What better time than Valentines Day to sit back and ponder the big question of ‘Relationships’? Whether you’re in one, trying to find one, save one or escape one, there are services that can help you plan your next move.
A good first point of call for all types of relationship questions is the GLCS (Gay and Lesbian Community Services), who run a friendly and helpful telephone service. GLCS President, Mark Woodman, says that calls to the service vary greatly, and while most calls centre on relationships, it’s not always about boyfriend/girlfriend, intimate relationships. ‘A lot of our work is about relationships in a broader sense, such as people’s relationships with friends and family or working relationships.’ The GLCS counsellors can discuss general issues, give an independent view on a situation or they can give referrals to courses or relevant professional services for more complex issues. ‘Sometimes it helps people to get an independent view on a problem and do some brain-storming to get a new perspective,’ said Mark. You can also call GLCS for information on venues and community groups… which may be the perfect way to meet someone if you’re single.
GLCS run support groups that can help in dealing with issues such as coming out; self esteem and finding and developing healthy relationships; such as 26up, a fortnightly social group for men over 26 and Women on Women, a six-week course for women of all ages.
Contact 9420 7201 or www.glcs.org.au
Relationships Australia runs relationship education programs in the form of courses and seminars all over the Metropolitan area. Subjects range from money issues, handling conflict and parenting, to separation and being happily single. So wherever you live or whatever type of relationship problems you face, you should find something to meet your needs. While it may not be an exclusively GLBTIQ service, their courses are open to everyone and their counsellors are well informed and sympathetic. Manager of Relationship Education, Elizabeth Brennan, is very passionate about organising one of Relationship Australia’s popular weekend workshops, called ‘Together Forever’, exclusively for GLBTIQ couples – and is looking for expressions of interest. ‘If we can get enough couples involved, we may even be able to run the weekends more often,’ she said.
Contact 1300 364 277 or www.relationships.com.au
To register your interest in the GLBTIQ ‘Together Forever’ weekend workshop, contact Elizabeth Brennan on 9489 6300 or email elizabeth.brennan@wa.relationships.com.au
The WA Aids Council (WAAC) offers a wide range of services dealing with relationships. They have several workshops and peer support groups, all facilitated and moderated by trained staff. Workshops and peer support groups cover all types of relationships, from family, friends and work, so you don’t have to be in a couple to attend and topics include meeting people, developing communication skills in relationships and other issues commonly faced by GLBTIQ people. They also run one or two retreats per year and will be adding two new workshops to their services. Simon Yam says that the WAAC is structured in a very casual, open and relaxed way, so no matter what your relationship issue, you can call and be directed in the best way to suit you. ‘Most of people’s problems can usually be solved through discussion or in group environments, but if not we can refer them to our counsellors,’ he said. The WAAC has two professional counsellors who are informed and sensitive to GLBTIQ issues. Counsellor, Susan Calver says that they deal with all aspects of same sex relationships and that sometimes services can be used in conjunction. ‘I find that some of the men’s groups can really compliment counselling, like ‘Loving our Way’ which deals with relationships and ‘Talk to Me’ which is about communication.’
WAAC also runs the Freedom Centre, offering similar peer support workshops and drop-in sessions for young people, in a casual and welcoming environment.
Contact 9482 0000 or www.waaids.com and www.freedom.org.au
