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About the organisation
Working It Out aims to
- Create environments through education, support and community development which encourage people of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations to develop to their fullest potential;
- Foster respect, understanding and acceptance of people of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations within the Tasmanian community;
- Promote and advocate for the right of individuals to express their diverse gender identities and sexual orientations without fear and discrimination;
- Facilitate and maintain ongoing and improved family relationships for young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people;
- Promote the prevention or control of behaviour that is harmful or abusive to lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex and transgender Tasmanians.
Values
WIO recognises the importance of being an 'out' organisation which is creative, flexible and innovative. We are committed to community education and social change principles. We use a collaborative approach and open and respectful communication.
Service Description and Target Groups
WIO provides services designed to meet the needs of people negotiating their sexual and/or gender identities through:
direct support
free and confidential support and information for community members, friends and family regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
out in schools
providing resources, counselling, education programs, and information sessions for staff, parents and students
out in the work place
providing support and cultural awareness training through the development and delivery of programs focusing on anti-bullying, anti-homophobia and diversity.
out in the community
Peer support programs and events, advocacy and policy development; through the WIO web site, WIO Library and resources and information.
WIO supports sector & community development through education, training & awareness-raising programs. WIO is committed to the development of partnerships with other service providers, organisations and institutions to ensure best practice care and delivery of services and programs to the GLBTI community.
The issues our service-users face are complex. As society's understanding of sexuality and gender difference increases so does the confidence of many to address issues in their Increasingly, WIO's assistance is being sought by GLBTI individuals and from their siblings, friends, parents, employers, school staff, colleagues and spouses for information and support.
Service Providers who refer people to WIO include Centrelink, Family Planning Tas., TasCAHRD, Sexual Health, Mental Health, Tasmania Police, Colony 47, Anglicare, the prison system and the youth detention centre. Support is also provided to GLBTI communities through the provision of programs to advance the understanding of GLBTI people's life experiences and the forms of discrimination still perpetrated in the community. Requests for education and training programs are also increasing as people take responsibility for safety and inclusion in their community, workplace or social group.
WIO is a state-wide service funded by Population Health through the Department of Health and Human Services. WIO is in the first year of a second three-year funding agreement and receiving approx 250,000 per year.
WIO aims to make the very best use of resources to meet the needs of our communities, to provide a quality service and be a best practice employer.
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