CHIRP Community Health has appointed a new LGBTIQA+ engagement officer to reconnect the community after a lengthy period of COVID isolation.
Sherene Clow, a long-time local of Castlemaine, hopes to reach out to both long-term residents and newcomers to the shire who have not been able to connect with others during lockdown this year.
Ms Clow has created a survey to seek input from the LGBTIQA+ community to inform and shape services at CHIRP Community Health that are in line with the organisation’s recent Rainbow Tick Accreditation.
“Through this survey I hope to see a pathway to foster community connections as we re-emerge in this post-COVID-19 environment,” she said.
“Physical health and mental health in the LGBTIQA+ community is always a major concern at any given time but after a year as challenging as 2020, it’s important to reach out to this community and ask them what they need.”
Rainbow Steps is the first project to kick off from Ms Clow’s new role, and is an LGBTIQA+ friendly walking group.
“This weekly group is more about socialising and reconnecting with like-minded people with the added bonus of a beautiful backdrop and light exercise,” Ms Clow said.
“Any age or ability is welcome.”
The weekly walking group will meet for the first time at 9.30am on Tuesday November 17 at the Tea Rooms at the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens.
CHIRP Community Health is seeking further feedback to see what other social interactions and opportunities people are after and Ms Clow encourages as many people as possible to fill out the very quick survey. Visit: www.surveymonkey.com/r/N9XKVXX
