Out and
About
program
Connecting older LGBTI+ people with community
Out and About is a free volunteer visiting service for older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or intersex (LGBTI+) people anywhere in Victoria. New referrals are always welcome.
For more info, call 1800 729 367
or email outandabout@switchboard.org.au
Out and About is a free program of Switchboard Victoria especially for older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or intersex (LGBTI+) people. We aim to reduce social isolation and loneliness through creating peer friendships and community connections. Our service can be used by LGBTI+ older people anywhere in Victoria.
Connecting our older
LGBTI+ community
Out and About facilitates friendship between LGBTI+ seniors and peer volunteer visitors. Our experienced staff match participants and volunteers based on shared interests and hobbies, and support both people to stay engaged and connected over time.
The program coordinates regular fortnightly catch ups for mutually enjoyable activities or hobbies, such as chatting over the phone, having coffee or tea at home or in a cafe, going for walks, seeing films, attending LGBTI+ community events and much more.
Out and About is funded by the Australian Government and the Victorian Government. Out & About is a specialist LGBTI+ service of the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).
For more info on becoming a participant of the Out and About program:
Call 1800 729 367 or email outandabout@switchboard.org.au
After years of discrimination, many LGBTI+ people are 'terrified' of going into aged care
This story was made possible by ABC News
ABC's Ageless Friendships: Series 1 Episode 2
Out and About
This story was made possible by ABC News
"When I was looking to do a volunteer program, I was definitely looking for some sort of fulfilling connection with somebody who was older and part of the queer community."
— Haydn, ABC Life Video (Out and About volunteer)
LGBTI+ CVS Interview with Dr Jennifer
Glenister.
Switchboard Victoria interviews Dr Jennifer Glenister, ScD, regarding her experience of the Out and About LGBTI+ Community Visitors Program
ABC’s Ageless Friendships: Community Visitors Scheme Out and About
This story was made possible by ABC News
“I feel alive again.”
— Clinton, ABC life video.
(Older LGBTI+ Out and About Participant)
How do I…
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You are welcome to access our service if you are:
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
any age living in residential aged care, OR
aged 60+ and experiencing social isolation (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people living with HIV).
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.
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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
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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.
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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
We are here to support you
Rainbow Door is a service for the LGBTIQA+ community operated by LGBTIQA+ peers.
Rainbow Door
Operating hours: every day 10am-5pm
Call: 1800 729 367
Text: 0480 017 246
Email: support@rainbowdoor.org.au
www.rainbowdoor.org.au
Q Life
Operating hours: 3pm – midnight
Call: 1800 184 527
Webchat online: www.qlife.org.au
If you are in immediate danger contact 000
Further information
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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 NSW (ACON)
Parallel service in WA (Umbrella)
Parallel service in SA (ECH / COTA)
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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
Stay up to date
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