A crisis support service for sexuality and gender diverse communities impacted by the Northern Rivers floods disaster is available.
NSW LGBTQ health organisation ACON launched the service, available by phoning 1800 063 060.
ACON Deputy CEO Karen Price described ‘incredible acts of selflessness’ from some Lismore-based ACON staff.
Ms Price said workers had been engaging with communities in evacuation centres and other places of refuge in the area, despite their own needs as flood survivors.
ACON’s Lismore office was flooded and would be closed until further notice.
The CEO said the enormity of the situation required far more support.
‘ACON has redeployed resources from our Sydney and Hunter offices to offer free, short-term support and assistance to LGBTQ people at this incredibly difficult time,’ Ms Price said in a media release.
‘The service will prioritise crisis support referrals from the Northern Rivers,’ Ms Price said.
The dedicated service was to offer phone or online support either for short-term counselling, initial assessment, and urgent psychological support.
ACON workers would also help link people to local resources, information, and assistance, including financial assistance and accommodation.
‘We know many will be worried about medication, food, clean water, and other immediate needs,’ Ms Price said.
The service was expected to operate until mid-April before a needs reassessment would happen.
Anyone wanting to connect to the Northern Rivers flood crisis ACON service could also visit aconhealth.org.au/intake_form.
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