WIOT is a buddy program that matches LGBTIQA+ participants and volunteers on a one-to-one basis. Participants are those seeking support, who could do with a hand, and volunteers are those who feel able to provide support, those who have a spare hand.   

Support can include any of the following activities:   

• In-person, online, or phone chats   

• Meeting for coffee   

• Going for walks or to public spaces together (e.g. going to a museum or the cinema)  

• Attending public social events together   

• Other activities as negotiated by participants and volunteers in consultation with the WIOT Project Officer  

You may benefit from the project as a participant if you are an LGBTIQA+ person over the age of 18 living anywhere in Tasmania who feels isolated or would like support in reaching out to your community.   

You may be a perfect fit to volunteer if you are an LGBTIQA+ person over the age of 18 living anywhere in Tasmania who wants to help other people connect with their community.  

Our participants have noted the following benefits from being involved in the program:  

• Meeting new people and feeling more connected to the LGBTIQA+ community  

• Having someone to talk to or ask questions about LGBTIQA+ events and identities  

• Feeling less alone and more involved in the LGBTIQA+ community  

• Improved confidence in going out in public and having a positive reason to leave the house  

• Having someone to go to events with  

Volunteers have noted the following benefits from being involved in the program:  

• Meeting new people and feeling more connected to the LGBTIQA+ community  

• Learning new skills and having the opportunity to attend training  

• Helping people engage in the LGBTIQA+ community and feel a sense of belonging  

• Having volunteer and community work to put on a resume and someone to ask for a reference  

• Making friends and getting to know new places  

• Sharing knowledge and experience that can help others  

While this program is aimed to match people up for positive connection, there are of course always challenges. These can include:  

Having to wait to be matched   

WIOT is a small program run by a single part-time Project Officer, which means that at times there is more demand than supply. As well as this, the personal and social element of WIOT means that at times there will not be a match that meets everyone’s needs. Every effort is made to maintain open communication throughout the process, but we understand that wait times can be frustrating.   

Being matched with someone you don’t get along with  

It is very normal for two people to be matched through WIOT and simply not get along for any number of reasons. When this happens, volunteers and participants are asked to discuss the mismatch with the Project Officer to understand why a match didn’t work, if there is anything that can be done to make it easier, or if a new match is required. At any time if you want to be rematched you can request to do so without question. We ask for details to try to avoid similar situations in future, but it is by no means necessary if you feel uncomfortable disclosing.  

Do I need to be publicly out as LGBTIQA+ to volunteer/participate?  

No! Information about your identity is only collected to ensure you’re part of the community we want to help and in case you have a preference for being matched with someone of a similar identity. We will not share your identity with anyone without first asking your permission and neither will our volunteers or participants. If you have concerns about telling anyone about your identity, you are welcome to put a broad identity marker into those fields of the sign-up form (such as LGBTIQA+ or questioning).  

WIOT is designed to work around your availability! If you’re only available for a couple of hours a month, we’d love to have you, or if you’re available every weekend, we’d also love to have you! Part of the process of being matched is lining up your availability with a participant’s and working out if your schedules will align!  

You will have to complete a small amount of training before you’re able to volunteer which should take approximately one hour. However, it is self-directed and can be done at your own pace and around your availability.  

Yes! You will require a RWVP before you can be matched with a participant. If you don’t currently have one of these, don’t worry, we will reimburse you for the cost of a volunteer RWVP and can assist you with application process if required! You will be provided with the link on sign up or you can get a head start on your application here.  

f you have feedback or suggestions you can contact the WIOT Project Officer, Ceilidh, at WIOT@workingitout.org.au or 0478 361 551.  

If you would rather provide your feedback anonymously, you can fill out Working It Out’s feedback form here

WIOT was initially established to help us connect during the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. It was designed to bring community together to support one another during a period of unprecedented isolation. However, the response highlighted that it wasn’t just physical restrictions that were creating a sense of loneliness; there was a need for an ongoing program of support to foster connection between LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians. WIOT’s structure continues to evolve to meet the needs of our community.