Extra support for local lgbti community

The Andrews Labor Government is funding vital support and information sessions across the Macedon Ranges throughout the marriage equality debate, to ensure Victoria’s LGBTI community is supported through the postal survey process.

Cobaw Community Health will be holding the sessions, funded as part of a $500,000 Labor Government program to help organisations meet the escalating demand for front line mental health support to LGBTI people across Victoria we are seeing a result of the hurtful debate.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas met with local LGBTI community members and staff from Cobaw Community Health to talk about the challenges of staying healthy and positive during the postal survey period.

As part of this additional funding, Cobaw Community Health are providing information and support space in libraries across Macedon Ranges during the same sex marriage survey period.

The support sessions will run from 3 – 5pm every Friday afternoon at the following locations:

 Kyneton Library – 6 October & 3 November

 Romsey Library – 13 October & 10 November

 Woodend Library – 20 October & 24 November

 Gisborne Library – 27 October & 17 November

Mary-Anne Thomas "I urge anyone in our community who is feeling confronted or alone during this period to reach out to friends and family, and make use of the additional support services that are being made available."

The Victorian Aids Council will lead the delivery of additional counselling services to vulnerable LGBTI cohorts, including isolated people in regional and rural communities. An additional 1000 hours of LGBTI specific crisis counselling services will be delivered in areas of need, including outer suburban and regional areas through local community health centres.

At the afternoon tea, Ms Thomas also launched her annual Mental Health Contacts & Services Guide which lists local services available to all of the community.