LGBTIQ+ Community Wellbeing Small Grants Project

North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) commissioned multiple community groups and organisation to support LGBTIQ+ community wellbeing with several small grants. 

Our objective was to strengthen protective factors, personal and environmental characteristics that help reduce the risk of poor mental health and suicidal ideation for LGBTIQ+ people.  

The grants targeted groups at higher risk of poorer mental health and suicidality outcomes including trans, gender diverse, bisexual and intersex people. We had a strong focus on regional areas in the NWMPHN catchment, across all age groups.

Discrimination is a high-risk factor for many LGBTIQ+ people, who commonly experience discrimination in the form of personal rejection, hostility, harassment, bullying and physical violence.  

Successful grants recipients 

• Headspace (Sunshine, Glenroy and Werribee) – Rainbow Bridges Using LGBTIQ+ peer-led solutions to build connections between headspace and culturally and linguistically diverse LGBTIQ+ young people.  
• Jesuit Social Services
  Consultation with LGBTIQ+ communities and stakeholders. 
• The Gender Whisperers – auspiced by Auspicious Arts Project  
  A 12-episode podcast series called ‘Best Day Worst Day’, an LGBTIQ+ mental health peer support podcast. 
• Queer Refuge – auspiced by Forcibly Displaced People Network and managed by BridgeMeals
  A peer-led support group for LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum seekers living in Melbourne. 
• Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health
  Training workshops for health and aged care professionals in our region, to build their capacity to provide safe and affirmative care for LGBTIQ+ community members. 
• St Vincent’s Hospital Area Mental Health Service – Connecting Over the Rainbow
  Including an LGBTIQ+ group program and creation of a visual art display, which promoted acceptance and inclusivity of the LGBTIQ+ community across the service. 
• Victorian Roller Derby League – Rainbow Rolling 
  Learn to skate program. 

The grants contributed to the recipients ongoing work to: 

• address stigma and discrimination 

• encourage and promote intersectionality   

• build inclusive communities and strengthen community resilience 

• raise awareness of effective suicide prevention practices. 

The following resources have been developed as part of this grants project: 

• Jesuits Social Services – Making Change Project Report  

• Headspace- Rainbow Bridges: Improving mental health services for the LGBTQIA+ and CALD intersection 

• St Vincent’s Hospital – Artist Statement & Artwork  

• Best Day Worst Day Podcast  

Victorian Roller Derby photos