Out and About
Connecting older LGBTI+ people with community
Friendship and community connections for older LGBTI+ Victorians
Out and About is a free volunteer visiting service for older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or intersex (LGBTI+) people across Victoria. New referrals to the service 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 | ABC News
Many in the 65-plus LGBTI+ community are worried how a church-run aged care home would take care of them.
This story was made possible by ABC News
ABC's Ageless Friendships:
Series 1 Episode 2
Out and About
Clynton and Haydn develop a wonderful friendship through a unique volunteer program.
Watch here:
Series 1 Episode 2 Out and About : ABC Facebook
This story was made possible by ABC TV
"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)
ABC’s Ageless Friendships: Community Visitors Scheme
Now more than ever, the friendships forged between older Australians and their volunteer visitors is helping older Australians through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch here:
Ageless Friendships | Community Visitors Scheme ABC Facebook
This story was made possible by ABC TV
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
Watch here: LGBTI CVS Interview with Dr Jennifer Glenister 2019 - YouTube
“I feel alive again.”
Clinton, ABC life video. (Older LGBTI+ Out and About Participant)