by Michaela Meade
The Whittlesea Youth Services team is celebrating a colourful achievement, having gained Rainbow Tick accreditation.
Rainbow Health Victoria – which owns and developed the accreditation – supports the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community’s health and wellbeing through research and knowledge translation, training, resources, policy advice and service accreditation.
The Rainbow Tick is a framework that helps organisations demonstrate that they are safe, inclusive and affirming services and employers for the diverse community.
The Youth Services team is one of the first local government youth services to achieve Rainbow Tick accreditation, according to Whittlesea council.
Whittlesea administrator Peita Duncan said it was a “proud achievement” that showed the council’s commitment to creating socially cohesive communities.
“We want our young people, no matter their sexual orientation or gender, to feel seen, supported and included, and the Rainbow Tick accreditation is another example of our efforts in supporting and celebrating diversity in the City of Whittlesea,” Ms Duncan said.
“Rainbow Tick accreditation affirms our pledge to young people and the community that they have a right to access council services which are safe and welcoming to all.”
The Rainbow Tick is designed to support organisations to improve the quality of services they provide to LGBTQIA+ service users, staff and volunteers.
The accreditation is designed to “build lasting inclusion”.
Accreditation is provided by independent assessment by Quality Innovation Performance and Australian Council on Healthcare Standards.
Services can include the Rainbow Tick standards as part of their cycle of service accreditation, or can choose to complete the Rainbow Tick as a standalone assessment subject to ongoing reassessment and quality improvement.
Details: www.rainbowhealthvic.org.au/rainbow-tick
