Being queer in a world that doesn’t always understand LGBTQ+ people can be tough. While many aim for queer joy, LGBTQ+ people face disproportionately high rates of mental health issues, suicide and trauma. Not because there’s anything wrong with us, but because of the discrimination, harm and exclusion we’ve experienced. When supported by people who genuinely understand our lives, who see us, respect us, and create space for us to show up as we are, things can change. Affirming LGBTQ+ mental health care, especially when delivered by and for us, can be life-changing.
We’re here to help LGBTQ+ people and people with HIV take control of their mental health. We provide a range of services and supports for people in NSW – Peer Work, Counselling, Care Coordination, Groups and digital resources.
Information
Suicide Prevention Resource
HERE.org.au is ACON’s digital hub for information on suicide and situational distress, connecting people of diverse gender and sexuality, their loved ones, and service providers in NSW to care, support, and resources.
HERE.org.au includes links to services and contact options for 24/7 crisis care, mental health and support services. Where possible we have included insights into what to expect when reaching out to these services, and where to find trans-affirming, cultural and community support.
HERE.org.au offers practical information and resources for our communities to better understand and talk about suicide, how to stay safe and find care options and how to take care of somebody else that is experiencing thoughts and feelings of suicide.
How to Rise Above The Noise
Debate about our lives and human rights as LGBTQ+ people – online, in the media and the public domain can cause emotional distress, ACON has put together support resources that we hope will help everyone within our communities
You can download the full-sized resources below:
TransHub
To mark Trans Day of Visibility on Tuesday 31 March 2020, ACON launched TransHub – a digital information and resource platform for all trans people, and their loved ones, allies and health providers.
TransHub was created by trans people for trans people, based on the state-wide consultations that allowed ACON to develop our Blueprint. TransHub offers the information that many of us so desperately needed, but didn’t have access to as we grew up or grew toward our most authentic selves.
The site contains information about social, medical and legal gender affirmation, looking after our health as trans people, information for allies like partners, friends, employers, parents, and colleagues, and a whole section for clinicians who work with trans people.
The site also includes a comprehensive language guide, and a portal to access the resources available throughout the website. TransHub also offers information specific to COVID-19 for trans people. ACON’s Gender Affirming Doctor list can be found on TransHub.
Trans and Strong Resource
Trans and Strong Text-Only PDF
More support and information for trans and gender diverse people, allies, and health providers can be found at TransHub.
Trans Vitality
Trans Vitality is ACON’s resilience-building program for all trans adults in NSW – binary and non-binary. Trans Vitality focusses on trans people supporting trans people, and centres self-determination, autonomy and agency, while uplifting trans voices.
A Resilience Toolkit is one part of Trans Vitality and it includes information, activities and resources to help build resilience, community connection, an understanding of our history, and a powerful imagining of our futures.
Trans Vitality also includes virtual peer workshops and online community training, an eLearning on trans-affirming practice, this Toolkit and a full evaluation, gratefully funded by NSW Health.
While we know that trans liberation depends on the structural reforms needed to enable trans people to live free and equal in every community we are part of, the path to trans liberation also needs strong, connected and resilient trans people.
Keep Control of Your Mental Health Over the Holiday Season
Each year, the holiday period throws up a lot of challenges to our mental health. Here’s some tips for managing over this period:
- For a lot of us, some family relationships can cause distress, or the lack of family can be equally impactful. If you need to navigate some challenging environments at this time, workshopping a plan with your friends or supports about how to respond to them and look after yourself could be helpful. Give yourself permission to walk away if you can, and ‘toilet time’ is a good strategy to give you some time to ground and regulate!
- If you have time off work, make plans in advance with people who support you and nurture you. Plan a picnic, a games night, a craft afternoon together.
- If you have an exercise routine that you know helps you manage your mood, try and stick with it over the holiday period.
- Think about whether alcohol or other substances are going to help or hinder your mental health during this period. Alcohol is a depressant so limiting the number of drinks and making sure you have some alcohol and drug free days might help.
- Get your funk on and let your inner Chappel Roan out! Put on some music and sing along and move. Singing and dancing are scientifically proven to boost mood, reduce negative thoughts and worries and foster happiness .
- If you notice negative thoughts showing up, distract and refocus your mind by phoning a friend, watching your favourite streaming show, reading a book, listening to a podcast, breathing or listening to some favourite and relaxing music.
- Take some time every day to remind yourself of all the things you’re grateful for and who you are grateful to. Reach out – literally reach out and give those people a hug – and tell them so.
- Does someone you know need some support and friendship? Helping others is a proven mood booster so think of things you can do for a friend, neighbour, a family member.
