Education

Celebrate Ageing has delivered workshops in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. This is education with a difference. It recognises that after traditional PowerPoint training, participants often feel inspired but unsure how to apply what they've learned. Our approach seeks to addresses this gap by focusing on practical resources for action, change or improvement. This approach is well received by participants. See feedback below.

​This is an informative and interactive course with excellent educational resources to bring back to the work place. It has already helped me to open up the conversation on the sometimes taboo topic of the importance of setting clear sexual boundaries in home care services, and the need for comprehensive guidelines and policies to protect both staff and clients. It was interesting to discuss true examples at the workshop and surprisingly then to hear friends and colleagues accounts post workshop. This is a relevant and prevalent topic in our somewhat ageist society where perhaps we feel old age and sexual expression do not co exist. Thank you Catherine for creating this course, I am looking forward to continuing this conversation and facilitating an education session at my place of work.​

I had the pleasure to attend a ... workshop in Melbourne recently with Dr Catherine Barrett. Catherine’s warm, intelligent and conversational presentation style enabled the group to be open and creative in their thinking. Discussions were hearty, and covered all manner of issues around ageism and ways to combat it. Excellent day – I came away smiling, having made new friends and with a renewed optimism about my own ageing​

[The best things about the workshop was] collaborative discussion and education, sharing knowledge. Creative strategies and ideas that are practical and applicable across multiple service streams within my organisation. Appreciate the opportunity to personalise training experiences – elicited additional insights. Loved the hands on activities​.

2019 Calendar

Please see information below about our new workshops for 2019. For more information contact us using the details below. The registration details for each event are listed after each event, or you can go to our EventBrite page by clicking the link here. Download the pdf Calendar here, and click on individual pdf flyers below:

• ​19th March: Trans & Gender Diverse people living with dementia: gender rights & gender erasure (pdf flyer)
• 26th March: Innovative approaches to building respect for older people (pdf flyer)
• 21st March: Professional sexual boundaries in home services (pdf flyer)
• ​28th March: LGBTI Elder abuse and discrimination​​ (pdf flyer)
• 11th April: LGBTI inclusive services for people living with dementia (pdf flyer)
• 7th May: Cultural safety - the heart of LGBTI inclusive services (pdf flyer). ​

Trans and gender diverse people living with dementia:
Gender rights and gender erasure

Date: 19th March 2019
Time: 1.00-4.00pm
Location: Multipurpose Room2. Kathleen Syme Library, 251 Faraday St Carlton.
 
Workshop outline
There is an unhelpful myth that all Trans and Gender Diverse (TGD) people who are diagnosed with dementia ‘revert’ to gender assigned at birth. In reality, dementia related brain pathology is not the most significant barrier to gender expression for TGD people with dementia. It is the transphobic attitudes of family members and service providers that provides the greatest obstacle to TGD people with dementia asserting their gender rights. This workshop unpacks gender erasure (prohibiting gender expression) for TGD people living with dementia to refocus our priorities on how service providers can support TGD people living with dementia. To do this the workshop outlines:

1. What gender expression means to TGD Elders
2. The limitations of a ‘pass-fail’ view of gender transition for people in middle/mature age
3. The impacts of changes in gender expectations and roles in families
4. TGD Elder’s fears of services and dementia
5. The importance of recognising and calling out gender shaming and erasure
6. A comparison of the impacts of dementia pathology - and the attitudes of families and services on gender expression
7. The rights of TGD people with dementia to gender expression.

 
The workshop utilises case studies from the research to outline the rights of TGD people and the responsibilities of service providers to protect these rights. This workshop is essential for anyone providing services to people living with dementia and those working in advocacy services.
 
