The ECHO Project is a Wellcome Trust-funded study led by researchers at Dublin City University, School of Psychology. It aims to better understand why some LGBTQIA+ relationships thrive, while others turn unhealthy or abusive. The project focuses on lived experience, so it will also ask participants about mental health and difficult life experiences, to understand how these factors impact relationships. Racial and ethnic minorities are often marginalised in society and face disproportionate risk of harm, but are poorly represented in existing research. For this reason, we are specifically looking for racial and ethnic minorities in Ireland and the UK, to have their voices and experiences heard.
The study is open to LGBTQIA+ adults (18+) in Ireland or the UK. It consists of an online survey, with an annual follow-up over 3 years. The study is fully confidential, and participants will be compensated with One4All vouchers for taking part. The overall aim of the study is to inform better support services that are attuned to the needs of LGBTQA+ people. The survey is available through their website, and any questions can be directed to aine.travers@dcu.ie.
