An inclusive space dedicated to people from LGBTIQ+ communities living with dementia will open in St Kilda in September.
A collaboration between residential aged care provider Lifeview, Dementia Australia and the Victorian Pride Centre, the Memory Lane Café will provide a safe environment in which people can socialise while enjoying food and drinks.
An initiative led by Dementia Australia, the nationwide Memory Lane Café program aims to minimise the impact of social isolation and stigma commonly experienced by people living with dementia.
“The new Memory Lane Café – Victorian Pride Centre will provide a welcoming, relaxing and fun venue for people living with dementia, and their carers, to meet, interact and foster meaningful connections within the community,” said Dementia Australia national patron Ita Buttrose. “Creating safe and inclusive social environments is tremendously important for all people impacted by dementia.”
Dementia advocate Anne Tudor said elders in the LGBTIQ+ community living with dementia will be delighted to have a space within the Pride Centre that they can call home. “It will provide much comfort for members of our community, young and old, to know the café will be supported by kindred spirits at our Pride Centre.”
Justine Dalla Riva – chief executive officer of Victorian Pride Centre – said the establishment of the pop-up pride café recognises and highlights that there are members of the LGBTIQ+ community both living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia.
“As Australia’s first purpose-built centre for LGBTIQ+ people, we understand the power of creating spaces where people can share their lived experience and build connections in a welcoming and inclusive environment.”
She added: “We’re proud to collaborate with Dementia Australia and Lifeview on a project that addresses the barriers LGBTIQ+ individuals face when accessing mainstream spaces and bridges the gap of social isolation for those living with dementia in LGBTIQ+ communities.”
Samantha Jewell – CEO of Lifeview, a Rainbow Tick accredited provider of residential aged care – said the organisation was proud to be associated with the pride café. “We are excited this vision has come to life, and we welcome people living with dementia and their support persons to join us on this journey.”
People wishing to visit the Memory Lane Café – Victorian Pride Centre are advised to book in advance. Call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or email vic.memorylanecafe@dementia.org.au.
Main image: Visitors to the Memory Lane Café enjoy cup cakes
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