Advocacy & community support
Val’s LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care provides links to information, services and support for service providers.
Please contact Val’s if you would like your information included.
LGBTI community organisations
Name | Service |
|---|---|
The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) is a centre for social research into sexuality, health and the social dimensions of human relationships. It works collaboratively and in partnership with communities, community-based organisations, government and professionals in relevant fields to produce research that advances knowledge and promotes positive change in policy, practice and people's lives. | |
Rainbow Health Australia (formerly GLHV) | Rainbow Health Australia is a program that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) health and wellbeing through research and knowledge translation, training, resources, policy advice and service accreditation through the Rainbow Tick. Previously called GLHV, Rainbow Health Australia is funded by the Victorian government and has been working for over 15 years to deliver positive change for LGBTIQ communities. RHV is located within the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University. |
The AGMC Inc aims to represent the interests of Australian GLBTIQ individual/groups from a multicultural background. It does this primarily by recognising the interests of GLBTIQ multicultural individuals/groups and raising their profile within the wider GLBTIQ and multicultural communities. : The AGMC Inc. encourages the participation and contribution of GLBTIQ from a Multicultural background within GLBTIQ and multicultural communities. It aims to promote, enable and disseminate knowledge on issues relevant to GLBTIQ multicultural individuals/groups through discussion, research, publishing and other means. In addition the AGMC Inc. encourages and supports the formation and growth of GLBTIQ multicultural groups. | |
| Bisexual Alliance Victoria | Bisexual Alliance Victoria Inc. is a non-profit volunteer-run organisation dedicated to promoting the acceptance of bisexuals* in LGBTI and mainstream society, providing a fun, safe space where bisexuals can meet, make friends, and talk about their experiences, and informing the bisexual community about relevant news and opportunities for activism. |
Intersex Human Rights Australia Ltd is an independent support, education and policy development organisation, by and for people with intersex variations or traits. Our work focuses on human rights, bodily autonomy and self-determination, and on evidence-based, patient-directed healthcare. Until March 2018, IHRA was known as OII Australia (Organisation Intersex International Australia). | |
| Intersex Peer Support Australia | Intersex Peer Support Australia is an intersex peer support, information and advocacy group for people born with variations in sex characteristics and their families. We tackle stigma and misconception surrounding intersex through education, and advocate on issues affecting the wider intersex community. We work towards improving affirmative healthcare, fostering intersex pride, strengthening our community and deepening social culture. IPSA is a peer-led, not-for-profit intersex organisation and a registered health promotion charity. |
Living Positive Victoria is a not for profit, community based organisation representing all people living with HIV in Victoria since 1988 and is committed to the advancement of human rights and wellbeing of all people living with HIV. | |
Matrix Guild Victoria Inc. was founded in 1992 by a group of lesbian feminists for the benefit of lesbians over forty years of age . Matrix Guild promote appropriate care and support for older lesbians. We challenge ageism and oppose discrimination. We provide some accommodation in Victoria for older lesbians who are financially disadvantaged. | |
Melbourne Bisexual Network (MBN) is made up of mental health and advocacy professionals working to improve and promote bisexual+ inclusivity in LGBTQIA+ programs and services. MBN is committed to raise awareness of the unique health and wellbeing issues facing bisexual+ people, and to collectively determine strategies to improving the health, wellbeing and development of bisexual+ people in three areas of service delivery: Education, Community, and Therapeutic Services | |
The National LGBTI Health Alliance is the national peak health organisation in Australia for organisations and individuals that provide health-related programs, services and research focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people (LGBTI) and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse people and communities. The Alliance recognise that people’s genders, bodies, relationships, and sexualities affect their health and wellbeing in every domain of their life. | |
Thorne Harbour Health (Formerly | Thorne Harbour Health was formed in 1983 (initially as the Victorian AIDS Action Committee and later the Victorian AIDS Council) as a central part of the Victorian community response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Thorne Harbour Health provides a range of services which include prevention education, treatment and care of PLHIV and counselling services. THH also works to serve the health needs of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) communities to ensure all gender, sex, and sexually diverse individuals are treated with dignity and can participate fully in society. |
Switchboard Victoria Inc is a community based not for profit organisation that provides a peer based, volunteer run support service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI)people and their friends, families and allies. Switchboard is the Victorian partner in the national telephone and web counselling, information and referral service Qlife. This service is for LGBTQI identifying people and those who have questions, concerns about LGBTQI issues, this includes families, friends, teachers and co workers of LGBTQI people. Switchboard runs the social support service for older LGBTQI Victorians called Out & About. This is in partnership with the National Community Visitors Scheme. They also have a growing range of services available to support LGBTQI people. | |
