YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
Getting here
We are located in Southport, on the northern end of Scarborough Street. You will receive a text message after making your first appointment which has more details on how to find us.
There is a bus stop close by that is serviced by several routes. The G:Link Southport Tram Station is about a 10-minute walk away from our service.
Please be aware that there is limited parking on-site at GCCASV. Those with mobility issues will be prioritised. There is free 2-hour street parking in front of the building. There is also free 2-hour street parking on the opposite side of Scarborough Street (please use the traffic lights to cross as this road can get quite busy).
When you arrive
Outside our front door is a doorbell that you ring using the small silver button to the right of the door. One of our friendly staff will let you in as soon as they can.
When you enter the reception the staff member will ask you your first name and the name of your counsellor. It's ok if you don't remember who you are there to see, we can look you up in the diary and let you know.
After that, we will give you a tour of the downstairs area, where you will find a bathroom, coffee machine, tea making facilities, and a comfortable waiting room to sit until your counsellor comes down to get you. We have free WiFi in the building for our clients.
We have to limit the number of support people who can come in with you. If you are unsure please give us a call to have a chat about bringing people or other options.
Waiting space/Safe space
Children
It is recognised that some women attending the centre may have limited child care options and will need to bring children with them. Unfortunately, there is no child care available at the centre. There are toys and a TV in the waiting room and children are welcome to wait here during counselling sessions. However, children remain the carer’s responsibility and at times it may be necessary to interrupt counselling to attend to their needs. If your child is unwell we ask that you do not bring them to the service.
Males
Although GCCASV is a women’s centre, we appreciate that some women may wish to have a male support person accompany them to appointments. If we are notified in advance that a client wishes to be supported by a male, we can make appropriate arrangements to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety.
The first appointment
Your first appointment is a chance for you and your counsellor to meet and get to know each other. In this appointment your counsellor might ask you a few questions and get a bit more information about you and what support you might need.
The focus is really on what impact the experience of sexual violence is having on your life, not about having to share every detail about what happened to you. You don't have to talk about anything you don't want to talk about.
Depending on what your needs are you might also have a chat about additional processes such as making a police report, how you can manage other people's responses to your disclosure, safety discussions and planning, and information on court support if that's something you are considering.