- Get out into nature. Take off your shoes and feel the grass under your feet. Lie under a tree and watch the branches, the leaves and the birds, go for a bush walk.
Remember that there are 24/7 hr phone lines there to help if you are not feeling great so add the numbers to your favourites so you can give them a call when you need to:
- Lifeline 131 114
- Q-Life 1800 184 527
- 1300YARN 13 92 76
- Suicide Callback 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue 1300 224636
- Beyond Blue Translation, hearing and speech services:
- Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) 13 14 50
- National Relay Service (internet relay) and ask for 1300 224 636
- TTY (teletypewriter) on 1800 555 677 and ask for 1300 224 636
- Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) 1800 555 727 and ask for 1300 224 636
We’re With You: Looking Out for Our Mental Health
LGBTQ people have a long history of caring and looking out for each other. As we’ve weathered the storm of a difficult year, looking out for each other’s mental health is crucial. We spoke to community members about their mental health this year and how they care for each other while caring for themselves.
Find out more about our We’re With You mental health campaign here.
Informing the direction of ACON’s online suicide prevention hub: a review
We are proud to share the recent published report, Informing the direction of ACON’s online suicide prevention hub: a review. Gadigal, Sydney, Australia.
ACON has been funded by the New South Wales (NSW) Ministry of Health Towards Zero Suicides initiative that aims to reduce the rate of suicides across the state.
This scoping review examines the current literature on suicide, suicidality and suicide prevention, and presents the disparities of suicidality between LGBTQ+ individuals and the general population. The review also considers the intersectional needs within the community, outlining the risk and protective factors for the broader LGBTQ+ community, and specific factors for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with focus on Sistergirls and Brotherboys and other trans mob, the trans and gender diverse communities, people living with disability or long-term health conditions, and LGBTQ+ people from culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse, migrant, and refugee backgrounds, and people of colour.
The evidence provided in this scoping review has informed the codesign and creation of HERE.org.au for our communities, which launched on Thursday 10 November 2022 and compiles existing and emerging information about suicide for the LGBTQ+ community.
Services
Counselling
Our Counselling provides a safe space to explore mental health, relationships, identity, sexuality, and life challenges, with a strong understanding of the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ communities. Support is trauma-informed, focused on empowering individuals to navigate change, build resilience, and strengthen wellbeing.
- Up to 12 x 50-minute sessions
- Counselling can be accessed anywhere in NSW via phone/telehealth or at one of ACON’s office in Sydney, Newcastle and Lismore
Care Coordination
Our care coordination service is practical, down-to-earth support focused on what matters most in your life. We help you find your way through services and get the support that’s right for you.
We can help you to:
- Find and access services like housing, Centrelink, legal support, NDIS, financial services and/or healthcare
- Feel more connected by linking you with the right supports and community
- Get support if you’re experiencing sexual, domestic or family violence
- Connect with HIV and sexual health services
- Look after your mental health and general wellbeing
Our care coordination model is:
- 3-6 months
- Goal focused
We’ll work alongside you to set goals, explore your options, and take the next steps.
Peer Work
Peer work is a form of support provided with people drawing on their own lived experience Peer workers walk alongside you, offering understanding, hope and connection through shared experience.
- Support is usually provided for up to three months
- Peer Work can be accessed via telehealth anywhere in NSW, or face to face at our offices in Sydney, Newcastle or Lismore
ACON peer workers offer support through:
- Drawing on their lived experience of suicide, service use, substance use and/or trans and gender diverse identities
- Delivering relational role modelling, emotional support, advocacy, harm reduction approaches, and support with system navigation
- Connection to community and relevant services, building meaning, solidarity, trust and hope through genuine relationships
Suicide Prevention and Aftercare
Are you finding yourself thinking or recovering from suicidal thoughts or self-harm?
Have you recently been discharged from hospital after a suicide attempt?
Are you concerned about LGBTQ+ loved one?
Would you like further support?
We offer a FREE and confidential suicide prevention and aftercare service comprising non-judgmental short term care coordination support for sexuality and gender diverse people aged over 18 years of age.
- This service is for people who have recently made a suicide attempt or at high risk of suicide.
- The service operates during business hours only. For more information contact our intake officer on 9206 2000 or email intake@acon.org.au
For support outside of business hours or for crisis support please contact:
- Emergency assistance: (triple zero) 000
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- NSW Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
- QLife: 1800 184 527
- Kids Helpline: 1800 043 470
This service is funded by the NSW Ministry of Health for Sydney and South Eastern Sydney LHDs and St Vincent’s Health Network regions.
