The Rainbow Award

The Rainbow Award offers youth services an in-depth, action-focused programme to become fully inclusive of LGBTQ+ young people.  

This year, we will partner with youth services across Ireland to support them in working towards achieving the Rainbow Award. 

This accreditation programme supports a whole organisation approach to being a safe, supportive and inclusive service for LGBTQ+ youth, staff and volunteers.  

The Rainbow Award supports your work in meeting several of the outcomes under Young Ireland: The National Policy Framework for Children. 

Applications for 2026 are now open, please see the form at the bottom of this page to apply.

Information Session

Is your youth service interested in strengthening LGBTQ+ inclusion and achieving recognised best practice standards?

Join Belong To’s upcoming Rainbow Award Information Session to learn more about our free, national accreditation programme designed for youth services across Ireland.

The Rainbow Award is a comprehensive, action-focused programme that supports youth services to create safe, inclusive, and affirming environments for LGBTQ+ young people. Over the course of the 18-month accreditation programme, participants receive guidance, resources, training and support to embed best practice across their service.

Date: 25 August 2026
Time: 11:30am
Format: Online
Duration: 45 minutes

This information session will provide an overview of the programme, what participation involves, and the benefits of becoming a Rainbow Award accredited service.

Whether you are ready to begin the accreditation process or simply want to learn more, we would love to welcome you.

Email niamh@belongto.org or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to register or find out more information.

What do young people and youth services say about the Rainbow Award?

Why is the Rainbow Award needed?

The Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland report published in 2024 found that LGBTQI+ youth are more likely to experience stress, suicide ideation and anxiety than the general youth population. Findings revealed that shame, stigma, discrimination, isolation, exclusion, bullying and fear of rejection were the main reasons for these higher risks. 

The national policy framework for children and young people, Young Ireland 2023-2028, highlights the importance of youth services in supporting young people to thrive, to achieve their potential and to live fulfilling lives. Youth services are identified as a means of ensuring that young people are safe, connected and healthy, particularly among marginalised youth including LGBTI+ young people.  

By taking part in the Rainbow Award, you are committing to implement actions which will improve the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ young people in your local community.  

What is involved?

The Rainbow Award is a whole organisation approach to being an inclusive, safe and supportive service for LGBTQ+ young people, staff and volunteers.

There are six steps on the Rainbow Award journey, including capacity building, a portfolio, review of standards and a site visit. To meet the Rainbow Award criteria, you will need to meet standards in these six key areas. A dedicated team member from Belong To will support you along the way.

Resources and supports

Register your interest for The Rainbow Award