Transgender Victoria (TGV) was founded in the late 1990s to achieve justice, equity and quality health and community service provision for trans and gender diverse (TGD) people, their partners, families and friends. TGV educates organisations and workplaces on how to provide better services for TGD people, and seeks ways to provide direct services to the TGD community, whether in partnership with others or independently. | |
| The Victorian Equality Branch | The Equality Branch champions diversity and inclusion through developing whole-of-government policy and programs to support LGBTIQ communities. It assists with building networks of LGBTIQ people and organisations including those across rural and regional Victoria. |
| Victorian Pride Centre | The Victorian Pride Centre is a unique initiative that celebrates, bolsters and protects equality, diversity and inclusion. When the centre opens it will showcase Victoria’s diversity and will be home to practical and supportive services for the LGBTI community. Currently the centre website provides information and links to services, supports and events. |
Organisations supporting LGBTI ageing and aged care
| Name | Service |
|---|---|
The My Aged Care website has been established by the Australian Government to help people navigate the aged care system. My Aged Care is part of the Australian Government’s changes to the aged care system which have been designed to give people more choice, more control and easier access to a full range of aged care services. | |
Carers Victoria is the statewide voice for family carers, representing and providing support to carers in Victoria. Carers Victoria are Rainbow Tick accredited. | |
COTA represents older Australians in all their diversity and provide a range of services and advocacy for older Victorians | |
Matrix Guild has a free visiting service where lesbian volunteers meet with isolated older lesbians in their homes or residential aged care. Visits might also include outings to cafes, shops and other social activities. | |
All the Queens Men host a range of social events including the LGBTI Elders Dance Club (during COVID restrictions – Digital Dance Club). The program is available to LGBTI people and elders in particular, as well as allies and friends. | |
| Living Positive Victoria | The Senior Voices Project addresses the challenging issues of HIV and ageing. The project educates aged care providers and their staff on the needs of senior people living with HIV and strengthens the resilience of senior people living with HIV. The project has a team of committed and passionate HIV positive speakers (50 years and older) from across the Victorian community. The speakers are professionally trained and are highly articulate. Through their narratives they break down stereotypes, challenge the myths that still surround HIV and ensure the inclusion and increase the visibility of older people living with HIV. |
Out & About Community Visitors Scheme (Switchboard Victoria) | Out & About is a free service for older people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex (LGBTI). As part of the National Community Visitors Scheme, our peer volunteers make regular visits to people who are receiving Home Care Packages or living in government funded residential aged care. We aim to build community connections and reduce isolation by chatting over a cuppa, watching a movie, participating in a hobby, game or any other enjoyable social activity. |
There are many organisations providing support and care to older people who have Rainbow Tick accreditation. The Rainbow Tick Accreditation supports organisations to understand and implement LGBTI safe and inclusive service delivery and provides national recognition for those that meet the Rainbow Tick Standards. It is a voluntary program and aims to assist organisations to move from LGBTI-friendly to LGBTI-inclusive while reassuring LGBTI consumers and staff that an organisation is aware of, is responsive to and is understanding of their needs and cultural safety. | |
Rainbow Connection is aimed at reducing social isolation among older members of the LGBTI community. Program volunteers can help in many ways, including visits to client homes, meal preparation, outings to see a movie or to have a coffee and a chat. Any person in the LGBTI community may apply for support from Rainbow Connection, whether they are living in their own home or in residential aged care. | |
Silver Rainbow is the National LGBTI Health Alliance project dedicated to LGBTI inclusive ageing and aged care in Australia. |
For consumers
| Name | Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Access to aged care support services – at home or residential aged care - My Aged Care | My Aged Care is the “gateway” to both community aged care supports and services (in your home and/or in the community) as well as residential aged care. Contact My Aged Care to organise an assessment to determine your needs and access to the services and supports to best meet your needs. All aged care services – in home and residential aged care are required to provide safe, responsive and inclusive care to older LGBTI people. | ||
Alice’s Garage is a program that focuses on empowering LGBTI elders and promoting healthy LGBTI Ageing | |||
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex elders and their allies are invited to attend this social event, learn new dances, enjoy delicious catering and drinks, and interact with other LGBTI elders and allies. No dance experience needed. All are welcome. Wheelchair accessible. | |||
Carers Victoria is the statewide voice for family carers, representing and providing support to carers in Victoria. Carers Victoria are Rainbow Tick accredited. | |||
COTA represents older Australians in all their diversity and provide a range of services and advocacy for older Victorians | |||
COVID information for older people - staying safe and well - (DHHS) | A range if information and resources are available for older people, their families, friends and carers | ||
