The Victorian Government has released a new online guide to support Victoria’s LGBTI community better access the services they need by helping health and community services to be more inclusive.
“Rainbow e.Quality is a practical resource to help health and community services to better understand, tailor care and meet the specific health needs of the LGBTI community,” said Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy on launching the Guide. “No one should experience discrimination because of their sexuality or gender identity, especially when they are seeking care for their health and wellbeing needs.”
The guide features information about delivering inclusive services that are welcoming, safe and easy to access for the LGBTI community. It outlines standards that should be met when caring for LGBTI clients, understanding LGBTI health issues and best-practice examples of inclusive service delivery in Victoria.
The guide is a practical, accessible and easily applicable resource for health and human service providers. It will also be an important basis for future program design and development for Government and stakeholders. The Victorian Government is supporting service providers across Victoria to better respond to the needs of LGBTI clients and their families.
“Equality must be at the centre of all services. I encourage all service providers to download the guide and use it as the first step in delivering care for the LGBTI community that is more inclusive,” said Minister for Equality, Martin Foley. “Rainbow e.Quality is one of our many new initiatives to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTI individuals and their families.”
For more information, visit: www.health.vic.gov.au/rainbowequality for details.
Image: Martin Foley MP, Mary-Anne Thomas MP, Jill Hennessy MP, and Victorian Gender and Sexuality Commissioner, Rowena Allen at the Rainbow e.Quality Launch (supplied)