Shoppers might spot something brighter on Dublin’s South King Street , a new, purpose-built space has opened for LGBTQ+ young people, offering drop-in chats, workshops and counselling. It’s a small, striking sign that belonging matters, designed with young people and aimed at making the city feel safer and friendlier.

Essential Takeaways

  • New central hub: Belong To has opened a dedicated youth space in Dublin 2 for LGBTQ+ young people to meet and relax.
  • Designed with young people: The layout and activities were informed by input from the organisation’s members, so the space feels relevant and welcoming.
  • Services on offer: Expect drop-in sessions, group activities, workshops and access to counselling , practical supports alongside social connection.
  • Atmosphere: Organisers say the space is relaxed and easy to access, with a cosy feel and a focus on safety.
  • Community need: Staff highlight higher rates of bullying and feeling unsafe among LGBTQ+ youth, making venues like this particularly important.

A bright, human-centred space opens in the heart of the city

Belong To’s new Dublin 2 location feels like a deliberate, gentle welcome: soft lighting, comfortable seating and rooms arranged for small groups as well as one-to-one conversations. According to the organisation, young people were involved at every stage of the design, so it doesn’t feel corporate or clinical, more like a lived-in lounge where it’s easy to start a conversation.

The move addresses a clear demand. For many young people, geography matters , being able to pop into a safe place near public transport reduces barriers to accessing support. Staff describe the atmosphere as warm and unhurried, which helps when someone’s visiting for the first time.

Why the space matters: safety, belonging and practical support

Belong To’s youth worker Brenda Kelly told reporters that safe, visible spaces give young people permission to be themselves without preening or performing. That reassurance can be a lifeline for anyone who’s faced bullying or loses confidence in public.

Counselling and group work sit alongside casual hangouts, so the venue blends emotional support with everyday social life. That mix matters: sometimes a supportive chat over a cup of tea is as useful as a formal session. The organisation believes that having both options under one roof keeps young people engaged.

Designed by the people it serves , that makes a difference

The interior and programme were shaped by the young people who already use Belong To, which shows up in the details , flexible furniture, clear privacy options, and bulletin boards displaying upcoming workshops. That user-led approach means the space isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s adaptable for quiet reflection or lively group sessions.

Organisers point out this is part of a broader trend in youth services: co-design builds trust. When young people see their input reflected in a venue, they’re more likely to return and invite friends, which strengthens community ties.

What’s on offer: workshops, drop-ins and peer support

Drop-in sessions let people turn up without an appointment, while scheduled workshops cover topics such as identity, mental health, and navigating relationships. There’s also counselling available for those who need one-to-one support, and peer groups for over-18s as well as younger teens.

If you’re thinking of visiting, bring whatever makes you comfortable , headphones, a favourite book, or a question you’d like answered. Staff recommend checking Belong To’s website or social channels for timetables and any access guidance, so you know what to expect.

The wider picture: part of a growing network of youth supports

This centre slots into a wider ecosystem of services for LGBTQ+ young people in Ireland, working alongside community groups and initiatives that aim to make cities safer and more inclusive. It reflects increasing attention to the mental-health impacts of bullying and discrimination, and the practical benefit of having a visible, welcoming base in the city.

Looking ahead, small hubs like this can be a model for other towns and cities: low-cost, user-designed and high-impact. For now, it’s a new, open door in Dublin that plenty of young people have already welcomed.

It's a small change that can make every young person feel a little more at home.

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