Scroll

  Social QTs -
   For LGBTIQA+ Youth
  

SOCIAL QTs

Social QTs is a drop in space for Queer and/or Trans youth in Ballarat. The space provides opportunity to connect to community, hang out with peers, chat with our peer workers and lots more.

AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES

Board games
Card games
Arts and crafts - Facilitated by an Art Therapist

Sensory corner
iPad’s
Computers
Homework area
LGBTIQA+ book library

If you have a request for an activity or items you would like to see in the space, let us know and we’ll do our best to make it happen.

HOW TO JOIN?

Simply come along to a drop in session. You can reach out to our team ahead of time if you have any questions or if you’d simply like a peer worker to introduce you to the space.

WHO

LGBTIQA+ or questioning young people aged 11 - 25 years old.

WHEN

Open every second Thursday from 4pm - 7pm | starting Jan 19th 2023.

WHERE

Barkly Square, 25 Barkly St, Ballarat East VIC 3350.

CONTACT

You can contact our team via email TheSocial@speak.org.au

The space is open as a drop in space where participants are welcome to come anytime between 4pm - 7pm and can engage in the space in a way that best meets their needs.
The space is a repurposed classroom and community area in Barkly Square. There are tables and chairs as well as floor seating and lots of activities to engage in.
- Make friends
- A strong sense of community and belonging
- Increase in wellbeing
- Play a part in having a positive impact on other LGBTIQA+ young people
- Ongoing social support
- A regular space to be your true self
The space is open every second Thursday from 4pm - 7pm starting the 19th of January 2023.
This space is for everyone.
Speak provides the following:
- Free to access activities and snacks provided
- Wheelchair accessible venue and facilities
- Accessible for service/companion/support animals
- A Low sensory environment
- Fidget & sensory toys to use anytime
You can email our peer workers if you have any concerns with the space meeting any accessibility requirements and we’ll work with you to ensure you can comfortably engage in the space.
Social QTs is facilitated by our experienced peer workers who hold current police checks and Working With Children Checks.
This group is peer-led which means that facilitators and organisers are also LGBTIQA+. You can read more about our facilitators above.
Anyone who is eligible can come along at any time throughout the year.
For the comfortability and confidentiality of all attendees, people who are over the age of 25 are not able to attend. Our peer workers can speak with your parent/s, carer/s or adult about any concerns or questions they may have.
Disability support workers/carers are able to attend.
If you are nervous about attending by yourself, contact our peer workers to have a chat about this, and how we can best support and welcome you.
This is a free to access space where everything will be provided free of charge.
You do not need a referral to join. You can join and come along anytime.

COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY

Speak is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. We play an important role in ensuring and improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people and do not tolerate child abuse. Speak ensures children and young people are heard on matters relevant to their safety. All allegations and safety concerns will be taken seriously, reported and investigated.

All children and young people who are supported by Speak have the right to feel and be safe and supported. We understand that LGBTIQA+ young people have intersecting identities that affect their needs and experiences. Therefore, Speak is committed to understanding the diverse needs of children and young people that access Speak’s programs and services and are committed to creating a culturally safe environment to reflect the diversity of its service users.

All those involved with Speak have a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play together and individually to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do. We understand that a child safe environment requires a preventative, proactive and participatory approach.