WIOT is a special program established to help us all cope during the COVID-19 crisis. It is about bringing community together to support one another.

LGBTIQ+ folk sometimes have more limited options for connecting with others and seeking support. These may shrink even further with current restrictions.

Uncertainty about whether services and people are inclusive, understanding and respectful can also mean we don’t seek help as often as we should, or that we don’t get the right kind of help when we do ask.

This program provides the opportunity for LGBTIQ+ Tasmanians to support each other – to provide connection, support and assistance that is accepting and inclusive for and by LGBTIQ+ folk.

Anyone in Tasmania who is LGBTIQ+ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer) or sexuality or gender diverse. If you are under 18, we will contact you about what support or services we can offer.

Anyone who fits into the category above.

We can provide the following types of assistance;

• Regular ‘R U ok’ checks by phone, video chat, email, SMS etc
• Social ‘visits’ by phone, video chat, email, SMS, mail etc
• Information and support for people to engage in social activities, exercise, health and wellbeing activities
• Help with getting and using new technologies
• Walking buddy (in accordance with public health guidelines)
• In-person chats (in accordance with public health guidelines)
• Pick up and deliver food hampers
• Pick up and deliver ordered groceries, medications and supplies
• Assist with transporting pets to the vet
• Dog walking
• Other – we are happy to take any requests and see what we can do

This program will deliver supports of the following kind:

• Practical
• Social
• Informational
• Linkages

It is not a counselling or mental health support service. Also, this program is only for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unlikely WIO will be able to continue to offer this service once pandemic restrictions are over. However, we will try to link participants in with existing groups to make sure you have community connections going forward.

Anyone needing help or able to give help – and you can be both – signs up via the form/s on our webpage OR calls our office on 6231 1200 to sign up by phone.

WIO will provide you with more information and make a follow-up call to you to discuss your situation, needs, availability etc in more detail.

We will then try to match people needing a hand, with people who have the capacity to assist.

We have put the following in place to ensure this is safe for everyone:

• Considering participants COVID-19 risk level and only assigning people to tasks where safe
• Carefully matching participants with volunteers after consideration and discussion with both parties
• Having WIO staff available to support all parties involved and available to discuss any issues or problems
• Ensuring that volunteers have or have applied for ‘Working With Vulnerable People’ cards
• Not giving out anyone’s personal information without their consent
• Providing everyone with training on keeping safe during a pandemic
• Providing volunteers with training on maintaining boundaries, confidentiality, and the use LGBTIQ+ inclusive language
• Requiring all participants and volunteers to agree to our code of conduct
• Providing opportunity for anyone to give feedback and make suggestions about the program at any time

Call us immediately on 6231 1200 or 0408 265045

Call us on 6231 1200 or 0408 265045
Or email info@workingitout.org.au to provide feedback or request a feedback form

Anyone in Tasmania who is LGBTIQ+ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer) or sexuality or gender diverse

Working It Out , Tasmania’s dedicated LGBTIQ+ support and education service is running this program with funding from the Department of Health and Federal Government COVID-19 assistance and with the support of our community partners.

As much or as little as you have available.

We will send you three short presentations accompanied by written Information Sheets on the following topics. Each one should take around 20 minutes to complete:

• LGBTIQ+ Identity and Language
• Boundaries and volunteering
• Public and Personal Safety

It is also expected that volunteers, and participants, will monitor any updates to advice and guidelines regarding infection control measures in their local area.

We will require you to apply for a volunteer card. We will pay any fees involved.

WIO will cover reasonable costs such as phone calls, fuel, hand sanitiser etc. Agreement is required beforehand.