resources to support LGBTQIA+ young people

17 May every year is IDAHOBIT. International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) celebrates LGBTQIA+ people globally, and raises awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination.

75% of young LGBTQIA+ young people experience some kind of discrimination and these kinds of negative experiences can have an obvious detrimental impact on the mental health of LGBTQIA+ young people. 

Here at headspace Berri we host/facilitate a fortnightly LGBTQIA+ group for Riverland young people aged 16-25 and later this year, to coincide with Wear It Purple Day in August, we will be hosting our first Pride March. We hope to see you there standing with us and showing Riverland LGBTQIA+ young people that they are safe and loved in our community.

In the meantime here are some online resources and other supports for LGBTQIA+ young people:

 

headspace Berri LGBTQIA+ group

A fortnightly group to build social connections, ask questions and get connected. 

Contact us here at the centre and ask to speak to Megan for more information.

You can also drop into the centre and pick up a copy of our booklet Up the River with Plenty of Paddles: Supporting Young LGBTQIA+ People in the Riverland.

 

headspace National

qheadspace is a regular peer-led online chat for LGBTQIA+ young people across Australia. 

Links to all of headspace National's resources for LGBTQIA+ young people can be found here.

 

e-Safety CommissionerBeing out, trans or gender diverse online

Some advice and resources from the eSafety Commissioner. 

 

QLife

A national service that aims to keep LGBTQI communities supported and connected.

Phone: 1800 184 527 (3pm–midnight AEST)

Online chat (3pm–midnight AEST)

 

BFriend

A free information and social support service of Uniting Communities for people newly identifying as LGBTIQ or for those questioning their sexuality and gender identity. They also support their friends and families.

 

Feast Queer Youth Drop In - LGBTIQ people and allies aged 15-25

A regular bi-monthly event in Adelaide for queer young people to meet, feel comfortable and take part in activities planned by and for queer young people. Located at Raj House 54 Hyde Street, Adelaide.

 

UNIDOS - Same sex attracted people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living or planning to live in South Australia

Support and opportunities to connect and share personal experiences with other members. They  provide support through messaging and emailing, one-to-one video chats and occasional meet-ups.

 

Rainbow Directory SA

The Rainbow Directory SA lists services, organisations, groups and activities that are South Australia-based and for, or inclusive of, LGBTIQA+ communities. You can search the directory and sort by service type.

 

Shine SA

Shine SA has a range of useful resources and links to services on their website (including some of those already listed here). Shine SA operates Gender Connect Country SA, a service supporting those who identify as transgender, gender diverse or gender questioning. They also provide training for schools and workplaces on LGBTQIA+ inclusive practices.

 

Minus18

Minus18 have a range of resources, blogs, handouts and other information focused on supporting LGBTQIA+ young people. 

 

 

General support.

Young people can get support for your mental health by visiting headspace Berri in person, creating a headspace account at headspace.org.au, or you can speak to someone 1-on-1 via online chat, email or over the phone at eheadspace.org.au or 1800 650 890.

headspace is not an emergency service. 

 

For immediate support please contact:

Riverland General Hospital 08 8580 2400

Police Assistance 131 444

Lifeline 13 11 14

Rural and Remote Mental Health 13 14 65

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

In an emergency situation phone 000