Out and About
Further information on Out and About
How do I access this service?
To use our service you must be:
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual or questioning, AND
live anywhere in Victoria, AND
approved for or receiving a Home Care Package at home, OR Living in residential aged care.
Note: we previously had a limited number of additional places for people aged 60+ (50+ Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander, living with HIV or trans / gender diverse) however these places have since filled up.
You can however contact us to be put on a waiting list in case more places arise. For more information, call 1800 729 367 or email outandabout@switchboard.org.au
Other services similar to Out & About are listed below - see the Similar Services and Further Resources headings below.
How can I make a referral?
You can refer yourself, or someone else (e.g. resident, client, friend, family member).
New referrals can be made confidentially:
Over the phone (details provided above)
Download, print and return our new referral form: referring another person, or self-referral
Contact the Out and About coordinator and ask for a new referral form to be mailed to you. We provide a stamped return envelope
For more info, call 1800 729 367 or email outandabout@switchboard.org.au
How can I become a volunteer?
Out and About is currently not actively recruiting volunteers. Out and About volunteers are instead recruited individually on an as-needs basis several times throughout the year. Please register your interest in volunteering with Out and About and we will contact you if / when someone is in need of a volunteer visitor in your area (anywhere in Victoria).
More information:
Enquire about the Volunteer Position Description by emailing
Alternatively, other Victorian mainstream community visitor programs are always seeking volunteers and usually do not have a waiting list to volunteer.
To enquire about volunteering with another organisation located near you, please visit ACVVS. You will be matched with a non-LGBTI+ person at risk of social isolation and supported by a volunteer coordinator.
+ Similar services to Out and About
- Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme - information on the national ACVVS service, including frequently asked question
- Rainbow Connections by Thorne Harbour Health; a free visiting program for LGBTI+ people aged 50+ in Melbourne
- The Matrix Guild - A free volunteer visitor service for older lesbians (note: exclusive of bisexual and trans / gender diverse women)
- Koorie Pride - Resources and events for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQAS&B+ people
- Silver Rainbow - Education and training about how to meet the needs of LGBTI elders
- Many Coloured Sky - support for LGBTQI+ organisations to empower those at the margins and intersections of LGBTQI+ communities
- Drummond Street Services; - A free LGBTI+ mentoring program for all ages
- Parallel service in QLD (QC)
- Parallel service in NSW (ACON)
- Parallel service in WA (Umbrella)
- Parallel service in SA (ECH / COTA)
+ Further resources
- Out and About downloadable flyer
- Podcast celebrating the strength and passion of older LGBT women. Features interviews with three Out & About clients and current aged care service users. Created in collaboration with Lesbians Inc and Queering the Air. Produced by Meredith Butler and Thanh Hằng Phạm with music by Mx Munro
- Silver Rainbow - a project by the National LGBTI Health Alliance providing national support and coordination promoting the wellbeing of older LGBTI people
- Val’s LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care - Offers useful resources and organisational training
- Rainbows Don't Fade With Age - 3CR radio show featuring information and stories about older LGBTI+ people
- Transgender Victoria - provide training, education, and resources on LGB and trans and gender diverse issues
- Alice’s Garage - promoting healthy LGBTQI ageing
- My Aged Care - Information on how to get started with aged care services
- All the Queen’s Men - A monthly dance club for older LGBTI people in Melbourne including virtually over COVID-19
- Support for LGBTI people accessing aged care
+ Stay up to date
Get Out and About news delivered straight to your inbox. Stay up to date with program updates, further opportunities to engage and important updates from the LGBTI+ ageing and aged care sector. Click here to sign up.
Service providers: request a free information session
Out and About representatives frequently visit health services and aged care facilities to present an Information Session on how Out and About can be of service to seniors and organisations across Victoria.
This session is free of charge, briefly discusses LGBTI+ ageing, program specifics and referrals and can be tailored to your organisation’s needs. Sessions usually run between 30 minutes and one hour. Please get in contact to discuss this opportunity further.
For more info, call 1800 729 367 or email outandabout@switchboard.org.au