Government Funding will improve and build on the skills and knowledge of staff and volunteers to deliver inclusive accessible and non-judgemental services for older LGBTQI Australians.

The Federal Labor Government will provide new funding to Aged Care and Housing (ACH) Group to improve and build the skills and knowledge of staff and volunteers to deliver inclusive accessible and non-judgemental services for older LGBTQI Australians.

This project will receive funding through the $60 million second round of the Government’s Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund, which will deliver approximately $378 million over four years.

ACH Groups Free to Be project will focus on developing four core areas within its organisation: value-based recruitment toolkit; cultural competencies training; peer mentoring to support ongoing better practice; and collaboration to ensure all older people are guaranteed the highest level of understanding and acceptance, regardless of LGBTI identification.

Federal Member for Hindmarsh Steve Georganas said “Improving acceptance and understanding of our older LGBTI Australians and raising awareness of their needs in aged care will contribute towards a healthier community in South Australia.”

Minister for Ageing Mark Butler said the funding is part of a broader national strategy aimed at ensuring the benefits of the Government’s $3.7 billion Living Longer Living Better aged care reform plan spreads to the whole community.

This builds on funding announced previously, including a review of the National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP) guidelines and ensuring the Aged Care Complaints Scheme addresses LGBTI inclusion in its public and internal materials.

The project will support the Federal Labor Government’s National LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care Strategy.