The Brisbane Times reports today that Jelly Beans, the Transgender, Genderqueer and Gender Diverse support group is in desperate need of funding to continue services.
When Jelly Beans started in 2010 it had four clients but that boomed to more than 70 this year.
At the same time, donations almost disappeared, trickling to just $1500 for 2016.
Run by Open Doors, and operating in Fortitude Valley, Jelly Beans helps almost 70 clients at present, who have been surveyed about their suicidal ideation, and other mental health problems.
Local politician Grace Grace MP has helped secure $5000 funding from Consolidate Properties to help keep the service running, but this money won’t last long. Open Doors chair Tyrone Shandiman estimates a budget of $150,000 a year is needed to run Jelly Beans with a full time social worker and on-site psychologist.
“We (Jelly Beans) will take the burden off the state and federal health system,” Mr Shandiman said.
Jelly Beans is running a funding drive you can find here:
