LGBTIQA + Working Group celebrating Midsumma |
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QUEER COUNSELLING
Q Health provides counselling and support for LGBTIQA + people who would like to talk about their concerns or impacts of their alcohol and drug use in a confidential , non-judgemental and queeraffirmative space .
What did we achieve ?
32 new clients to the program and provided
209 services
increased referrals from gender diverse and neurodivergent people requesting a non cis identifying practitioner
increased positive word-of-mouth feedback from LGBTIQA + communities
improved referral pathway and client ’ s journey into the service by providing active holding and case work support to client at the intake phase and while on the waiting list for therapeutic work
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identified service gap and provided peer navigation to neuro divergent clients
developed a partnership with the Aftercare program of Mind Australia , which provides support for LGBTIQA + people who have thoughts or intentions of suicide
partnered with the Rainbow Network in developing a Stand Out / LGBTIQA + community of practice for teachers and facilitators and supported LGBTIQA + young people for paid campaign opportunity
joined the Victorian Gender and Sexuality Alcohol and Other Drug ( AOD ) Network , which supports AOD workers who are gender and sexually diverse
Challenges
• demand and waiting list management
• limited community services and resource for targeted communities
What ’ s next ?
• continue to :
– provide quality services in multiple ways , including centre-based , telehealth and outreach
– develop stronger partnerships with service providers and communities
– engage with the AOD sector and advocate for LGBTIQA + inclusive practice
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CELEBRATING LGBTIQA + COMMUNITIES
Each year Merri Health plays an active role to demonstrate our commitment to inclusive practise and to engage and support LGBTIQA + communities .
What did we achieve ?
took part in Midsumma Carnival celebrating queer , intersex , transgender , bisexual , lesbian and gay culture
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Merri Health supported
6
community led IDAHOBIT parties
with a total attendance of
100
community members
Partnered with Sensorium Studio to bring 11 LGBTIQA + carers and allies together for IDAHOBIT
staff came together and flew their rainbow colours to support IDAHOBIT
internal and external newsletter
supporting Pride Month reached
2,100
people
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MERRI HEALTH / ANNUAL REPORT 2022 |
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57 |