Rainbow Wellness: Supporting LGBTTQIA+ People’s Wellbeing

This workshop will provide an introduction to the influences which shape LGBTTQIA+ people’s wellbeing and practical strategies in how to support them.

Description

Aim

This workshop will provide an introduction to the influences which shape LGBTTQIA+ people’s wellbeing and practical strategies in how to support them. Participants will learn common terminology used in Aotearoa to describe sex, sexual attraction, gender identity and gender expression and an understanding of health issues through a rainbow perspective. This workshop will also provide participants with rainbow resources and suicide prevention strategies.

Overview and Learning Intentions:

  • Learn the difference between sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics

  • Explore the health needs of rainbow people and understand what social causes can have an impact

  • Gain skills and resources to support LGBTTQIA+ people’s wellbeing

  • Explore ways to be an active ally to LGBTTQIA+ people you support

Keeping it Real | Kia Pono te Tika

1. Working alongside tāngata whaiora

4. Working within communities

5. Challenging discrimination

7. Maintaining learning and kaimahi wellbeing

Facilitated by Tasha Smith

Registered Nurse - BHSc, MN, Cert tertiary teaching 

Tasha (she/her) is a Nurse Educator with 20 years experience working in specialist mental health acute services and nursing education across New Zealand. Currently she is the lead for both Risk and Rainbow education portfolios in Canterbury. Her professional practice is underpinned by a belief that everyone is capable and deserving of a leading a life with meaning, dignity and belonging. Tasha came out as a proud queer women in 2003 and since has been an advocate for greater recognition and support for rainbow mental health. Tasha completed her Masters research on Lesbian womens’ experience of grief and loss from the death of an intimate partner in a New Zealand context. When not working Tasha enjoys pottering in her garden with her wife and greyhound.  

 

Workshop Type: Introductory | Workshop Level: Four | Catering: Refreshments provided


What Participants Have Said

“I got so much out of this - I really thought the delivery of this programme was amazing!”
 - May 2025

“There was good inclusion of all rainbow communities in each aspect of the discussion, whilst also recognising that the facilitator couldn't speak on behalf of other communities. Very clear, well thought out content with great real-world examples. Great that a few slides at the end were dedicated to resources we can access and also signpost our clients/patients to.”
 - May 2024

“Great presenter, I appreciated their vulnerability as sometimes their personal examples are very helpful eye openers. Learning about all the different rainbow services was helpful as I only knew some of them.”
 - November 2023

Terms and Conditions

  • Cancellations made up to 10 working days before a workshop will incur a $39 service fee.

  • Cancellations (or non-attendance) made 10 working days or less will not be refunded and the full workshop fee will be charged. 

  • No fee applies if you are able to find a replacement participant.

  • MHERC reserves the right to cancel a workshop at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient registrations.

  • Only one person may view a webinar session per registration.

Please read our full Terms and Conditions before registering.