LGBT proposed project ideas.
We are currently thinking about starting a gay older mens group to enable men over the age of 50 to get together, talk, get support and generally have the opportunity to meet other older gay men. This is likely to be a weekly group run by Jim who has voluntarily offered to help get this off the ground. If you would like more information then please email
m.rogers@ageconcercernexeter.org.uk
and Martyn will pass your message onto Jim
We also have been thinking about similar ideas for older lesbian women. For many older gay people in Exeter there just are not enough places to meet socially and feel safe and get the support they are looking for. We are happy to try and meet these needs if we can and need to hear from you if this is something you would like us to progress. Please email Corinne on
c.bailey@ageconcernexeter.org.uk
and she will get back to you with more details.
Other LGBT NEWS from Age Concern's around the country
Age Concern Gloucestershire
has been progressing work in this area for a number of years, primarily by awareness raising, making contacts with other agencies and exploring ways of working together. Rainbow triangles are displayed in windows and reception areas, following training of Information & Advice workers and the employment of a part-time LGB development worker. Current activity includes the setting up of a social group from which it is hoped a working party of older lesbians, gay men and bisexuals (OLGBs) will be born to inform future development. Efforts are also being made to develop a forum, which will act as a channel for the views of OLGBs in the county. Two members of staff are putting together a training session for staff and trustees that will also, hopefully, be used with other agencies, including residential and nursing homes, social services, PCTs and within the voluntary sector.
Age Concern Stockport
has for the last four years participated in the Manchester Pride Parade and the weekend of activities held over the August Bank Holiday. Last year photographic images of this event were reproduced onto fabric to produce a magnificent wall hanging, which can be displayed at venues across the country. Working with other support agencies across the Borough, AC Stockport has now established a local LGBT social and support network – PLUS People Like Us – which aims to provide a relaxed alternative to the Manchester ‘scene’ and help the most isolated in the community, and supports the monthly Manchester LGBT luncheon club. AC Stockport is actively committed to developing programmes that seek to address the specific needs of older lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people in the area.
Age Concern Camden
has been awarded £387,758 from the Big Lottery for a three-year project supporting older LGBT
communities across five central London boroughs. The grant will enable them to work in partnership with Age Concerns in Hackney, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster to implement the project. A full project evaluation will also be overseen by London South Bank and Manchester Universities.
Two full-time development workers will be employed to develop services that combat isolation through the provision of regular social activities, a telephone advice / signposting service and a befriending scheme. They will also organise events that promote community safety, in partnership with the Metropolitan Police’s LGBT liaison team, and raise awareness about the services available for those who suffer from homophobic crimes.