1. Clubs or Groups Latrobe City Council with funding from
The Commissioner of Senior Victorian’s
Strengthening Seniors Inclusion and Participation project

2. What’s in it for Clubs/Groups
What is it?
An accreditation process for clubs/groups which triggers a reflection on current practice.
Built on findings from Council’s Positive Ageing Strategy/Plan consultations, where the need was identified.
What have we done?
Met with successful clubs/groups and individuals to define the criteria for Welcoming & Age Friendly.
Developed checklists and templates based on research.
Developed readily identifiable brand/logo.
Developed Club/Group Welcome Kit.
Facilitated community groups workshop on Welcoming & Age Friendly.
What’s in it for Clubs/Groups
Now in Community Grants criteria - access to funding
Increase in membership
Improves Club/Group culture

3. The Accreditation Process (earning the logo)
Attend training
Audit Partner identified at training session
Club starts dialogue with members and undertakes self assessment against criteria
Club corrects identified gaps
Club notifies Audit Partner then independent audit undertaken (could include secret shopper activity)
Welcoming & Age Friendly Accreditation granted upon successful audit outcome.
24 Community Groups currently undertaking the process
Probus
Senior Citizens Centres
Country Women’s Association
Neighbourhood Houses
Combined Pensioner Groups
Men’s Sheds
U3A
Fielding enquiries from other groups (including external to Latrobe City)

4. What is still to do? Learnings
Develop referral pathways for isolated/lonely individuals
Heavily market and promote the logo to achieve brand recognition
Continue dialogue with community groups re impact of isolation and loneliness
Continue to strengthen the connection between community groups, encouraging a support network for isolated seniors.
Learnings
Lonely, older people want to connect to their communities, they just need reassurance and assistance.
Whilst all clubs/groups think they are welcoming – the majority aren’t.
The Self Audit tool gives is an unbiased and non-judgmental way of clubs/groups realising this.
Peer audit is more acceptable to clubs/groups.