LGBTIQ+ Affirmative Practice Training

LGBTIQ+ Affirmative Practice Training is a targeted training package for people who are first responders to LGBTIQ+ mental health and suicide crises. These include responders in health care and mental health services. The aim is to ensure spaces and services are safe and accessible for LGBTIQ+ people and those who support them.   

Participants found the program to be safe and inclusive. During the training sessions, they were able to engage openly in discussions. This was attributed in a large part to the program facilitators who shared their own lived experience and role-modelled vulnerability.  

Another key strength of the program was its adaptability.  

Different formats of the training were created to take into consideration the needs of the different teams and organisations which participated which included:

• St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (Mental Health, Emergency and HOPE Teams)
• The Royal Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospitals (Mental Health and Emergency)
• The Northern Hospital (Emergency)
• Ambulance Victoria   
• Victoria Police (LGBTIQ+ Liaison Officers)   
• Mind Australia including their executive team   
• Djerriwarrh Health Service  
• Headspace  
• Orygen Youth Mental Health Service.

Read the evaluation report for this project below and learn more about how this project was evaluated.

About the project framework

These trial guides have been developed by the commissioned providers to give insight into the collaborative approach to developing and implementing the projects, an outline of the methodology involved, as well as some lessons learnt for future implementation. It is intended that these guides be used by other organisations who are interested in undertaking similar work. If you are planning on using any of the materials included within the Guides, we ask that you let us know. Specific contact details for commissioned providers are included within the documents, however please contact suicideprevention@nwmphn.org.au for more information.