Victorian Lesbian and Gay Carer Support Group
Victoria has had same-sex couples and single lesbians and gay men who are carers for many years, and while overall numbers of carers in the state has decreased in recent years, the numbers of lesbian and gay carers appear to be increasing.
A need for a peer support group for gay and lesbian carers has emerged. Thus the Lesbian and Gay Carer Support Group was established and met for the first time in October 2006. The group’s establishment has been supported by the Foster Care Association of Victoria (FCAV) in partnership with Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service and operates autonomously.
The group purpose is to provide support to lesbian and gay carers in a number of ways. Chiefly, the group provides an opportunity to come together in a relaxed social environment and talk about the experience of being a lesbian or gay carer. The group is also about keeping updated on new events and changes in the care system. It's also hoped that the group will assist in supporting and retaining carers, and perhaps even in recruiting new ones!
So far the group has met for dinner several times and for a Christmas BBQ. The group convenor reported the following:
"The Xmas BBQ was great. Some of the carers brought their children (foster children and their own). The kids had a lot of fun and the carers shared their picnic lunch and talked generally about fostering. I asked one of the carers from another agency why he came to the group and what he gets out of it. He said “I feel really comfortable because I don’t have to explain myself”."
For information re the new meeting/social function of the Victorian Lesbian and Gay Carer Support Group contact either:
Janet Elefsiniotis - Email j.elef@goodshepvic.org.au or
Bec Jones - Phone: 94195477, Email r.jones@goodshepvic.org.au
