We know that this is a challenging time for every person. There are particular challenges in our communities, and LGBTIQ+ Health Australia would like offer support in a meaningful way.
Please participate in our survey so we can formulate the most practical and useful response possible: see the survey here – thank you!
After consideration of the current advice that is being provided with regard to coronavirus and ways to reduce transmission, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, the national peak health organisation in Australia for organisations and individuals that provide health-related programs, services and research focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people (LGBTI) and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse people and communities, has decided to:
- Cancel all planned and group consultations, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia meetings and trainings
- Assess all travel requirements to external stakeholder meetings and events on a case by case basis
- Ensure all LGBTIQ+ Health Australia staff will work from home
These changes will remain in place indefinitely and we will monitor the changes in the response daily.
These decisions were not taken lightly and we recognise that many of the community members that we work with are at elevated risk of COVID-19 due to the burden of chronic diseases, ageing and disability. The pressure on our health system is immense and we must all contribute to reducing infections.
Our important work continues across ageing and aged care, disability, mental health and suicide prevention and contingency plans are underway to ensure that our consultations meetings and trainings continue where possible online or by teleconference. We are working hard to minimise any detrimental impact and work very much within a business as usual model.
We thank you for your patience as we implement these changes and recognise that further amendments to how we approach our work are likely to continue in the coming days and weeks.
Up to date information on coronavirus is available here from the Commonwealth Department of Health.
The pressure on our health system is immense and we must all contribute to reducing infections.
Our important work continues across ageing and aged care, disability, mental health and suicide prevention and LGBTI health more broadly. Please see the regularly updated LGBTIQ+ Health Australia Program and Policy here.
If you are experiencing distress and would like to talk with someone on the phone or over the web, then please call QLife on 1800 184 527 or go to www.qlife.org.au