represented LINC by invitation at the Oireachtas Joint Committee for Justice. LINC is part of the Inter-agency group including Cork City Council that planned Cork LGBT Awareness Week, the first of its kind in. The awareness training that LINC offers to other community organisations, schools and service agencies has developed strongly in 2012, in particular with Travellers organisations. LINCs Christmas party, childrens Christmas party, Children and Family activities 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 2012 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 early 2013. LINC looks forward to continuing its essential work in difficult times in 2013. 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
The intention of this two year project is to: 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 further developed 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 The information and support booklet for lesbian and bisexual women was launched in May 2012 and to date approximately 4,500 booklets were disseminated nationally. The F Word was created this year during Late LINC and funded by this project. The goal was to provide health focused activities within a social and fun context. Participants reported increased confidence; access to peer support; which in turn improved their coping skills and created a platform to form and build strong relationships.

The second stage of the project will focus on the delivery of training to local healthcare
practitioners on lesbian and bisexual womens mental, physical and emotional health and how to provide an accessible service that is appropriate to their needs. In conjunction with the training a good practice guide was developed for practitioners to promote LB womens use of mainstream health services and to provide practitioners with good practice guidelines.

Occupational First Aid

12 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. The HSE provided a grant of 3,000 to support both Target 1000 and this service. Community members both donated and fundraised this year to support this service.

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 2012, LINC provided: o o o o o Basic IT skills CV design and development Volunteer Training 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 2012 LINC and The Cork Gay Project continued work with the Traveller Health Unit (THU) to create links between Corks LGBT Centres and the Traveller Communities and Organisations delivering sexual orientation awareness workshops and building strong positive working relations between the Traveller Communities and the LGBT Communities . The purpose of this awareness training is to raise awareness and develop strong links locally and regionally. 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 2012:

Youth Support
Support for LGBT youth in Cork has grown during the past number of years. UP Youth Group developed rapidly during 2012 with the support of our youth worker. They meet every Wednesday in LINC and Thursday in the 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 family fun day out in Trabolgan. The aim was to provide peer support through fun activities for both children and parents. 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.

Mna Mna Choir

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 part of the National Helpline which is funded by Community Foundation of Ireland and also provides a website LGBT.ie

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.

Peer Support
The peer support group began in September. The group has been very successful and anecdotal feedback suggests that those participating find the experience valuable and supportive a safe space that allows them to explore issues in a safe, tolerant, non-judgemental space.

Parents Support As part of the LGBT Diversity programme, LINC participated in forming a working group to support the development of a national network for parents, family and friends of LGBT people. LINC is represented on the working group. Volunteering
LINC relies heavily on the support of its community members to give of their time voluntarily. In 2012, LINC acknowledged the many volunteers with a Volunteer Appreciation Evening. 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; access information and avail of supports. Out 4 Dinner (organised and supported by LINC and The Other Place continues to be a great success and the Out West branch was formed this year. This group meets once a month in a West Cork location and was an instant winner. Culture Night. Culture night was a great success. LINC held a tea party, art exhibition and string quartet. Approximately 40 people accessed LINC over the course of the night. A mix people from regular service users, to members of the community who rarely access LINC to members of the wider community were in attendance. 8

This event has gained momentum in recent years and promises to be a great platform for LINC from a positive visibility perspective.

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. This is followed by the traditional Christmas carol session. For many women, this may be the only Christmas celebration they can embrace completely as an LBT woman. The Annual Childrens Christmas party continues to be a favourite event in LINC. A visit from Satty Santa and a trip to the Ice skating rink had the kids and adults 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

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

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, Intimate Partner Violence, the LGBT aging concerns, 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 10

LINC to be proactive in the emerging debate and analysis through providing representation at the policy makers tables. LINC is represented in policy development on several groups at local and regional level. LINC considers Civil Partnership 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 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

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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 was launched in 2012. This is the largest European study on LGBT parenting to date.

Intimate Partner Violence Research

LINC received a small grant to conduct research on same sex domestic violence. This will be carried out in 2013. Bereavement Suicide Support Resource Pack LINC is represented on the working group led by the HSE to develop a Bereavement through suicide support resource pack. This will be launched early 2013. Cork Community Health Network LINC is part of an informal and supportive network for community and voluntary groups in Cork City and environs network of community and voluntary organisation with an interest in building healthy communities. A space to share learning with others on: how our work contributes to building healthy communities; sharing community health practice; finding common ground (challenges/themes/solutions etc); and influencing policy.

Presentation to the Joint Committee for Justice LINC was invited to give a written submission and speak to the Joint Committee for Justice in the Oireachtas on IDAHO Day (May 17th). The time allocated was strictly limited therefore, LINC focused on: Family, Non-Biological parents,Adoptive parents,Transparency in the Family Court, Marriage,

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Access to fertility services, Older LB women and elder care, Removal of Article 37 (i) of the Employment Equality Act and Awareness training From a womans perspective and from that of lesbian and bisexual woman in particular we have identified a number of areas where action must be taken from a government, legislative, institutional and community level in order for this to be achieved.

Recommendations for Action. The implementation of a reports procedure, which would allow for full transparency in the family courts. The implementation of full civil marriage for LB women. The recognition of multiple definitions of family both at a constitutional and legislative level. The recognition of the rights of children to their non-biological parents. The implementation of legislation allowing lesbian couples to adopt as co-parents. Guidelines for medical institutions regarding the provision of fertility, sexual health and all other services to the LB population. The implementation of guidelines for elder care establishments ensuring dignity of care for LB residents. The lifting of article 37(i) regarding the allowance of places of work to refuse employment to a person based on their sexual orientation. The provision of funding for an extensive program of awareness training at all levels regarding the LGBT community.

Communications
Regular communication with the LB Community is in the form of a weekly newsletter sent to over 300 recipients. Community meetings are held bi-annually and many social events are held throughout the year. The LINC website, Facebook, text mail are all valuable communication tools as many women live remotely and are unable to access LINCs centre on a regular basis. LINC continues to represent and advocate for LB women and their families with the media in Cork and beyond. In 2012, 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

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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 and provide further programme activities throughout the year. Our appreciation goes to those who give donations of time; materials, money and expertise.

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 2012: Health Service Executive (HSE) Cork City Partnership VEC ESB Electric Aid LGBT Community in Cork The District Court The Community Foundation of Ireland

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INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

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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 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. Some members of the Steering Group also participate in the Finance Sub- committee and the Staff Liaison Sub-committee 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.

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LINCs Steering Group Members

Helen Slattery (Chairperson) 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. 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. Denise Boyle joined the Steering Group in 2012. She is a member of the LGBT community and wishes to support LINC by being actively involved. Sandra Murphy joined the Steering Group towards the end of 2012. She works as a sales manager for EMEA and is a qualified teaching and swimming coach. She is an active community member and heavily involved in fund raising for IKA and Breast Cancer amongst others. Mary OLeary joined the steering group in 2012. She is a community development worker and a political activist in issues of social justice. She has been involved in LGBT work for the past thirty years and is a founder member of LINC. Her interests are in research and sourcing funding. Muireann Holly joined the group in 2013. She is a full time musician, has run the LINC choir since 2010 and is particularly passionate about mental health issues.

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. 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 2010. 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 2011. Emma is currently undertaking a PHD in Psychology and has been involved with LINC as a volunteer and member since 2006.

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