Glisten loses funding

Gay and lesbian support group in Sutherland and St George regions closes after losing funding from NSW Health

NSW Health has discontinued its funding for a gay and lesbian support and advocacy group servicing the St George and Sutherland regions, which has been running for the past 16 years.

The Glisten Project, formerly GLYSSN, suddenly discontinued its services on Wednesday, August 24.

A ‘Save Glisten’ community meeting was held last month with hopes the group could continue until October 14.

Project Officer Bryn Hutchinson could not be contacted before going to press, but he thanked the group’s supporters upon announcing its sudden closure last Tuesday.

“As such I just wish to thank all those individuals and organisations that have been a part of Glisten and have assisted, or worked with the Glisten Project over its 16-year history,” Hutchinson wrote.

A South Eastern Sydney Local Health District spokesperson confirmed Glisten is no longer funded, but added the district has numerous service available for gay and lesbian youth.

The HARP Health Promotion Unit provides funding to St George Youth Services for the ‘Keep it Safe’ education program targeting youth at risk, the spokesperson said.

“Since the inception of the Glisten program in 1995, there is now a much wider range of programs and support for same-sex attracted young people through the public health and education systems and non-government organisations including ACON and Twenty10,” the spokesperson said.