QHub provides co-designed, place-based services to LGBTIQA+ young people, up to age 25, and their families/carers. We provide mental health supports, social connection, and wellbeing initiatives. There are hubs in Geelong and Ballarat, and we provide outreach to the Surf Coast as well. The program strives to meet local needs by providing a range of affirming, accessible mental health and wellbeing support for local LGBTIQA+ young people. We also offer community capacity building and inclusion trainings.
All our services are free and all our staff are queer-identifying.
The hubs in central Geelong and Ballarat provide a drop-in space to access wrap-around support, social connection, a sense of belonging, positive peer and intergenerational role models, and educational events.
QHub is funded by the Victorian Government, delivered in partnership by Drummond Street Services, Cafs, and Wellways.
We acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the lands QHub operates on.
We recognise their ancient and continuing connection to the land, waters, and sky.
We pay our deep respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging.
Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land.
We acknowledge that First Nations people have their own history and understanding of queerness that predates colonisation and continues today.
Services for Young People
Individual Counselling
QHub offers support to LGBTIQA+ community members with free counselling services for anyone up to 25 years old. These sessions can be conducted either in person or online, providing flexibility to suit your needs. These sessions are client-led and address a variety of topics, including mental health challenges, gender journeys, exploration of sexuality, family and friendship dynamics, social skills development, goal setting, and building connections with other agencies to fulfill our clients’ needs. Each session typically lasts for one hour, to ensure meaningful engagement.
If you would like more information or to book in for sessions, please contact us via the Contact Us tab.
Peer Support
QHub Peer Workers are LGBTIQA+ people with their own experiences of mental health challenges. They use their personal journeys to connect with and support LGBTIQA+ young people.
The aim of Peer Work is to build genuine, meaningful relationships based on shared experiences and knowledge. These connections are about creating space for empowerment, finding meaning in experiences, exploring identity and sharing openly about any challenges being faced. By working together, they focus on what matters most to the young person. QHub Peer Workers take a flexible approach, offering support in-person, online, and over the phone. They provide one-on-one support as well as advocacy, education, and resources to support LGBTIQA+ young people in feeling seen, supported, and affirmed in their communities.
If you would like more information or to book in for sessions, please contact us via the Contact Us tab.
Social Connection
For days, times, and more information about our drop-in groups, please visit the What’s On Geelong & Surf Coast or the What’s On Ballarat tab.
Under 12 Drop-In Group
QHub run an under 12s drop-in group fortnightly for 1 hour. We have activities like slime making, jewellery making, arts and crafts, games, and more. We have a snack break in the middle with food and drink provided by QHub.
There are usually around 6-10 young people. The main space can get noisy at times depending on the number of people and the activity. The big light is off and floor lamps are used instead. Fidgets and headphones are available.
We have ‘The Closet’ which is a space set up with free clothes for young people to take, all gender bathrooms, quiet spaces, and a TV and couch set up.
At the same time there is a facilitated parent group with tea, coffee, or a cold drink where we create a space for parents to bring in questions/concerns. These can be addressed by staff or other parents in a safe and supportive environment.
High School Age Drop-In Group
This is for LGBTIQA+ young people ages 12-17 or in high school. You are welcome to arrive and leave anytime during the drop-in timeframe. Reach out if you need support to access the space. All staff are queer-identifying and gender diverse.
Snacks and activities in an affirming space, including: queer books, free clothes, jewellery making, crafts, Nintendo Switch, games, wifi, info on services, and more.
Most days, there are not structured activities planned. Young people may use any of the games, crafts, and other resources in the space. During school holidays, we offer a planned activity each week.
QHub is a great place to hang out. Attendance is usually 8-15 young people. The main space can get noisy at times depending on the number of people and the activity. There are three breakout spaces for quieter activities and lower-sensory time. The big light is off and floor lamps are used instead. Fidgets and headphones are available.
Age 18+ Drop-In Group
This is for LGBTIQA+ community members age 18+. You are welcome to arrive and leave anytime during the drop-in timeframe. Reach out if you need support to access the space. All staff are queer-identifying and gender diverse.
Snacks and activities in an affirming space, including: queer books, free clothes, jewellery making, crafts, Nintendo Switch, games, wifi, info on services, and more.
Each week, there is an activity planned. You may use any of the games, crafts, and other resources in the space.
QHub is a great place to hang out. There are three breakout spaces for quieter activities and lower-sensory time. The big light is off and floor lamps are used instead. Fidgets and headphones are available.
Out Social
Out Social is a social group for LGBTIQA+ adults over 18. The group meets every two weeks, with hangouts both at QHub and around the community, giving people the chance to connect with others who may share similar experiences. There is a mix of group chats and activities, and joining in is always optional. Wherever possible, there are different ways to participate, aiming to ensure everyone feels comfortable and included.
To register for Out Social, please send us a message via the Contact Us tab.
Services for Parents
At QHub, we know that family acceptance and support impacts hugely on young people’s sense of self. In fact, studies show that family support is the number one protective factor for LGBTIQA+ young people experiencing suicidal ideation.
For these reasons, we work within a whole of family model of care.
We work with families of young people who are LGBTIQA+ identifying, up to 25 years of age, who are at any stage of their journey.
QHub provides:
- Social/education group for parents of young people up to 12 years
- Counselling for parents/adult family members/supports
- Whole of family counselling
- Resources and education
If you would like more information or to book in for sessions, please contact us via the Contact Us tab.
Services for the Community
LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Training
QHub provides free LGBTIQA+ inclusion trainings for local organisations and schools. These capacity building workshops focus on how to best meet the needs of clients or students. Topics include inclusive language, pronouns, best practices in your setting, and more. Sessions are tailored to your needs and allow time for questions and reflection. Contact us to discuss how we can develop a training program that suits your workplace or school.
Geelong LGBTIQA+ Service Providers Network
QHub facilitates this network in Geelong. If you or your workplace provides services to LGBTIQA+ folks, please consider joining this professional network. We meet monthly at various locations around Geelong to discuss best practices and trends, learn about local services, and support each other through networking.