Meridian provides a range of alcohol and other drug support services for our communities. We aim to reduce alcohol and drug-related harm for LGBTIQA+ communities in the ACT.
Meridian SMART Recovery [ONLINE] sessions
Meridian is now delivering Self-Management And Recovery Training (SMART) meeting groups supporting LGBTIQA+ Canberrans who would like to start a conversation around their use of drugs and alcohol.
SMART Recovery focuses on harm minimisation and reduction rather than abstinence from alcohol and other drugs. The SMART Recovery model is designed to address why we may struggle and how to foster a healthy relationship with alcohol and other drugs that aligns with your personal life goals and sense of wellbeing, be that moderation, taking a break or ending the relationship all together. SMART is a peer-led program encouraging skill-sharing, goal setting and productive discussion in a safe and inclusive environment.
We have a fabulous team of trained facilitators from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experience, ready to lead Meridian SMART Recovery sessions.
- Join us every Wednesday, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
- Meetings are held online via ZOOM
- Minimum age: 16yrs
- Cost: FREE
LGBTIQ+ [Ai] Awareness and Inclusivity AOD Training
Accessing alcohol & other drug services can be challenging for LGBTIQA+ people struggling with addiction, substance dependence or use. Lack of awareness and inclusion can often undermine an AOD provider’s capacity to provide quality, person-centred care and assistance.
LGBTIQ+[Ai] AOD Training provides a fundamental understanding of sex, gender and sexuality and the diversity of lived experience within these evolving concepts. [Please see LGBTIQ+[Ai] Foundation Training for more information.]
LGBTIQ+[Ai] AOD Training explores social, environmental and cultural experiences which may influence struggles associated with AOD for LGBTIQA+ people
Topics include:
- Minority Stress: What is Minority Stress and how does this impact LGBTIQA+ people?
- Stigma and discrimination in a healthcare setting
- Risk factors, drivers and vulnerabilities to problematic AOD use
- Understand the prevalence and origins of alcohol and other drugs in LGBTIQA+ communities.
- Identify barriers to accessing AOD services for LGBTIQA+ people
- How to improve inclusive practice for AOD providers
Get in touch with our training and education team by email or phone to find out more.
Other Support Services
Directions ACT
Direction’s focus has always been on addressing the needs of clients in a non-judgmental way and their service is available to anyone impacted by alcohol, drugs and other addictions, including those for whom abstinence is not the immediate goal.
Karralika
Karralika Programs Inc. has been operating in the ACT for 40 years, supporting adults and their families in Canberra and surrounding regions through a range of alcohol and drug programs. “We exist to provide specialist end to end drug and alcohol services to support the needs of individuals, families and communities.”
CatholicCare (Canberra & Goulburn)
CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn have been providing specialist Alcohol and Other Drug programs to the Canberra community for over 10 years. CatholicCare employ qualified Alcohol, Tobacco & other Drug workers who provide a professional, non-judgmental service following a harm minimisation approach.
Rainbow LGBTIQA+ AA Canberra
4pm Saturdays, Uniting Church, Corner of Fawkner & Farrer Streets, Braddon.
National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline –1800 250 015
A 24/7 free and confidential hotline for anyone being affected by alcohol or drugs – support includes counselling, advice and referral to local services.
Alcohol and Drug Services ACT
Canberra Health Services offers information, advice, referral, intake, assessment and support twenty-four hours a day.
Counselling Online
A free and confidential online service that provides 24/7 support to people across Australia affected by alcohol or drug use. Support includes online chat counselling, peer support forum, self-help tools and information articles.
Family Drug Help – 1300 660 068
Information, peer support and referral for family, friends and partners of people with a dependence on alcohol or other drugs.
Hello Sunday Morning
Changing Australia’s relationship with alcohol one Sunday at a time.