Facilitator & presenters 

• Dr Catherine Barrett was Chief Investigator on a number of qualitative research projects documenting LGBTI people’s experiences of dementia and TGD people’s experiences of ageing and aged care. Catherine is Director of the Celebrate Ageing Program, Director of Alice’s Garage, Curator of the Museum of Love and has published numerous resources challenging the myth that LGBTI people with dementia ‘become straight’ or ‘revert’ to gender assigned at birth
• Toni Paynter and Kathy Mansfield are TGD Elders and Educators.

Registration: $191.66 inclusive of afternoon tea - through Eventbrite here (limited to 30)​
More info: email: director@celebrateageing.com or phone Catherine: 0429 582 237

Innovative approaches to building respect for older people

Date: 26 March 2019
Time: 12.30 - 4.30pm
Location: Multipurpose Room2. Kathleen Syme Library, 251 Faraday St Carlton.
 
Workshop outline
The focus on Age Friendly Communities, Positive Ageing, Elder Abuse and the Royal Commission into Aged Care has thrown a spotlight on the need to build respect for older people. Underpinning the lack of respect for older people – is ageism. Addressing ageism is complex; because it is so culturally embedded and pervasive many people can’t see it. But we must call out ageism – because we can’t be free from what we can’t yet see.
 
This workshop begins by outlining the critical importance of addressing ageism in order to build respect for older people. We then present a suite of innovations to achieve this goal – and provide participants with an Innovations Kit, including a Guide to Challenging Ageism and opportunities for partnerships on addressing ageism. The workshop covers:

1. A tool for identifying ageism and how pervasive it is
2. Internalised ageism as a barrier to social connection and positive ageing
3. The links between ageism and respect for older people (and Elder Abuse)
4. A suite of innovations for challenging ageism and building respect for older people
5. Approaches to change that engage older people and build social connection.

 
This workshop is for everyone who is passionate about building respect for older people. It is particularly structured for Councils, services and community groups. New opportunities to collaborate on eight Celebrate Ageing innovations that engage community in ways that build social connection and respect, will be presented. 
 
Presenters

• Dr Catherine Barrett has been working with older people for over 30 years. In 2016 she established the Celebrate Ageing Program, a Social Enterprise challenging ageism and building respect for older people. Initiatives in the Celebrate Ageing include: Projecting Beauty (catwalk against ageism); The Elder Leadership Academy (Fellowships for older people to co-lead social change); The Museum of Love (celebrating Love in the lives of people with dementia); Alice’s Garage (empowering LGBTI Elders), The OPAL Institute (promoting sexual rights of older people); Embolden (an annual Festival challenging ageism and building respect).
• Maria Berry has carried her passion for improving care and treatment of older people on a professional and community level for over 30yrs as a nurse, an advocate and a daughter. In her current role as a Health Consumer Representative she has been involved with many organisations at a regional, national and international level. She is a Nationally recognised spokesperson on respect for older people and preventing Elder Abuse. Maria is the Education Co-Coordinator for the Celebrate Ageing Program.
• Gerard Mansour, Commissioner for Senior Victorians and Ambassador for Elder Abuse Prevention. Gerard Mansour is a highly respected and passionate advocate for the needs of older people, with over 30 years of leadership experience within the aged and wider community services sectors. As Commissioner for Senior Victorians, Mr Mansour provides advice to the Victorian Government on issues relevant to senior Victorians, such as the ability to live healthy, dignified and productive lives, and social engagement and empowerment. Mr Mansour’s role as Ambassador for Elder Abuse Prevention is focussed on giving older victims of family violence a voice and raising community awareness of elder abuse so older people, their carers and family members are aware of the rights of senior Victorians and how to seek help. 

 
Registration: $191.66 inclusive of afternoon tea and Innovations Kit - through Eventbrite here
Registration limited: to 30 people (venue requirement)
More info: email: director@celebrateageing.com or phone Catherine: 0429 582 237
Websites: celebrateageing.com

professional sexual boundaries in home services

Date: Thursday 21st March 2019
Time: 2.00 - 4.00pm
Location: Multipurpose Room2. Kathleen Syme Library, 251 Faraday St Carlton.
 
