Beyond Bricks & Bars

 

Beyond Bricks & Bars is a peer-led, community project that provides direct support to trans and gender diverse people in prison, at risk of incarceration and those returning to their communities from prison.

Everyone deserves to have their community in their corner when they’re going through the hardest period of their lives.

“Being in prison, there is next to no support for the trans and gender diverse community whilst inside. When Beyond Bricks & Bars came into my life in my time of need, it was the breath of life I needed.”
— Katie, formerly incarcerated trans woman

By supporting our trans and gender diverse community—who are in prison, or trying to stay out of prison, get back on track and rebuild their lives—we can create stronger and kinder communities for generations to come.

Our core areas of support

  • Delivering direct and holistic support to trans and gender diverse people at risk of incarceration to address and mitigate factors that result in criminalisation in order to reduce the risk of imprisonment.

    Providing proactive advocacy and referral pathways to community based supports.

    Ensuring access to appropriate and effective legal representation and working alongside lawyers to assist in the best possible outcomes for those supported.

  • Peer based social work and counselling support to address issues faced by incarcerated trans and gender diverse people.

    Support centred on structuring safety, strengthening community connections and reducing isolation while in prison.

    Building the capacity of, and advocating alongside, incarcerated trans and gender diverse people to strategically challenge and address  issues as they arise, including referrals to and working with lawyers and legal advocates.

    Developing post-release support plans to meet bail and parole criteria in order to get out of prison and be appropriately supported in their communities.

    Building relationships and referral pathways from the community into the prison to increase support options and services, including access to gender affirming health services, housing and mental health support.

  • Assisting trans and gender diverse people to reestablish life when returning to their communities focused on preventing further criminalisation and reducing the risk of re-incarceration.

    Undertaking referrals ahead of release to assist in reducing stress and worry when returning to the community, including links with housing services, trans specific health care, counselling and mental health providers.

    Providing transport upon release and assisting with accessing immediate services and need such as crisis accommodation, Centrelink, grocery shopping etc.

    Obtaining basic items that may be needed upon release such as gender affirming clothing, shoes, mobile phone and credit, food vouchers.

Contact Beyond Bricks & Bars