Second Story providing “generic” services

The new model of services for same-sex attracted youth (SSAY) with The Second Story has been labelled as ‘generic’ following the removal of the peer educator and team based structures.

Former peer educator with The Second Story, Scott Sims told blaze some groups and workers are still being provided but no separate service exists for SSAY.

“The Government had shown a major lack of understanding on what the Inside Out and Evolve projects are. Not understanding what it means as a young gay person accessing a service for the first time,” Sims said.

“Simply providing a generic worker is not enough. Once off groups are not enough. There are needs for a holistic service for SSAY.”

“This disbanding of the workers does not take into account the cultural values and significance of shared mutual support, lived experience as a SSA person in a homophobic world and working within a community setting.”

Sims added that the specific funding for SSAY projects have been integrated into the Second Story.

In a fact sheet distributed by the Second Story the organisation said they are providing services in a ‘case management’ approach to vulnerable young people between 12 and 25.

“Under our new service model, The Second Story has launched a range of tailored health services for young people who have health problems due to being socially or emotionally vulnerable,” Second Story said in the fact sheet.

“This includes health promotion groups and services for young people feeling vulnerable about their sexuality.”