Outline of the workshop
Home services encounter difficulties with professional boundaries on a daily basis and many provide information on professional boundaries to staff and prospective clients. Amongst the boundaries crossed in home services – sexual boundaries are particularly prevalent, but seldom discussed. There is a myth that because sexual boundaries are not discussed – they are not being crossed. This is not the case. Home services need policies, resources and education to safeguard staff, clients and home-based services. This workshop has been developed for team leaders in home services care. It focuses on professional boundaries related to older people’s sexuality. The workshop explores:

1. An updated professional sexual boundaries policy
2. What professional sexual boundaries are
3. Suggestions for giving staff permission to talk about boundaries -and identifying issues
4. The significant risks associated with not having policy or staff education
5. Strategies for responding when a professional sexual boundary is crossed
6. Resources for clients, family and staff to ensure there is a clear understanding of the importance of professional sexual boundaries and the consequences of breaches
7. Strategies for educating staff.

 
Participants will leave the workshop with a copy of an updated Professional Sexual Boundaries policy and strategies for strategies for the education of staff in their service.
 
Facilitator
Dr Catherine Barrett has been working with older people for over 30 years as a nurse unit manager in residential aged care, educator, academic and capacity builder. Catherine established a Sexual Health and Ageing Program at La Trobe University and is the Director of the OPAL Institute, promoting the sexual rights of older people. Catherine has delivered education on professional sexual boundaries for the past 15 years and has developed related policies and educational resources. 
 
Registration: $191.66 (inclusive of afternoon tea and policy) - through Eventbrite here
Registration limited: 30 places available
More info: email: director@celebrateageing.com or phone Catherine: 0429 582 237
Website: opalinstitute.org

LGBTI Elder abuse and discrimination

Date: Thursday, 28th March 2019
Time: 12.30 - 4.30pm
Location: Victoria Room, Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, 210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
 
Workshop outline
This interactive workshop begins by outlining the evidence related LGBTI Elders experiences of abuse, discrimination and other difficulties on the basis of their LGBTI identities. This includes: restrictions to sexual orientation and gender identity; reduced services; misgendering; posthumous (after death) abuse and refusal to recognise same sex relationships. The workshop includes presentations by LGBTI Elders and covers:

1. The impacts of history on perceptions of abuse and the mistrust of services
2. Power imbalances in culturally unsafe families, communities and services
3. Forms of abuse and impacts on health and wellbeing
4. Implications for services – responding to and preventing abuse
5. Implications for the Royal Commission and National Elder Abuse Strategy
6. Guidelines for LGBTI inclusive services.

 
This workshop is essential for anyone providing services to LGBTI Elders. Participants will be provided with resources to assist with the education of their colleagues.
 
Facilitator and presenters

• Dr Catherine Barrett will draw on interviews with over 200 LGBTI Elders. Catherine was the CoChair of the Committee that developed the National LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care Strategy and established Val’s Café. While working for GLHV, Catherine was the project coordinator for Rainbow Tick and developed a program called How2 Create an LGBTI Inclusive Service. Catherine established Alice’s Garage, a national project empowering LGBTI Elders. Projects under the Alice’s Garage banner include the Tango Project, documenting LGBTI Elder experiences of discrimination and abuse on the basis of their LGBTI identities. 
• The workshop will include presentations by LGBTI Elders: Sally Conning; Kathy Mansfield; Max Primmer and David Morrison.

 
Registration: $191.66 inclusive of afternoon tea and handouts - through Eventbrite here
More info: email: director@celebrateageing.com or phone Catherine on 0429 582 237
Website: alicesgarage.net

LGBTI inclusive services for people living with dementia

Date: Thursday 11th April 2019
Time: 12.30 -4.30pm
Location: Victoria Room, Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, 210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
 
Workshop outline
This interactive workshop focuses on the issues facing LGBTI people living with dementia – and how to address these issues. The workshop outlines the impacts of reduced autonomy on the right to express LGBTI identities. It identifies ‘Red Flags’ – or signs an LGBTI person with dementia may be vulnerable; and it clarifies practical strategies to minimise vulnerability. Examples of LGBTI inclusive services are presented and a structure for dementia friendly communities and services for LGBTI people is then outlined. 
 
