A new district group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI+) youth is aiming to strengthen the support network for children and adolescents in the region.
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It comes after a Grampians Community Health study into the experiences of LGBTI+ people aged between 14 and 25 found almost two thirds had experienced verbal abuse, one fifth had experienced physical abuse and one in three did not feel supported by their own families.
Juno Vesta- meaning focus, dedication, equality and self-confidence- is for people aged between 12 and 25 and will be launched next Monday, June 26, with a drop-in session at Grampians Community Health Centre.
The centre’s Rainbow Committee Chair Gemma Beavis said it was “vitally” important to provide support to young LGBTI+ people, especially in regional areas.
“There is traditionally less help available in regional areas,” she said.
“This study addresses some major concerns- almost half the young people surveyed were diagnosed with depression and 38 per cent had had suicidal thoughts,” she said.
“Participants who experienced verbal or physical abuse were more likely to have mental health issues.
“We think providing a safe place for young LGBTI+ people to come and hang out, and get support from their peers and health professionals, is one way we can really help address these issues.
“We want to address those feelings of isolation and frustration that can lead to mental health and other issues in a young person.”
Ms Beavis said Juno Vesta, based at Stawell and Ararat, was established by Grampians Community Health, with the support of a group of young LGBTI+ people and the Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN).
“We want to make sure local LGBTI+ youth know they are very welcome to join our group and invite them to come to our launch drop-in session next Monday,” she said.
“Aside from taking part in the activities we’ll be planning and getting advice and support from health professionals, knowing they are part of a group of people who understand the challenges they are facing will help immensely.”
The launch drop-in session is happening from 3.30pm to 5pm on Monday, June 26.
You can contact Juno Vesta via junovestalgbt@gmail.com.
Anyone needing assistance can call the Beyond Blue help line, 1300 22 46 36, or Lifeline, 13 11 14.