Description
Switchboard Victoria (Inc.) is a community based not for profit organisation that provides a peer based, volunteer driven support service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and more (LGBTIQA+) people and their friends, families and allies.
Switchboard is the Victorian partner in the national telephone and web counselling, information and referral service Qlife. This service is for LGBTIQA+ identifying people and those who have questions, concerns about LGBTIQA+ issues, this includes families, friends, teachers and co-workers of LGBTIQA+ people.
Community connections for older LGBTIQA+ people – Switchboard’s Out & About program aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness through creating friendship and connection between LGBTIQA+ seniors living anywhere in Victoria and peer volunteer visitors.
Rainbow Door - is a free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family. Rainbow Door supports people of all ages and identities with issues that may include suicidal thoughts, family and intimate partner violence (including elder abuse), alcohol and other drugs, relationship issues, sexual assault, social isolation, mental health and wellbeing.
Suicide Prevention - research and development of suicide prevention resources and programs for LGBTIQA+ communities. Switchboards Bereavement support groups can benefit LGBTIQA+ people by helping them connect with others in a supportive peer space who are also bereaved by suicide.
QTIPoC Programs - In consultation with key stakeholders, Switchboard’s QTIPoC Programs will build on our previous QTIPoC Project to build internal capacity in relation to meeting QTIPoC community needs and extend into targeted services as outlined below. The QTIPoC programs aim to build greater equity for Queer, Trans, Intersex Peoples and/or People of Colour and People of Faith.
Services provided
- Telephone helpline
- Peer support
- Help for young people
- Health information
- Referrals
- Out & About: LGBTIQA+ community visiting scheme
- Short term teleweb case management
Eligibility
QLife is a national service. Rainbow Door and Out and Out and About are Victorian services.
How to access
Contact:
- QLife call 1800 184 527 (National ) 3pm – 12am everyday
- Rainbow Door call: 1800 729 367
- Email: support@rainbowdoor.org.au
- SMS: 0480 017 246
- Out and About call 1800 729 367 or email outandabout@switchboard.org.au
- Visit the website.
The National Relay Service is available to help callers who are d/Deaf, or find it hard to hear or speak to hearing people on the phone.
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS is available (24 hours, 7 days) for callers who speak other languages. Call 131 450.
If you would prefer to discuss your health or treatment in a language other than English, an interpreter can be arranged for you at no cost.
Interpreter services are also available free of charge for people with a speech or hearing impairment.
Costs
- Calls are free from landlines.
- Calls from mobile phones may be charged at a higher rate.
Tip
- The volunteers who answer your call identify as LGBTIQA+ and will not criticise or judge you.
Important
- Switchboard can help you with issues such as discrimination, relationships or coming out to family, friends and colleagues.
- You do not have to give your name or any identifying details.
- Call Switchboard for details of other community groups or organisations that may be useful for your situation.
- The Switchboard encourages healthcare and welfare professionals who work with LGBTIQA+ people to call for information and advice.
Complaints
- Health Complaints , Complaints and Information, call 1300 582 113
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation (AHPRA) in your state, call 1300 419 495
- Better Health Channel - Complaints about health services