We take pride in sharing knowledge and creating a welcoming and inclusive community where there is respect for all people regardless of HIV status, sexuality, age, gender identity or physical ability.
As our reputation and the demand for comprehensive and inclusive support is growing, so as our programs and support services.
On this page, you can find out more about these services:
LGBTI+ Silver Rainbow Aged Care Training
For general enquiries, please phone: (02) 6257 2855 or email: [email protected]
care finder service
Meridian has been providing inclusive support, advocacy, and referral services, in the ACT and region for over 40 years.
During 2020, Meridian provided assistance to many people to navigate My Aged Care and other aged services and support. Based on the success of our service, we have now been funded to continue to provide care finder services to all vulnerable persons in the ACT and South Eastern NSW.
Meridian’s Aged Services Navigation Team deliver face to face care finder services, in an environment where the person feels comfortable, such as; in their home, café, park or office.
We operate the ACT, and in South Eastern NSW (SE NSW) in the local government areas listed below:
- Upper Lachlan
- Goulburn-Mulwaree
- Yass Valley
- Queanbeyan-Palarang Region
- Eurobodalla
- Bega Valley
- Snowy Monaro Region
Finding your way is our tag line meaning we assist you to navigate to the services and supports you identify.
Some things we have supported with in the past include:
- Support to navigate MAC registration and assessment (such as RAS and ACAT assessments)
- Support after assessment to connect with relevant supports in the community
- Follow up support if needs change or different services are required
Eligibility:
Meridian provides this free service to all community members across the listed regions, but has a focus on those who are especially vulnerable due to the following circumstances, but not limited to:
- living in isolation
- not having family, friends, carers or representatives who they feel comfortable to receive help from
- needing extra support with communication
- needing assistance with making decisions
- be in an unsafe situation or may end up in a crisis situation
- are hesitant to engage with aged services or other organisations due to negative past experiences
Although aged services are generally for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or older, and non-Indigenous people aged 65 years and older, people over 50 years old that are homeless or at risk of homeless are also able to access this Navigation service.
Connecting with a Navigator:
If you would like to connect to our Aged Services Navigation Team, or want to refer someone, please contact us via:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 6257 2538
LGBTI+ Silver Rainbow Aged Care Training
Our ageing population is arguably the most important transition facing LGBTIQ+ and wider communities in the coming years.
Whether you are an aged care facility or health care provider, Meridian can help you identify changes to policies and provide staff training to assist in making both your workforce and organisation truly inclusive.
This nationally funded program provides a limited number of free one-day workshops aimed at improving and strengthening LGBTIQ+ inclusive service delivery for aged care sector workers and organisations providing aged care services.
Disabili-Tea
Disabili-Tea is a peer-led, fortnightly Zoom event for LGBTIQA+ folks with disability, neurodivergence, visual impairment, chronic health and mental health conditions, and members of the d/Deaf/HoH communities. We meet for conversations and speakers suggested by the group. It is a space for LGBTIQA+ folks with disability to talk, laugh, share, celebrate, commiserate and connect.
If you feel like venturing out, join us at monthly Disabili-Tea ‘Out & About’. Activities are chosen by the group and are low-cost or free. They include things like museums and galleries, the Botanic Gardens, live music, farms, and much, much more. Friends, family, house mates, carers and support workers all very welcome to attend this social event. Please contact us to discuss accessibility and transport.
We know that the language surrounding disability and identity is not simple. You do not need to identify as ‘disabled’ or have a formal diagnosis to engage with our group. If in doubt, please reach out.
Find out more and register here.
The Roundabout Project - an alternative path to Community connection
The Roundabout Project is an exciting new pilot program run for and by the LGBTIQA+ community that aims to reduce isolation and disconnection for people with disability. Trained peer support volunteers will be matched to people with disability to access social events and activities and increase opportunities for connection with our LGBTIQA+ community. Working collaboratively with Disabili-Tea, the project will foster new relationships, encourage participation, and empower all those involved.