Freedom Centre
Freedom Centre is here to help support Perth-based young people, families and communities to be happy, healthy and informed about diverse sexuality, gender identities, and sex – all in a safe space.
Our volunteers and staff all identify as LGBTQIA+ and are trained to provide peer-led support and information to their peers and to the community.
At Freedom Centre, we host drop-in sessions that are safe spaces to hang out, have fun, meet other young people who are LGBTQIA+ or otherwise diverse in their sex, gender or sexuality, and get peer support and information about a range of topics.
We are funded by the Mental Health Commission to prevent mental illness and promote mental health, aiming to:
- Increase community connectedness and engagement (or reduce social isolation),
- Provide relevant information about all aspects of health and wellbeing
- Encourage and support help-seeking.
We do this through peer-facilitated, informal safe social spaces, as its most empowering and accessible to young people.
We run a range of sessions and programs, including different drop-in sessions throughout the week, including:
Drop-in Sessions
Drop-in Sessions
Freedom Centre’s drop-in sessions are a fantastic opportunity for social support and connection.
LGBTIQA+ young people can come together, meet new people, talk to our peer educators, get information and referrals, and just feel safe to be themselves. All sessions run 4:00-7.30pm in person (4:00-8:00pm online).
Counselling
Counselling
Life can be challenging enough before accounting for issues around exploring and expressing our gender and sexuality. Regardless of what’s impacting you, our LGBTIQA+ counsellors are available to support you.
Our free counselling service is open to LGBTIQA+ young people aged 12 to 26 (Perth) and 12 to 25 (regional WA).
You do not have previously accessed our programs to access counselling and support.
Community Development
Community Development
Our community development work aims to support and work with the broader community to create safer, inclusive and connected communities.
Our community development team have a broad scope and is available to work alongside local agencies, organisations, community groups and individuals to increase support for LGBTIQA+ young people.
Workshops and Training
Workshops and Training
Did you know you can call on Freedom staff to come and visit your school or workplace?
Our staff can provide a range of free presentations, workshops and training for groups to learn critical information about supporting the LGBTIQA+ community.
Wellbeing Workshops
Wellbeing Workshops
In partnership with The Y and Connection and Wellbeing Australia, Freedom runs wellbeing workshops throughout the year for LGBTIQA+ young people around WA.
The wellbeing workshops focus on peer support and mental health for LGBTIQA+ young people.
Freedom State
Freedom State is WAAC’s regional LGBTIQA+ support project, delivering free support for LGBTIQA+ youth (12 – 25 years old) in Bunbury, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie.
We focus on capacity building for the LGBTIQA+ community, as well as the broader local community to create more inclusive, supportive and connected regions.
Our two main focus areas are community development and youth counselling:
Community Development
Community Development
Freedom State provides free information sessions, presentations, expo stalls and workshops with a focus on:
- Introduction to LGBTIQA+
- Working with LGBTIQA+ young people and being an ally
- Supporting trans young people
- Supporting your LGBTIQA+ young person
- Wellbeing workshops for LGBTIQA+ young people
Our education outreach is free and can be adapted to cater for different audiences, including:
- School students
- Educators
- Health professionals
- Caregivers
- Parents
- General public
We work collaboratively with local groups, community members and agencies to continue support and growth in the LGBTIQA+ space.
We also develop referral pathways to other services to ensure continuity of care for young people who may require comprehensive support.
If you are an individual or organisation/business who would like to discuss our services, please complete appropriate enquiry form below.
Counselling
Counselling
Freedom State provides free LGBTIQA+ specific support and also explore the broader issues that young people may be facing.
Our counsellors also provide referrals to relevant services where necessary.
Our counselling sessions are available face to face, by phone or through video chat.
If you would like to discuss counselling for yourself or someone else, please complete the appropriate enquiry form below.
Enquiry forms
LGBTIQA+ counselling
Find out more about LGBTIQA+ Counselling
Free counselling for LGBTIQA+ young people in Bunbury, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie is available via Zoom and phone.
Community Development
Find out more about our Community Development work