This workshop is essential for anyone providing services to people living with dementia. Participants will be given resources to assist with the education of their colleagues.
 
Facilitator & presenters

• Dr Catherine Barrett was Chief Investigator on several qualitative research projects documenting the experiences and needs of LGBTI Elders, including research on LGBTI people’s experiences of dementia. Catherine is Director of the Celebrate Ageing Program, Director of Alice’s Garage, Curator of the Museum of Love and has published numerous resources challenging the myth that LGBTI people with dementia ‘become straight’. 
  
• Anne Tudor is an Internationally recognised speaker on the rights of people living with dementia, a Fellow of the Elder Leadership Academy, and co-lead for Pulse of My Heart - an educational resource documenting the journey she shares with her married partner, Edie Mayhew, who lives with younger onset dementia.
• Sally Conning is an Elder with a Trans history, an LGBTI inclusivity consultant and an educator on the rights of Trans and Gender Diverse Elders.

 
Registration: $191.66 inclusive of afternoon tea - through Eventbrite here. 
More info: email: director@celebrateageing.com or phone Catherine: 0429 582 237
Websites: alicesgarage.net; museumoflove.com.au

Cultural safety - the heart of lgbti inclusive services

Date: Tuesday 7th May 2019
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Location: Victoria Room, Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, 210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
 
About the workshop
This interactive workshop builds a clear understanding of what LGBTI cultural safety is, why it matters and how LGBTI culturally safe services can be developed. Cultural Safety is one of the Rainbow Tick Standards. The workshop draws on the research, presents personal narratives and provides practical tools for participants to use in their workplace to build more culturally safe services. Workshop structure includes:

1. What culture means
2. What LGBTI culture is
3. What cultural safety is and why it matters
4. A framework for understanding LGBTI cultural safety in services
5. Presentations by LGBTI consumers on experiences of culturally unsafe services
6. How power imbalances and safety breaches can be addressed
7. How to identify potential risks and strategies to minimise them
8. Practical steps to promote cultural safety.

 
This workshop is essential for anyone interested in developing more LGBTI inclusive services or working towards a Rainbow Tick. Participants will be given resources to assist them build LGBTI cultural safety in their service.
 
Facilitator and presenters

• Dr Catherine Barrett believes that a clear understanding of cultural safety is essential for the development of LGBTI inclusive services. While working for GLHV, Catherine was the project coordinator for the Rainbow Tick Standards and developed a program called How2 Create an LGBTI Inclusive Service, which has been disseminated Nationally. Catherine has produced a suite of resources on LGBTI cultural safety including: research on staff perspectives; peer reviewed publications; frameworks from the perspectives of service providers and LGBTI consumers; and a LGBTI Culture Kit. Catherine is the Director of Alice’s Garage, a national project empowering LGBTI Elders and promoting healthy LGBTI Ageing.
  
• Malloy is an 83 year old lesbian who co-produced a framework for cultural safety that draws on her historical experiences of ‘conversion therapy’ and her contemporary experiences of discrimination in services. Malloy’s resource, The Rainbow Makers, was supported by the National LGBTI Health Alliance and has been presented at several National Conferences.
  
• Jan Angus is a TGD Elder who has coproduced a short film entitled: Don’t Ask – Don’t Tell; part of an educational resource explaining power imbalances to service providers. Jan's film will be shown at the workshop. 

 
Registration: $393.70 (morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea) – through Eventbrite here
More info: email: director@celebrateageing.com or phone Catherine on: 0429 582 237
Website: alicesgarage.net