Who Are We
United (formerly known as CELAS – Centro Español Latino Americano de Asistencia Social) was founded in 1977 to support Spanish-speaking communities in Victoria. For over 40 years, we have provided a wide range of programs and services, adapting to the evolving needs of more than 20 Spanish-speaking communities in the state. Initially, our work focused on assisting new immigrants, but over time, our organization has evolved to respond to the growing elderly population, specializing in Aged Care services.
Our mission is to deliver high-quality, culturally and linguistically appropriate services, ensuring that our clients receive the support they need in their native language and within a context that respects their traditions and values. With 100% of our staff fluent in Spanish, language barriers are never an obstacle for our clients.
YEARS SERVING THE
SPANISH SPEAKING COMMUNITY
The Spanish-Speaking Community in Melbourne: A Focus on Aged Care
Melbourne is renowned for its cultural diversity and houses a dynamic and expanding Spanish-speaking community, consisting of individuals from diverse Latin American countries as well as Spain. According to the 2021 Australian Census, the largest Spanish-speaking groups in Victoria come from Colombia, Chile, Argentina, El Salvador, Mexico, and Spain. These communities not only contribute to the cultural richness of the region but also have specific needs, particularly relating to the ageing population.
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Growth and Geographic Distribution of the Community
Analysis of the Spanish-speaking population across Victoria shows a trend of growth in various metropolitan and suburban areas beyond central Melbourne. Suburbs such as Casey, Brimbank, Melton, and Wyndham show large concentrations of Spanish-speaking residents. This indicates that the community is not limited to specific areas but is spread across the region, highlighting the need for accessible services in various locations.
The Importance of United in Supporting Elderly Spanish Speakers
The ageing trend within the Spanish-speaking community in Victoria is also evident. Census data shows a considerable number of people aged 60 and over in this community
As this population ages, they face specific challenges related to language barriers and access to appropriate services. In this context, United positions itself as a key provider of care services for elderly Spanish speakers in Melbourne. As the only aged care provider 100% specialised in the Hispanic community, United offers personalised services that are culturally inclusive and delivered in the native language of its clients. The fact that 100% of our staff speak Spanish ensures that clients receive high-quality care without the barriers they might face with other service providers.
A Culturally and Linguistically Inclusive Approach to Aged Care
For elderly Spanish speakers, having a provider who not only speaks their language but also understands their cultural values and expectations is crucial to their well-being. United strives to offer a warm and familiar care environment, where the cultural traditions of its clients are respected and celebrated. This not only improves the quality of life for elderly individuals but also helps them maintain a sense of identity and belonging within a community that values and supports them.
In summary, the Spanish-speaking community in Victoria is diverse and growing, with a significant proportion of elderly individuals requiring specialised care services. United, with its unique focus on aged care for Spanish speakers, positions itself as an essential resource for this community, ensuring that their cultural and linguistic needs are met comprehensively.
Sources
- Australian Census 2021 Data: Data on the Spanish-speaking population in Victoria was used for demographic analysis of countries (Country of birth person).
- Government of Victoria – Latin American Community Profile: VicConnect.
- City of Melbourne – Community Atlas and Language Profile: Atlas, Profile ID.