Nationwide LGBT telephone counseling service OUTLine NZ is planning to expand its services to the internet starting next month, by adding a free and confidential chat service to its website. "Increasing number of people using the internet for chatting and meeting people," OUTLine's manager Lesley Belcham says. "Our counselling service will be mainly targeted at youth whose preferred communication method is through the internet, but does include anyone who wishes to chat online." The technology behind OUTLine's chat service has been donated by GayNZ.com. "Users can anonymously enter the chat room using a link on our website and can join a trained counsellor for a private one-to-one chat where they can discuss issues safely and securely," Belcham explains. Many users of online dating services such as NZDating will now have an alternative if they just want to chat to someone or ask for advice, she says. "This will mark an exciting new phase for OUTLine and will cement us as the national counselling and referral service for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and takataapui. "For too long the GLBTT community have been left out in the dark and we have joined other organizations like Youthline and Lifeline who use technology to reach people." The free 0800 OUTLINE phone service will still be available. For more information or to train become an online councilor, contact the OUTLine NZ office via email at outlinenz@clear.net.nz.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 21st October 2008 - 9:30pm