Wellways to run LGBTIQ+ safe space for young people

WELLWAYS Geelong will assist in developing and delivering a State Government initiative to launch ‘safe spaces’ for young people who identify as part of the LGBTIQ+ community.

The new LGBTIQ+ safe spaces based in Geelong and Ballarat (coordinated by Child and Family Services Ballarat) and will offer mental health and wellbeing services specifically tailored to young people, allowing them to access resources and assistance if and when they need it.

Equality Minister Harriet Shing said the spaces would provide more opportunities to the LGBTIQ+ community to connect with peers and older role models to increase their sense of belonging.

Wellways Australia Communications Manager Sophia Capek said the Geelong branch was thrilled to be selected through an open grants process to deliver the project.

“There’s going to be a big youth focus on these safe spaces and they are going to be a real haven for young people and their families to seek some support,” Ms Capek said.

“It will provide somewhere that LGBTIQ+ people can feel really safe and be themselves without bias or any homophobia.

“It’s such a huge win for the community.”

Local Geelong resident Alister Engelsman identifies as transgender and said a access to supports the safe spaces will provide would have been beneficial for him during school.

“It’s going to be amazing for the young people in the LGBTIQ+ community to access this service,” he said.

“Being openly transgender at school, I found it really hard to relate to my peers and it was really isolating to not have anyone who shared that similar experience.

“There was nothing like safe spaces to connect with others like me in the community at the time.

“To now be able to connect with people going through the same things, particularly those who are older and can provide support and advice will be really valuable for LGBTIQ+ people in the Geelong community.”

Further details of how the safe spaces will run will be decided in consultation with LGBTIQ+ organisations, LGBTIQ+ young people and others from across rainbow communities.

The safe spaces program is part of the Government’s broader efforts to drive inclusion and equality for LGBTIQ+ communities through its 10-year plan, Pride in Our Future: Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ Strategy 2022–32.

For more, visit www.vic.gov.au/pride-our-future-victorias-lgbtiq-strategy-2022-32