Capacity DevelopmentQAHC Resource Booklet The Qahc Resource Booklet gives access to numerous resources around sexual health, workshops, services etc for the LGBT Community for personal use or to display in your reception area for clients. Click here to view the pdf version
Supporting LGBT communities As a community based LGBT health promotion organisation, QAHC works to enable LGBT people to increase control over and improve their health. Being an active part of healthy, strong and supportive communities (both LGBT and general) is good for people’s health. Caring and inclusive communities that have appropriate skills and resources are able to support members of their communities in times of need. The more LGBT organisations there are across the state and the greater their capacity to operate, the better the health and wellbeing of LGBT Queenslanders. Part of QAHC’s role is to provide help and support to these new and existing LGBT organisations, groups and networks. QAHC helps develop the capacity of the LGBT community through:
QAHC currently operates three community Resource Centres: These buildings are the office base for QAHC staff and volunteers, but are also open to other LGBT and HIV community groups. Facilities available at the QAHC Resource Centres include: More information on the Resource Centres and making a booking can be found at www.qahc.org.au/centres Healthy Communities Fund QAHC operates a small grants fund for LGBT community groups and projects. Any LGBT community organisation, group or network can apply to the fund for small amounts of money to: Applications can be made to the Fund twice a year, for up to $5000. However as there is only a limited amount of money available, smaller requests are more likely to be successful. Our Fundraising Co-ordinator can also provide advice on other sources of funding for LGBT projects. QAHC has kick-started the Fund with its own fundraised money, however this will not last forever. We are actively seeking sponsorships, donations and bequests to keep the Fund going. Further information and an application form can be found at www.qahc.org.au/fund
QAHC supports the production of a number of local LGBT community newsletters: Newsletters are produced by local community members, with assistance from QAHC, including design, content, printing and distribution. Contents include listing of local events and activities, book/film/theatre reviews, health information, information on support groups & services and pictures from local events. Advertising by local businesses is encouraged to help pay for the costs of production and distribution. Copies of the newsletters and details of how to be added to the distribution lists can be found at www.qahc.org.au/newsletters
Looking for a LGBT social group or venue? Want to know where your nearest sexual health clinic is? Need to find an LGBT friendly doctor, counsellor or other service provider? QAHC provides an on-line directory of groups, venues and services relevant to the LGBT community. You can search by name, type of service, location or just browse through the listings. If you know of a service or community group that should be on the directory, or you want to be on there yourself, then please let us know. To access the directory go to www.qahc.org.au/directory If you have any comments or feedback to make about any type of service provider in Queensland (good or bad) go to our dedicated website www.yourvoicebox.com.au We will collate and provide feedback to the service provider anonymously, and offer them support and resources to be more LGBT friendly. Training, Information & Resources QAHC holds a limited library of information and resources at our Centres that can assist with the running of your group (e.g. facilitation skills, marketing & publicity, financial management, meetings & minutes taking, becoming incorporated). There are also links to useful web based resources on our website. In the future we hope to be able to offer training to LGBT community groups on these issues. Limited amounts of condoms and lube packs are available to LGBT community groups, events and private sex party organisers, through our Gay/MSM Program. We also offer training to health and related services on LGBT health issues and how they can create a welcoming environment for LGBT clients. More information can be found at www.qahc.org.au/tools or www.qahc.org.au/training Daily LGBT & HIV News Summaries Want to know what’s happening in the world of LGBT issues and HIV, hepatitis and sexual health? QAHC provides an up-to-the-minute summary and links to news stories from multiple news sources (LGBT and general) around Australia. To see to the news summaries go to www.qahc.org.au/news Participation in Community Events QAHC is actively involved in initiating, sponsoring or participating in LGBT community events. Some events include: These events are important opportunities to build community, distribute information, raise the profile of QAHC, meet new people and have some fun. Details of these and other LGBT community events can be found on our events calendar at www.qahc.org.au/events Social Support Groups The commercial gay scene has and continues to be an important and vibrant part of the LGBT community. But not all people can or want to be on the scene (or not all the time). QAHC facilitates a number of social and support groups for LGBT people, where they can meet new people and take part in activities in a safe, supportive and fun environment. Groups running at the moment are: More information can be found at www.qahc.org.au/groups Online Discussion Boards Got something to say about LGBT, Indigenous or Sexual Health? Want to provide feedback about QAHC? You can share your views and read those of others at our on-line discussion boards. To participate in the discussion go to www.qahc.org.au/forum You will need to sign up as a user of the QAHC website before you will be able to post messages.
QAHC is involved in commissioning research into the needs of LGBT Queenslanders and working with others to increase research into LGBT communities. Recent research projects include: To participate in current research projects or read reports from previous projects go to www.qahc.org.au/research QAHC also works to influence the policy and programs of government and mainstream services. For example we have been involved in arguing for the full implementation of the recommendations from the HREOC inquiry into entitlements for same sex couples, and continue to push for an equal age of consent. You can get involved or find out more at www.qahc.org.au/petitions QAHC has also joined with a number of other LGBT and HIV community organisations to form the National LGBT Health Alliance, to try and influence health policy and programs at a national level. More information can be found at www.lgbthealth.org.au |