For LGBTQIA+ Young People

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You might be scared, overwhelmed, or not sure what to do. That’s okay. You deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported, no matter what’s happening. These services are here for you. You don’t have to explain everything. You don’t even have to know exactly what to say or ask. Just reach out. Say hello. Let them walk you through it.

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QLife
Peer support and crisis support for LGBTQIA+ people of all ages
📞 1800 184 527 (3pm–midnight daily)
🌐 qlife.org.au
Free, confidential, and LGBTQIA+ affirming. You don’t have to explain everything, just reach out.

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Kardinia Health
Affirming allied health & primary care for LGBTQIA+ people in Barwon
📞 03 5221 9000
📍 Multiple clinics in Geelong region
🌐 kardiniahc.org.au
Support for mental health, general health, and allied care in a welcoming, respectful setting.

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QHub Geelong
Safe, inclusive drop-in space and support for LGBTQIA+ young people (ages 12–25)
📍 27 Lt Ryrie Street, Geelong
📞 (03) 9663 6733 (via Drummond Street Services)
🌐 qhub.org.au
Come hang out and find support. Workshops, chats, events, and people who get it. Free and confidential.

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Kids Helpline
Support for anyone aged 5–25
📞 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
🌐 kidshelpline.com.au
Talk about anything, identity, family, mental health, or just feeling stuck.

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Lifeline
Crisis support for anyone feeling overwhelmed, isolated or unsafe
📞 13 11 14 (24/7)
🌐 lifeline.org.au
You can call if you’re struggling, or even just to get through the night. You’re not alone.

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Suicide Call Back Service
24/7 support for people at risk of suicide or who are supporting someone else
📞 1300 659 467
🌐 suicidecallbackservice.org.au
You don’t have to be at breaking point and you an call for your friends too.

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headspace – Geelong, Corio, Drysdale & Colac
Mental and sexual health, alcohol/drug support, and work/study help for ages 12–25
📍 Geelong | Corio | Drysdale
📍 Colac: 15–17 Hart Street
📞 Colac: (03) 5232 5520
🌐 headspace.org.au
You can self-refer. Walk in or call. LGBTQIA+ young people are welcome with or without an appointment.

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Meli
Community support in Barwon—including mental health, housing, family violence, care
📞 03 5226 8900
🌐 meli.org.au
Support that meets you where you're at, long-term and in crisis. There are some really good humans here!

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The Orange Door
Safe support for family violence, or if home doesn’t feel safe
📍 83 Moorabool Street, Geelong
📞 1800 312 820
🌐 orangedoor.vic.gov.au
You can walk in, call, or ask someone trusted to help you make contact. If you are not sure if you or a friend are experiencing family violence, remember... Nobody should feel scared in their own home!

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Barwon Community Legal Service (BCLS)
Free legal help for young people in the Barwon region
📍 63 Thomson St, Belmont
📞 (03) 5221 4744
🌐 barwoncls.org
If you’ve had issues with police, schools, housing, fines, or discrimination—BCLS can help. You don’t need to know all the answers to ask for support.

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If You’re Dealing with Police

You can ask to speak with a Youth Liaison Officer or an LGBTIQA+ Liaison Officer.
Not every station has one on duty, but asking can increase your chance of a safer, more respectful interaction.

Try saying:
“Can I speak to the LGBTIQA+ Liaison Officer or Youth Liaison Officer, please?”

You have the right to feel safe, respected, and heard.

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First Nations-specific support

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Yarn Safe (by headspace)
Mental health support made by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people
🌐 headspace.org.au/yarn-safe
You can talk about anything—there’s no shame in getting help. Read stories, find support, and know you’re not alone.

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Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative (Geelong/Barwon region)
Local health, housing, and cultural support for Aboriginal people of all ages
📍 62 Morgan St, North Geelong
📞 (03) 5277 0044
🌐 wathaurong.org.au
Wathaurong offers care for mob—including LGBTQIA+ young people—with cultural safety and community at the centre. You can call or drop in.

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For Parents, Carers & Allies

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You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to care and you’re already doing that.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, scared, or unsure of what to do next, please take a moment to connect with these services. You can call them yourself before talking to the young person you're worried about. They’ll help you make sense of things, find calm, and respond with care. You don’t have to do this alone and it’s okay to ask for help.

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QLife (Yes, you can call too!)
Support for family, friends and allies of LGBTQIA+ people
📞 1800 184 527 (3pm–midnight daily)
💬 qlife.org.au
Ask questions, talk it through, or just get grounded before talking to your young person. No judgment. Just support.

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Parentline Victoria
📞 13 22 89 (8am–midnight, 7 days)
🌐 parentline.com.au
Counsellors can talk you through parenting challenges and emotional overwhelm. You’re not failing, you’re learning.

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headspace – Family & Friends
🌐 headspace.org.au/friends-and-family
Resources, tips, and ways to support LGBTQIA+ young people with care, patience and pride.

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ReachOut Parents
🌐 parents.au.reachout.com
Online tools, forums, and articles to support teens with mental health, identity and relationships. For parents who want to do better, not be perfect.

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Meli – Family & Community Services
📞 03 5226 8900
🌐 meli.org.au
Support for families across the Barwon region navigating parenting, home safety, mental health and change.

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The Orange Door – Barwon
Support for families experiencing (or worried about) family violence
📍 83 Moorabool Street, Geelong
📞 1800 312 820
🌐 orangedoor.vic.gov.au
You can call just to talk through options. They’re there to help, not judge.

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Suicide Call Back Service (For supporters too)
📞 1300 659 467
🌐 suicidecallbackservice.org.au
If you’re worried someone might be at risk, you can call too. They’ll help you know what to say and do.