Australia's leading community-based organisation specialising in HIV and LGBTQ health, ACON, have released a series of new resources to support LGBTQ people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new resources provide advice related to alcohol and other drug use with a particular focus on harm reduction and COVID-19 prevention.
These resources take into account the various ways in which sexuality and gender diverse people use alcohol and other drugs, and offer advice and guidance on how best to stay safe, prevent COVID-19 transmission and seek support throughout this period of physical distancing and isolation.
“With these resources, we aim to raise further awareness of the specific risks associated with sexualised drug use, and of the strategies that can be adopted to minimise harm.” - Nicolas Parkhill, CEO of ACON
ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill explained that the new resources were developed because, “we recognise that some members of our communities may be finding the current situation challenging and overwhelming. Compounding these emotions are requirements for physical distancing and self-isolation.”
ACON COVID-19 fact sheets
The fact sheets provide practical advice from ACON on reducing harms, modifying patterns of use, and reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19:
For further resources and support for LGBTQ people visit ACON’s
Pivot Point website.
For free and confidential advice 24/7 call Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on
1800 250 015. Counsellors are available to provide counselling, information, referrals, and support. Or start a
Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor online Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5:00pm.
ADIS can also provide up-to-date information about service availability in your area during the COVID-19 pandemic.
