- 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.”
