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Gender Connect Country SA
Holiday Opening Hours
Gender Connect Country SA thanks you for stopping by!
We are currently closed for the holiday period and will return on Monday 6 January for our usual 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm service.
To access support during our closing hours, please contact QLife on 1800 184 527 or connect to their webchat at https://qlife.org.au/.
If you are experiencing crisis, please contact the Mental Health Triage on 13 14 65.
Do you live in Country SA and have questions about being or supporting those who identify as trans, gender diverse or gender questioning?
SHINE SA’s Gender Connect Country SA is a FREE service that provides confidential support from peer workers with lived experience of gender diversity.
Please note this service does not provide crisis support, see crisis services at the bottom of this page.
Peer Support Services
Phone Service
08 7099 5390
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
(closed on Public Holidays)
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
WebChat
Prefer to talk online?
Our free and secure WebChat service is available:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
(closed on Public Holidays)
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Chat Now
Who can access this service?
This service is for anyone living in Country SA but will be the most beneficial for:
- People who identify as trans, gender diverse or gender questioning
- People who are supporting someone who is transgender, gender diverse or gender questioning
- Professionals and organisations who would like to learn more about working inclusively with trans, gender diverse or gender questioning community members
For you
Are you transgender, gender diverse, or gender questioning?
We can provide:
- support, advice, and understanding by Peer Support Workers with lived experience as a trans or gender diverse person
- information and resources about gender and gender affirming transition options
- information about social and community groups and other opportunities to connect with community members
- a Wellbeing Check by one of our Peer Support Workers (see Wellbeing Check)
For professionals
Do you support people who identify as trans, gender diverse or are questioning their gender?
We support professionals and organisations from a wide range of backgrounds during our Out of Hours service or via professional development opportunities.
We can tailor support to your needs,
for example if you:
- have questions regarding the needs of trans, gender diverse or gender questioning community members
- would like advice on using respectful and inclusive language
- have questions regarding gender affirming health care and referrals to other practitioners
- have questions regarding issues that impact the trans, gender diverse or gender questioning community
- would like to learn more about how you can help support those who are trans, gender diverse or gender questioning
Organise a Wellbeing Check
We are able to provide a wellbeing check for any trans, gender diverse, or gender questioning person living in rural SA.
A trans, gender diverse, or gender questioning person may request to receive a call from a peer worker to check in and see how they are doing and follow up calls may also be organised as needed during the initial conversation.
A professional or another person supporting a trans, gender diverse, or gender questioning person may request a wellbeing check with the consent of the person being called.
We will require a name, phone number, and a confirmation of consent. Gender Connect Country SA will call the client between 5pm and 6pm or during service hours.
*Please let us know if the person receiving the call does not want us to leave a voice message should they not answer.
To organise a wellbeing check fill out the following form:
Crisis Services
If you or another person are experiencing a mental health emergency:
- phone the Mental Health Triage Service: 13 14 65 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- attend your nearest hospital emergency department
- phone 000 (Police, Ambulance or Fire Service)
Alternative Non-Crisis ‘Out of Hours’ Services
If you or another person are seeking alternative ‘out of hours’ phone support services contact:
- QLife: 1800 184 527 (3pm to midnight) QLife is a counselling and referral service for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex (LGBTI)
- Lifeline: 131 114 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Kids Helpline (up to 25 years): 1800 551 800 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Feedback Forms
In order to continue to provide a quality service, we strongly encourage you to complete our feedback form. The form will take less than 5 minutes to complete.
Resources
Gender Affirming Hormone Treatments: Testosterone
Gender Affirming Hormone Treatments: Oestrogen
Creating a Group for Trans and Gender Diverse People
Self-care for Trans and Gender Diverse Individuals
Coping with Gender Dyphoria: A Quick Workbook
Being Transgender And Getting Support Easy English Guide
Resources for Health Professionals
Referral Pathways for Trans and Gender Diverse Care
Health Workers Guide to Trans and Gender Health
Information Sheets
This service is funded by Country SA Primary Health Network.
If you would like to see if you live or work within the Country SA Primary Health Network service area, please visit the Primary Health Network website here
Gender Connect Country SA Newsletter
This newsletter will provide updates and resources for those who support or identify as trans, gender diverse and gender questioning.