Support Options

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If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services on ‘000’.
Alternatively, to talk to someone now, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

 

ACON offers a range of free and/or low-cost support services, including trauma-informed counselling, care coordination, peer work support & group support options.

We deliver services in via telehealth across NSW and in person at our Sydney, Newcastle and Lismore offices

Eligibility: 

  • Over 18 years of age (Under 18? Please contact Twenty10)
  • Living in NSW
  • LGBTQ+ and/or questioning
  • Living with HIV (as well as family, carers, partners, and friends of someone living with HIV)

We Provide Support for People: 

  • Living with or at risk of HIV as well as their family, carers, partners, and friends
  • At risk of suicide or following a suicide attempt
  • Experiencing sexual, domestic or family violence
  • Who are questioning or wanting to discuss their sexuality
  • Who are trans or gender diverse
  • People who want to manage, reduce, or stop their use of alcohol or other drugs, and the people who support them – such as family members, carers, partners, and friends.

How To Access Our Support Services: 

What To Expect: 

  • Once the enquiry form is submitted, an ACON worker will be in contact within 1-5 business days
  • An intake appointment will be booked, which takes approximately 20 minutes either over the phone or in person at one of our offices
  • During the intake appointment, the ACON worker will ask questions about your mental and physical health and discuss support options

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Counselling

Our Counselling provides a safe space to explore mental health, relationships, identity, sexuality, and life challenges, with a strong understanding of the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ communities. Support is trauma-informed, focused on empowering individuals to navigate change, build resilience, and strengthen wellbeing.

  • Up to 12 x 50-minute sessions
  • Counselling can be accessed anywhere in NSW via phone/telehealth or at one of ACON’s office in Sydney, Newcastle and Lismore

Peer Work

Peer work is a form of support provided with people drawing on their own lived experience Peer workers walk alongside you, offering understanding, hope and connection through shared experience.

  • Support is usually provided for up to three months
  • Peer Work can be accessed via telehealth anywhere in NSW, or face to face at our offices in Sydney, Newcastle or Lismore

ACON peer workers offer support through: 

  • Drawing on their lived experience of suicide, service use, substance use and/or trans and gender diverse identities
  • Delivering relational role modelling, emotional support, advocacy, harm reduction approaches, and support with system navigation
  • Connection to community and relevant services, building meaning, solidarity, trust and hope through genuine relationships

Care Coordination

Our care coordination service is practical, down-to-earth support focused on what matters most in your life. We help you find your way through services and get the support that’s right for you.

We can help you to:

  • Find and access services like housing, Centrelink, legal support, NDIS, financial services and/or healthcare
  • Feel more connected by linking you with the right supports and community
  • Get support if you’re experiencing sexual, domestic or family violence
  • Connect with HIV and sexual health services
  • Look after your mental health and general wellbeing

Our care coordination model is:

  • 3-6 months
  • Goal focused

We’ll work alongside you to set goals, explore your options, and take the next steps.

Group Work and Workshops

ACON offers group programs & workshops that provide a safe, inclusive space to build skills & connect with others.

Groups may help you:

  • Learn new skills for wellbeing and relationships
  • Connect with others who have had similar experiences, &
  • Explore topics like identity, recovery, and substance use.

Groups are run by trained staff or peers, and may be educational, support-based or therapeutic. Programs usually run over several weeks and are offers online or in person.

For more information or to register your interest – click here.

Resources

Here are some resources we would like to share with you:

Downloadable:

Websites:

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