Elder Rights Advocacy (ERA) is a Victorian non-profit organisation established in 1990 as Residential Care Rights. We provide information, advocacy and community education regarding all form of aged care, home-based and residential. ERA listen and support older people and their families and advocate for solutions that best respond to circumstances. Sometimes this might involve advocating to an aged care service and challenging them to provide better care. Visit their website or call 1800 700 600 or (03) 9602 3066. | |||
| Housing for the Aged Action Group | Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) is the only Australian organisation specialising in the housing needs of older people. Established over 30 years ago, HAAG today has over 400 members. Its vision is a society where older people have secure, safe and affordable housing. HAAG works with older people through community activism, services provision and advocacy to achieve social change and housing justice. HAAG is currently aiming working towards to achieving Rainbow Tick accreditation. HAAG also provides assistance to older people with information and access to aged care services through the Aged Care Navigator Trail. Older LGBTI people can contact HAAG for assistance interacting with My Aged Care, assessment and referral pathways. | ||
Matrix Guild has a free visiting service where lesbian volunteers meet with isolated older lesbians in their homes or residential aged care. Visits might also include outings to cafes, shops and other social activities. | |||
All the Queens Men host a range of social events including the LGBTI Elders Dance Club (during COVID restrictions – Digital Dance Club). The program is available to LGBTI people and elders in particular, as well as allies and friends. | |||
| Living Positive Victoria | The Senior Voices Project addresses the challenging issues of HIV and ageing. The project educates aged care providers and their staff on the needs of senior people living with HIV and strengthens the resilience of senior people living with HIV. The project has a team of committed and passionate HIV positive speakers (50 years and older) from across the Victorian community. The speakers are professionally trained and are highly articulate. Through their narratives they break down stereotypes, challenge the myths that still surround HIV and ensure the inclusion and increase the visibility of older people living with HIV. | ||
| Office of the Public Advocate | The Victorian Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) provides services to protect and promote the rights, interests and dignity of people with disability (specifically intellectual impairment, mental disorder, brain injury or dementia) living in Victoria. These services include guardianship, advice, education, information, research, advocacy and support. | ||
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is a free, independent and confidential services that supports older people and their representatives to raise and address issues relating to accessing and interacting with Commonwealth funded aged care services. OPAN works to ensure older people understand and exercise their rights and participate in the decisions affecting their care. OPAN Network achieves this through the delivery of individual advocacy support, information and consumer and service provider education. | |||
Out & About Community Visitors Scheme (Switchboard Victoria) | Out & About is a free service for older people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex (LGBTI). As part of the National Community Visitors Scheme, our peer volunteers make regular visits to people who are receiving Home Care Packages or living in government funded residential aged care. We aim to build community connections and reduce isolation by chatting over a cuppa, watching a movie, participating in a hobby, game or any other enjoyable social activity. | ||
There are many organisations providing support and care to older people who have Rainbow Tick accreditation. The Rainbow Tick Accreditation supports organisations to understand and implement LGBTI safe and inclusive service delivery and provides national recognition for those that meet the Rainbow Tick Standards. It is a voluntary program and aims to assist organisations to move from LGBTI-friendly to LGBTI-inclusive while reassuring LGBTI consumers and staff that an organisation is aware of, is responsive to and is understanding of their needs and cultural safety. | |||
Rainbow Connection is aimed at reducing social isolation among older members of the LGBTI community. Program volunteers can help in many ways, including visits to client homes, meal preparation, outings to see a movie or to have a coffee and a chat. Any person in the LGBTI community may apply for support from Rainbow Connection, whether they are living in their own home or in residential aged care. | |||
A range social support information is provided through Seniors Online – Social Support Hub including supports and activities for older LGBTI people. | |||
The Victorian Pride Centre is a unique initiative that celebrates, bolsters and protects equality, diversity and inclusion. When the centre opens it will showcase Victoria’s diversity and will be home to practical and supportive services for the LGBTI community. Currently the centre website provides information and links to services, supports and events. | |||
Other helpful links
| Name | Service |
|---|---|
JOY 94.9 is an independent voice for the diverse LGBTIQ communities, and is listened to by 341,000 people in Melbourne and more online. Access podcasts and blogs and listen online to award-winning music and talk, news and current affairs, and arts and cultural programs. The station provides over 450 free community service announcements for organisations that serve and support our communities. The station is fuelled by the dedication of over 200 volunteers and a handful of paid core staff. JOY 94.9 is proudly self-funded through on-air sponsorship and. most importantly, membership. |
To contact Val's you can either email us directly or call (03) 94798740