WayOut, based at Cobaw Community Health, is a state wide suicide prevention program that targets same sex attracted, bisexual and transgender young people in rural Victoria.
WayOut aims to raise awareness about the needs of same sex attracted and gender diverse (SSAGD) young people and the nature and effects of discrimination in regional, remote and rural communities.
Based in the Macedon Ranges Shire, WayOut's mode of operation focuses on health promotion, community capacity building and development, youth participation, leadership and design. The model involves young people forming partnerships to implement change in their local communities.
WayOut provides a range of services including:
•Support to young individuals, their families and friends.
•Providing information sessions for professionals who work with young people – including teachers and health care professionals, youth services and community organisations across the State.
•Provide Youth Mental Health First Aid Training through the Rainbow Network and locally in partnership with Live4Life.
•Facilitating a youth group in the Macedon Ranges Shire.
•Works in partnership with the Macedon Ranges Shire Youth Unit to deliver Live4Life – mental health and wellbeing initiative in secondary schools across the Macedon Ranges Shire.
•WayOut supports the OUTthere, Rural Victorian Youth Council for Sexual Diversity. This council is the first of its type in Australia. It is facilitated by rural young people and provides them with an opportunity to advocate on a range of levels regarding issues that specifically affect rural young people.