Case study:
Conscious Connections
Karina Murray

Conscious Connections is an initiative designed to provide alternative avenues for women from the LGBTQ+ community and non-binary individuals to connect through activities and events that promote health and well-being. The project is underpinned by core values of inclusion, connection, and the pursuit of optimal well-being, with a focus on addressing health disparities within these communities.

The Problem

In Ireland, LGBTQ+ women and non-binary individuals face significant barriers to achieving full, healthy lives. There is a lack of focused attention on their health and well-being, compounded by the fact that much of the existing research fails to recognise the diversity within these communities. The situation is slightly better in the UK, where research such as Stonewall’s LGBT in Britain Health Report highlights alarming health disparities:

• 41% of non-binary people and 20% of LGBTQ+ women have deliberately harmed themselves in the last year, compared to 12% of GBT men.
• 70% of non-binary people and 55% of LGBTQ+ women experienced depression in the last year, while the figure for GBT men was 46%.
• 79% of non-binary people and 65% of LGBTQ+ women reported experiencing anxiety, compared to 54% of GBT men.
• 24% of non-binary people and 13% of LGBTQ+ women experienced an eating disorder in the last year, compared to 9% of GBT men.

The Solution

Conscious Connections seeks to address these challenges through three key initiatives:

1. Workshops Focused on Inclusion and Support
   The delivery of workshops specifically designed for LGBTQ+ women and non-binary individuals aims to create a supportive environment where their unique health and well-being needs can be addressed. These workshops go beyond the broad scope of general LGBTQ+ inclusion training, allowing for a deeper exploration of the specific challenges faced by women and non-binary people in Irish society.
2. Health-Focused Events for Connection
   By creating events tailored to LGBTQ+ women and non-binary individuals, Conscious Connections fosters opportunities for these groups to connect in a meaningful way. These events are not just about promoting health but also about building a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for well-being.
3. Social Prescribing for Long-Term Well-Being
   As a long-term goal, Conscious Connections aims to integrate social prescribing—an innovative approach being rolled out by the HSE and other organisations—into their efforts. This strategy involves connecting individuals with community supports that can significantly benefit their health and well-being. By tailoring these connections to the specific needs of LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people, the initiative hopes to make a lasting impact on reducing health disparities.

SEI Journey:

Ideas Academy 2024

Dr. Niamh Shaw is the founder of Town Scientist