QHub, a ground-breaking initiative dedicated to providing safe spaces for LGBTIQA+ young people, successfully launched its Geelong site on Wednesday, February 14th. The event was opened by the MP for Geelong, Christine Couzens.
Launch attendees celebrated the opening of the important space that provides tailored mental health and well-being services for LGBTIQA+ young people.
Jack Khouri, QHub Manager, said: “We are so happy to finally provide this space that ensures young people have access to welcoming and inclusive supports in their vicinity, where they don’t need to travel several hours to feel accepted or get support.”
“QHub is a collaborative effort led by Drummond Street Services in partnership with Cafs (Child and Family Services Ballarat) and Wellways, and we work closely with young people to tailor the services to their needs.”
“We offer more than just mental health and well-being services; we work with young people to provide inclusive wrap-around support.”
This site is one of two landmark safe spaces for LGBTIQA+ young people, with the other being based in Ballarat and complemented by additional outreach services for those on the Surf Coast. This initiative aligned with the Victorian State Government’s commitment to inclusivity and equality for LGBTIQA+ communities as part of Pride in Our Future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ Strategy 2022–32.
The launch event featured Kristi Watts, a Wathawurrung/Wathaurong/Gunditjmara woman, who performed the Welcome to Country, followed by official proceedings led by Karen Field, CEO of Queerspace and Drummond Street, who are leading the collaboration, stated:
As the CEO of Drummond Street Services and Queerspace, I want to emphasize the pivotal role of QHub in creating these safe spaces. Safety comes to many people as a given, but for others across this region, it is not a privilege they enjoy, although it should be their absolute right!
For more information about QHub, please call 03 9663 6733.
