Our in person sessions take place in a safe, caring and confidential setting, following a relaxed structure facilitated by an experienced and qualified Youth Worker with lived experience.

At each session, attendees will have opportunities to share challenges they are experiencing, ask questions, discuss concerns and hear and learn from one another’s experiences or simply listen to others. It is your choice how you participate, some first-time attendees may choose not to speak or share, and that’s okay.

The sessions will take place in person, or via Zoom if in-person sessions are not able to go ahead due to COVID-19 restrictions.

• Make friends

• A strong sense of community and belonging  

• Increase in wellbeing

• Improve skills to cope with challenges

• Gain a sense of empowerment, control or hope

• Learn about health, economic or social resources available

• Play a part in having a positive impact on other LGBTIQA+ young people

• Ongoing emotional and social support

• A regular space for open and confidential communication

No, you do not have to have a mental health diagnosis or any other diagnosis to participate in the group.

Remember that a support group isn't a substitute for regular medical care and the facilitators will not be able to provide you with professional advice.

The space offers support from people with a similar lived experience however, this group should not replace counselling or other therapeutic care.

Confidentiality is one of the main responsibilities of everyone attending the group. The group runs on agreed upon standards of behaviour and responsibility, which we take very seriously, including keeping personal information within the group. All personal details collected by Speak workers will remain confidential and private.

Group sessions are held every fortnight on a Wednesday evening.

This space is for everyone. All sessions are held in an accessible space.

Speak provides the following for all in person sessions:

• Wheelchair accessible venue and facilities

• Accessible for service/companion/support animals

• Support with transportation when required i.e Myki top up or Cab Charge

• A Low sensory environment

• Fidget toys to use anytime

• Auslan interpreters available on request

You can email our Youth Worker 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.

Every session will be facilitated by our experienced Youth Worker and a youth volunteer/facilitator who hold current police checks and Working With Children Checks. This group is peer-led which means that facilitators and organisers are also LGBTIQA+ and have lived experiences of mental ill health.

Anyone who is eligible can join the group 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 Youth Worker can speak with your parent/s, carer/s or adult about any concerns or questions they may have.

If you are nervous about attending by yourself, contact our Youth Worker to have a chat about this, and how we can best support and welcome you.

It is free to join the group and attend sessions.

You do not need a referral to join. You can join and come along anytime. If you are a Youth Worker or community worker, you can refer a client via the Client Referral Form above.