Meridian is a community-controlled, peer-led organisation that provides evidence-based health and social support services. We provide quality, accessible, and culturally safe mental health support and wellbeing services for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) communities. We celebrate diversity, strengthen community, and empower individuals to live their best lives. Donors help us to support and serve the diverse communities of Canberra and its surrounding regions.

How we will use the funds

Meridian is a community-controlled, peer-led organisation that provides evidence-based health and social support services. We provide quality, accessible, and culturally safe mental health support and wellbeing services for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) communities. We celebrate diversity, strengthen community, and empower individuals to live their best lives. Donors help us to support and serve the diverse communities of Canberra and its surrounding regions.

The impact of COVID-19 heightened the demand for our services, particularly for our community members that felt vulnerable and isolated pre-pandemic. Since the pandemic, we have expanded our mental health and wellbeing services to provide for those in need. Donations will provide the opportunity to further support our community members with mental health support and wellbeing services.

We look forward to further connecting with our community as we recover from a period of isolation and disconnection. Our services continue to grow and evolve as needed, thanks to our donors and supporters like Hands Across Canberra.

Meridian (formerly the AIDS Action Council) was first established in 1983, formed by a group of gay men living in Canberra to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the ACT. Since its establishment, Meridian has evolved and works closely with the community to serve the health needs of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) communities. We ensure all gender, sex, and sexually diverse individuals, families, and communities are supported, celebrated, and empowered. Community, health, and action are the core of Meridian and how we work.