Check-In FAQ
Our weekly check-in program helps us stay connected with youth who attended our in-person programming before COVID-19, and lets us make new connections with 2S-LGBTQIA+ youth throughout COVID-19.
What are weekly check-ins?
We know that it’s hard to reach out, so check-ins put the responsibility of reaching out on us! We message you once a week, to “check-in” with you about how you’re doing. During check-ins we can chat, listen, provide peer and emotional support, help to problem-solve around issues you’re experiencing, and connect you with other resources in the community.
How does it work?
We offer check-ins by messaging on Facebook or Instagram, or by email. If you’re getting check-ins on Facebook or Instagram, we’ll be messaging you from a specific speqtrum account created for check-ins.
Who does my check-in?
Check-ins are done by speqtrum team members. We are all 2S-LGBTQIA+ youth, who have been trained by speqtrum to provide check-ins. If you are in our QTBIPOC check-in stream, your primary check-in staff will also be a QTBIPOC youth.
What can I talk about in check-ins?
Anything! Check-ins are all about you! During check-ins you can talk about whatever feels most comfortable and helpful to you. For some, that may be issues related to sexual orientation and gender, or asking questions and exploring their identities. For some, it could mean chatting about things unrelated to being a part of the 2S-LGBTQIA+ community. We’d love to hear about what you’re getting up to each week, current favourite tv shows and music, or something that you’re finding difficult (like isolation or anxiety).
If you’re ever not sure if you can talk about something during check-ins, you’re more than welcome to ask us!
Note: speqtrum team members cannot provide crisis support or counselling through check-ins, however, we can try to find resources in the community who can offer those supports.
When do check-ins happen?
Check-ins happen during multiple time slots throughout weekday afternoons and evenings! When you sign up we’ll match you to a two-hour slot that works for you.
Am I eligible for check-ins?
Our check-in program is open to any 2S-LGBTQIA+ youth or young person in the Hamilton area. While our in-person programming was directed specifically to youth aged 17-29, check-ins are open to youth outside of that age range. If you consider yourself to be a youth, whether you’re younger or older than our previous age range, check-ins are for you!
If you are questioning your sexual/romantic orientation or gender, aren’t sure if you are considered a part of the 2S-LGBTQIA+ community, or don’t see your identity reflected in the acronym that we’re using, you are still 100% eligible for check-ins! We firmly believe in supporting ALL youth under the rainbow, and we don’t draw lines about whose identity counts, and whose does not.
How do I sign up?
Fill out the “Check-In Sign Up” form on our website! To fill out this form you must have an email (that you remember to check!) so that we can contact you after you fill out the form to follow up.
If you don’t have an email, message us on our social media asking to sign up instead!
I filled out the Check-In Sign Up form and haven’t heard back, what should I do?
Please give us 7 days to respond and check your spam folder! If you still haven’t heard from us, email info@speqtrum.ca and we’ll be happy to help.
I have more questions, how can I get answers?
We love questions! They help us improve our programs and how we communicate information about them to you.
You can direct questions to us by sending us an email at this address: info@speqtrum.ca. You can also shoot us a message on our Facebook or on our Instagram and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!