Victorian Minister for Health Jill Hennessy on Wednesday announced the service would receive $164,000 as one of 11 services across Victoria to share in $4.4million from the second round of the End-of-life Ancillary Service Grant program, part of the Labor Government’s $62million in additional funding over the next five years into palliative care.

End-of-life ancillary services are not-for-profit, non-government organisations that assist people, families and carers to manage the day-to-day activities associated with caring for someone with terminal illness at home.

This round supports many organisations working with multicultural communities enabling them to support members of their communities in a culturally sensitive way and assisting to break down language barriers when it comes to accessing end-of-life care.

By providing timely support, more culturally diverse Victorians will be able to remain at home with their loved ones for as long as possible, often until their death.

Grants are used to provide respite and carer support, help with transport and activities of daily living such as preparing meals, household maintenance and trips to shops and other social groups.

Minister Hennessy’s office said the Victorian Labor government invests around $144.7million per year on palliative care services, and has increased palliative care funding each year since coming into office.

“We know most people want to die at home, close to family and loved ones.  These grants will give people with a terminal illness from Victoria’s diverse cultural backgrounds more support to be cared for at home,” she said.