Just months after facing possible closure, Pride in Peel (PiP) is seemingly going from strength to strength after launching its latest project the Rainbow Wellness Space.
It is spearheaded by PiP president Rudson Barcoma and is a 10-month long event comprising several sessions tackling issues faced by the LGBTIQ+ community and allies.
The first session on October 15 focused on LGBTIQ+ sexual health and hepatitis C awareness.
Pride in Peel’s Rudson Barcoma lead the first Rainbow Wellbeing Space event alongside Jacqueline Del Bravo from Hepatitis WA. Credit: supplied
Mr Barcoma said the project aimed to address the pre and post pandemic-related effects of mental health difficulties, domestic and family violence, and other difficult issues.
“During the height of the pandemic and up until now, individuals have been coping against different stresses, whether it be personal, financial, health or even career,” he said.
“Having this wellbeing space in Peel will hopefully create a safe space for people, especially those in the LGBTIQ+ community and allies.”
With more than 10 years experience as a registered nurse, Mr Barcoma lead the first session along with Jacqueline Del Bravo from Hepatitis WA to give participants an insight into sexually transmitted infections and the local services on offer.
The session was sponsored by the City of Mandurah, Alcoa and Hepatitis Australia and was also attended by Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke, who has voiced her support for PiP’s work.
“The first session had a decent turnout of participants from different sectors of the community and it was great to see Ms Clarke attend the event,” Mr Barcoma said.
“The feedback we received showed they learnt a lot and realised the importance of sexual health in overall health and wellbeing.”
PiP has invited LGBTIQ+ individuals and allies to a family and domestic violence awareness session on November 17.