DLL supports LGBTQIA+ women* so they are valued, equal, safe & celebrated in their diversity and experiences. We are operated solely by LGBTQ+ volunteers.
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ALT Media Release: Dublin Lesbian Line Joins Forces with the Switchboard to Reopen Helpline Services. 4th August 2023: Dublin Lesbian line temporarily closed its helpline services due to the challenges posed by Covid 19, resulting in a significant loss of trained volunteers. Women’s night is a new partnership between the two orgs of which will offer support to female non binary and female aligned people in the community. Call for new helpline volunteers will commence this autumn.
ALT Dublin Lesbian Line is proud to announce its return to the helpline sector through a groundbreaking partnership with sibling service, the switchboard. This collaboration aptly named women’s night will provide vital support to the community and will run weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6.30-9pm. Both dublun lesbian line and the switchboard share their roots in ireland first lgbtia+ helpline, Tel-A-Friend, which commenced its services in 1974. Due to the challenges posed by Covid 19, DLL temporarily closed its helpline, resulting in a significant loss of trained phone volunteers.
ALT During Covid 19, DLL turned its attention to online community events and later to in-person gatherings where queer and female people could connect and find community. However, as the restrictions eased, the organisation faced the daunting task of rebuilding its helpline services with limited trained volunteers. The opportunity for collaboration arose though Gillian McInerney, the current chairperson of the Switchboard and a board member of DLL. Gillian started as a phone volunteer with DLL but moved to the switchboard when the need for more women and non-binary volunteers arose during the pandemic. They played a pivotal role in initiating discussions with both orgs about the partnership.
ALT Regarding the collab, Gillian said “The 2 orgs have a commen origin and work under the same guiding principles of active listening, non judgement, and confidentiality. A collab was a clear win for both orgs. the switchboard strengthens its 7 day service and Dublin lesbian line gets the resources to train new helpline volunteers and return to providing support as it has done for over 40 years.
ALT Chairperson for DLL, Mary Hayes also warmly welcome the partnership: “During Covid 19, we had some tough decisions to make including temporary pause of our helpline. Our helpline has been an intergal part of our identity and history, so the decision to pause it left us uncertain about the future. We were unsure when we could gather the necessary recourses to resume our vital services. Recognizing the immense significance of providing a dedicated space for women, non-binary, and female aligned members of our community to find support, we knew it was essential to find a way forward”
ALT “The unwavering support of the Switchboard made this partnership possible, a remarkable testament to the strength of the queer community, coming together to share resources, insights, and expertise, and to carry forward this invaluable legacy”. Both DLL and the switchboard will be recruiting and training new helpline volunteers this Autumn. They are encouraging people from all backgrounds to apply. Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more about the opportunities can email volunteer@theswitchboard.ie
ALT Currently seeking volunteers for social media, web development and archiving. Deadline for applications is 22nd March.
ALT Group photo of people attending a sports day in trinity college dublin.
