Freedom centre is a centre which has young people working with/for young people; sort to support those people of LGBTIQ status who share similar experiences. 

The centre aims to encourage and support young people who are LGBTIQ 

The centre is aware that people of this status can experience isolation, and therefore, seeks to increase social awareness of experiences. 

Freedom centre also provides information and support to those young people experiencing depression and poor wellbeing, due to being LBGTIQ.

The Freedom centre staff and volunteers are also young and are LBGTIQ, meaning their experiences would make a bigger differences to young people in the public compared to workers that do not share common experiences.

·         The centre has organised workshops and events which are created or decided by young people of LBGTIQ status.  

·         Most of the activities are based around young people interests regardless of their status. For example, there are computer and internet access, games, and craft activities. 

·         Zine making is another activity which Freedom Centre engages in. This is an activity based on expressions through writing. 

·         The Freedom centre has DROP IN sessions where activities and ideas take place. Times and dates are available on their website: http://www.freedom.org.au/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&view=events&layout=month&Itemid=120

·         Freedom centre approaches schools to make them aware of the issues that young LBGTIQ people face in the community. Their aim is to create a safe and secure teaching environment for schools. 

They provide the schools with guidelines and policies that support gender diversity.  

·         Freedom centre creates multiple booklets filled with information that young people can access when they realise they are LBGTIQ. 

Booklets include Simplytrans, Gender Questioning, However you wanna see me, I’m just me, OMG my friends Queer etc

·         There is an Outspace workshop which informs young LBGTIQ people about the issues faced. 

·         The centre also engages with young LBGTIQ people by going on retreats. Here, informational workshops will be held too. 

·         Qculture is a workshop which acknowledges young LBGTIQ people of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture as well as other diverse cultures. 

Also, LGBT, GLBT, GLB, LGB, GLBTI, LGBTIQQ, LGBTQIA (A is for Asexual) or LGBTI are used
(Freedom center, 2013)

 

1800 198 313

 

1800 551 800

Also offers online counselling. Go to http://www.kidshelpline.com.au/ for more.

 

13 11 14

 

Metro Ph: 08 9223 1111 (24hrs)

Country callers Ph: 1800 199 008 (24hrs)

 

1300 224636

According to the Freedom centre; mental health can be most evident in young LBGTIQ people. Young LBGTIQ people can be prone to mental health issues as it is concerned with the way we young people think of ourselves and thus, participate in society as everyone else does. 

·         LGBTIQ or being confused about your sexuality or gender doesn’t mean you have a mental illness. Feeling attracted to the same gender is as natural as being attracted to the opposite gender. Feeling confused about your gender or like your gender is not what others expect. You are not alone; there are plenty of others who feel similar feelings to what you’re feeling.

·         Everyone deserves to be treated with RESPECT by others. It is not okay for people to call you names, or tease you, or make you feel unsafe

·         It can take time to know who you are and being confused is a normal part of figuring it all out

·         It’s OK to be yourself – whoever that is

·         Trust your feelings and talk to someone you trust about them

·         Being different can be hard, but it can be more interesting and fun too!

·         Support is out there.

 

 

 

(Cooper, 2017).