Mission Statement:
Rainbow Support Service is committed to enhance the quality of life of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning individuals, their family and friends through the provision of information, consultation and psycho-social welfare services through an approach that considers an LGBTI identity as equally valid. Core Value:
The service embraces an LGBTI affirmative
approach which values homosexuality, bisexuality, heterosexuality as well as transgender and intersex identities equally as natural and normal attributes. LGBTI affirmative practitioners are those whose beliefs and values appreciate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex identities as valid and rich orientations and identities in their own right, and who perceive homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, not diverse sexualities and gender identities, as pathological. Aims of Service:
Rainbow Support Service aims to:
• Provide an intake social work service whereby service users can obtain information and support on LGBTIQ issues;
• Provide one-to-one social work sessions and interventions, as well as group support sessions, to LGBTIQ individuals, their families and friends to safeguard and promote their well-being;
• Promote the development of self-help within the LGBTIQ community;
• Provide one-to-one therapeutic sessions to LGBTIQ individuals, and their families to safeguard and promote their well-being;
• Provide a drop-in service for LGBTIQ young people in collaboration with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ;
• Provide training and consultation sessions to professionals on gay affirmative practice and LGBTIQ issues;
• Assist in the promotion of positive public awareness on LGBTIQ issues;
• Provide legal advice where required as well as training on LGBTI and the law. Social Work Service:
This service aims to provide support and information to individuals and families who seek the help of the service for a number of reasons, such as issues in coming out, intra-personal struggles, inter-personal relationships, and issues in education and employment. This service aims to offer a constant and consistent social work support service with the aim to outreach to service users who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex and Questioning (LGBTIQ). This service includes a drop-in social work service which is open on Tuesdays between 18:00 and 20:00 at the Youth Hub, Agenzija Zghazagh, St Joseph High Road, St Venera. The social work service also includes the possibility of holding support sessions with the social worker by appointment. The social workers may be contacted on 79430006 / [email protected]. This service will be provided by qualified and warranted social workers who have received training and are knowledgeable on LGBTIQ issues. Consultancy Service:
The Rainbow Support Service includes a consultation service with other professionals working with LGBTIQ service users from other agencies and service in Malta and Gozo. Some information giving sessions may be addressed to other professionals who request the exchange of knowledge on LGBTIQ issues with the aim to facilitate and empower other professionals in their work with this client group. Youth Drop-In:
This service is facilitated by the Rainbow Support Staff and is hosted at Youth Hub, Agenzija Zghazagh, St Joseph High Road, St Venera. The drop-in service is open once a week every Tuesdays between 17:00 and 19:00. It aims to provide a safe meeting place where LGBTIQ youth come together to meet their peers, talk over common concerns, build friendships and seek support if required. The Youth Drop-in caters for young people aged 15 to 25. The Rainbow Support Service is funded by the NGO Fund, Malta and supported by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ. The Rainbow Support Service is a free service.
