- New LGBTI and LGBTIQA+ Intergenerational
Program to build connection across generations, reduce loneliness and raise
awareness of ageism
- State Government has invested $80,000
- Program will connect older and younger LGBTIQA+
Western Australians to foster intergenerational conversation and understanding
The
State Government has awarded an $80,000 grant for a new program which aims to
reduce loneliness and social isolation in older LGBTI Western Australians by
fostering intergenerational connections.
The
LGBTI and LGBTIQA+ Intergenerational Program Grant will
be delivered under the State Government's An Age-Friendly WA: State Seniors
Strategy 2023-2022 Action Plan 2023-2027.
The
program aims to connect older LGBTI people at risk of loneliness and social
isolation with young LGBTIQA+ volunteers to engage in conversation and
connection.
Research
by the Australian Institute of Family Studies shows that despite increasing
social acceptance of LGBTIQA+ people in Australia, as they grow older they face
unique issues that often impact on their wellbeing, for example invisibility,
social isolation and marginalisation by service providers.
By
fostering intergenerational connections, it is hoped participants will explore
shared experiences, foster new understandings of LGBTIQA+ history and have enhanced
respect for the life journeys of all LGBTIQA+ people.
The
program is being funded by Department of Communities and administered by GLBTI
Rights in Ageing.
More
information about the program can be found at https://grai.org.au/
Comments
attributed to Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch:
"The
LGBTI and LGBTIQA+ Intergenerational Program Grant will build connection and
understanding across generations, address loneliness and raise awareness of
ageism.
"Establishing
and maintaining supportive, non-judgemental connections to community for LGBTI
older people is really important, to help ensure they maintain their mental
health and wellbeing as they age.
"Through
our 10-year WA Seniors Strategy, the Cook Government is committed to ensuring
older Western Australians feel valued, safe and empowered to lead happy and fulfilling
lives in age-friendly communities."
