We’re here to help LGBTQ people and people with HIV reduce the harms associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs by providing a range of relevant support services.
We work with our clients in a supportive and non-judgemental way, whether their interest is to be more informed about drug use, be able to use in a safer manner or to get support to reduce or stop use.
Information
Alcohol & Drugs Basics
There are lots of myths about alcohol and drugs and how people use these substances.
The most effective way to address problematic use of alcohol and drugs is to access factual information about both legal and illegal substances and get support from friends, family and professionals.
For more information click here.
Safe Injecting
Some people in our community choose to inject drugs.
The harms associated with this practice can be reduced by taking certain precautions.
For more information click here.
Substance Use & Mental Health
The interaction between psychological wellbeing and the use of alcohol and other drugs is complex – they both have an impact on each other.
Alcohol and drug use can impact wellbeing by:
- Making existing mental illness worse
- Reducing the effectiveness of medications
- Contributing to mental distress
Pivot Point is an online resource that seeks to help LGBTQ+ people – as well as their partners, family, and friends – by improving their knowledge about the interaction between psychological wellbeing and the use of alcohol and other drugs.
Alcohol and Other Drugs Inclusive Practice Guidelines
Sexuality and gender diverse communities can face a range of specific challenges accessing safe inclusive professional support around substance use.
In collaboration with the Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA) and Central Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network, ACON has developed AOD LGBTQ Inclusive Practice Guidelines For Treatment Providers, this resource is available on Pivot Point. The aim of the resource is to assist AOD services be accessible, culturally informed and inclusive.
Services
Needle and Syringe Program
Through our Needle & Syringe Program (NSP), we provide FREE sterile injecting equipment and health promotion services to people who inject drugs. This helps reduce the transmission of blood borne viruses such HIV and hep C and other injecting-related risks.
Our NSPs provide the following:
- FREE sterile injecting equipment
- Disposal of used equipment
- Access to advice, support and relevant health information (e.g. HIV, hep C, safer practices)
- Referral to internal and external services
- Access to condoms.
Our NSPs are located at our offices in Sydney, Newcastle and Lismore.
Coronavirus update:
Due to the COVID-19 situation, ACON opening hours have been temporarily reduced. Current operating hours are:
- ACON Sydney (414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills): Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm
- ACON Hunter (129 Maitland Road, Islington): Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays | 10am – 2pm
- ACON Northern Rivers (Suite 4P Conway Court, 17 Conway Street, Lismore): Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays | 10am – 2pm
Substance Support Counselling
We provide FREE and confidential short-term counselling (up to 12 sessions) for people living with HIV and LGBTQ+ people aged 18 years and older seeking support in relation to their use of alcohol and other drugs.
We work from a harm reduction approach to assist clients to reach their goals to manage use, reduce or quit.
This service is offered face to face in Sydney. It is also available via telehealth for people living in Sydney or across regional NSW.
For more information or to undertake a brief intake assessment, please complete the Online Intake Form or contact your nearest ACON office.
This service is funded by Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network and the NSW Ministry of Health.
M3THOD: Peer-Led PnP Service
Some people refer to the combination of sex with drugs like crystal methamphetamine and GHB as chemsex or party and play (PNP), others call it wired fun or partying. Whatever you call it, if you are looking for a space to chat to someone who understands the scene from personal lived experience, M3THOD is for you.
M3THOD is a free and confidential service led by trained and non-judgemental peers. You can access this service in-person or virtually via a video call. It can help you:
- Explore your relationship with PNP
- Find out how to reduce the harms
- Learn strategies to manage your use
- Connect to services that offer additional support
Appointments are run by people who have a personal lived experience around using crystal meth and G for sex. The consultation will usually go for 45-60 minutes. One of our peers will lead you through a structured chat to work out how best they can support you. Peers are friendly, knowledgeable, and everything is strictly confidential.
You can book a M3THOD appointment here.
ACON Rovers
The ACON Rovers program has been operating since 2003. Rovers are a volunteer-based community led initiative and we promote a culture of care at sexuality and gender diverse dance parties and events. Rovers are LGBTQ+ peers and allies, and we work in teams to:
- Help patrons who require medical assistance to easily access onsite services
- Provide harm reduction services to patrons (e.g. provide water, encourage people to take breaks and cool down, provide accurate alcohol and drug information)
- Provide party information to patrons (e.g. directions, lost property, show times, DJ info)
- Help patrons easily access party basics (e.g. band aids, ear plugs, sunscreen)
- ACON Rovers are not security and are only concerned with people’s health and safety.
ACON recently surveyed community members about the Rover’s program. In this survey we found that among those familiar with the ACON Rovers, 98% agreed or strongly agreed that Rovers provide an important service at dance parties.
Book the ACON Rovers
Having the ACON Rovers on site is a great way for promoters and event organisers to support the health and wellbeing of patrons. If you are an event organiser and you are interested in having Rovers at your event, check out our information for promoters page.
Join the ACON Rovers
We’re always interested in hearing from people who would like to volunteer for our ACON Rover program. If you are interested in becoming an ACON Rover, read about what’s involved on our volunteers page.
