Community TAB and Lifeline WA announce new LGBTIQ+ initiative
Community TAB is strengthening their partnership with Lifeline WA through the launch of an initiative that will resonate with the LGBTIQ+ community – the ‘Community TAB Connecting Regional LGBTIQ+ Communities’ program.
The idea for the new program came about at the 2018 Black Diamond Gala when Lifeline WA CEO Lorna McGregor spoke about the significantly higher rates of suicide in LGBTIQ+ people.
“Suicide is the leading cause of death for Western Australians between the ages of 15 and 44, and with the WA suicide rate increasing it is a national emergency,” Ms McGregor said.
“A key priority for the WA Government is preventing suicide, specifically highlighting the importance of suicide prevention for LGBTIQ+ communities and identifying LGBTIQ+ people to be at a high risk of suicide compared to their peers.”
“The LGBTIQ+ community has a 14 times higher risk of suicide, and the suicide rates in rural and remote areas of Australia are significantly higher than the national average with very remote regions suicide rates more than double that of major capital cities.”
“The combination of social isolation, a lack of available rural and regional LGBTIQ+ specific services and communities, discrimination and social stigma, all remain barriers preventing LGBTIQ+ people from seeking help and connecting as communities.”
Community TAB has been a major sponsor to Lifeline WA since 2014, contributing financially with the aim to support primarily ‘Lights for Lifeline’ which sheds a light on suicide awareness during the festive season, and training volunteers to answer the increasing calls made to Lifeline WA each year, as well as supporting events including the annual Black Diamond Gala.
Community TAB General Manager Matthew Thomas said the realisation of the need for a program to try and support these communities was immediate.
“We as a business are conscious of supporting groups within the WA community who are in need, and upholding our corporate social responsibility,” Mr Thomas said.
“We saw that there was a gap for support in regional WA communities, as well as being focused on our inclusion and diversity strategy internally within our business, and that is where the program came to fruition in partnership with Lifeline WA.”
“We are excited to further our support of the organisation and WA Community through this new program, and hope it will be a legacy to continue supporting the LGBTIQ+ community for many years to come.”
The initial process of developing the program included Lifeline WA reaching out to LGBTIQ+ communities in WA ensuring the delivery of the program is appropriate and meaningful.
A co-design workshop took place on the 29th of June in Kalgoorlie to learn more about the experiences of those who identify as LGBTIQ+ in regional and rural WA, as well as allies, loved ones, friends and family. Findings and recommendations from the workshop will help inform the next steps of the project on the basis of community needs for LGBTIQ+ people in regional WA.
The most appropriate platform and scope for the initiative will be identified, and Lifeline WA, Community TAB and participants will work together to develop and implement the identified initiative.