Dementia Australia has launched a new LGBT+ online hub in partnership with nationally recognised LGBT+ health organisation ACON and supported by the Victorian government.
The Hub is a dedicated online space for all LGBT+ people, their families, carers and communities who are impacted by dementia. It brings together information designed to support LGBT+ communities including resources and guides, community stories, advice on how to find affirming doctors and state-based LGBT+ services.
Dementia Australia Chief Executive Officer Professor Tanya Buchanan said the Hub aims to support LGBT+ people impacted by dementia looking for affirming and inclusive support and information.
“People living with dementia who are members of the LGBT+ communities can sometimes experience heightened isolation, often linked to past discrimination, stigma and fear of not being accepted or understood,” Professor Buchanan said.
“This is why we worked with ACON to create an inclusive and affirming online Hub tailored to LGBT+ communities and accessible to anyone.
“Everyone living with dementia from the LGBT+ communities deserves information and resources which recognises, respects and embraces them for who they are.”
Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate and member of the LGBT+ community Uncle Andrew Lovell said the new Hub was important in helping people always be who they are, no matter the circumstance.
“As a proud Narungga man, I know that culture, community and identity are medicine,” Uncle Andrew said.
“This new hub reminds us that LGBTQIA+ people living with dementia should never have to hide who they are.”
ACON Chief Executive Officer Michael Woodhouse said ACON was proud to have worked alongside Dementia Australia to create a resource shaped by the lived experience of LGBT+ communities.
“Partnerships like this one show what's possible when expertise in dementia care and expertise in LGBT+ inclusion come together, Mr Woodhouse said.
“We hope the Hub helps more people feel seen, supported and understood."
To celebrate the launch of the hub, Dementia Australia held a free event to bring together members of the LGBT+ community and allies at the Victorian Pride Centre. The event included an introduction to the hub and information session about dementia, followed by a Q&A.
Visit the hub at https://www.dementia.org.au/lgbt-people-and-dementia
For dementia information and support contact the National Dementia Helpline anytime on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au.
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Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 446,500 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
Media contact: Kelly Horn, Media and Communications Advisor [email protected] 0420 729 873
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
Note to Editors:
We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:
If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.
