Reaching Out: Older LGBT People

There is anecdotal evidence which suggested that LGBT elders are often isolated in the community.  The project will bring together the University of Brighton with local charitable and community groups and organisations to discuss issues of social exclusion and inclusion of older LGBT people living in and around Eastbourne.  From these discussions plans for a further long term project will be developed which will train and support volunteers to befriend and support socially excluded and isolated older LGBT people.

* UPDATE *

Reaching Out: Older LGBT people report May 2012

We have had three meetings of the steering group.  Additional members have been recruited to the steering group to enhance inclusiveness.  There has been active discussion in each meeting. We have debated; the issues concerned with locating and contacting lonely/ isolated LGBT people, the need to always be aware of confidentiality and that people may choose to restrict their involvement in the community.  Our knowledge of the services available to people, and the challenges and benefits of a service directed at older LGBT people is growing within the group and for individual members.  We are sharing our knowledge and expertise.  We have established an active network of interested people who appear willing to work together and help each other.

• We are conducting a needs assessment of the older LGBT community in Eastbourne in June.  We hope to recruit a sample of 15 people who are representative of the Eastbourne older LGBT community.  From this we hope to have a better idea of the type of befriending service we should propose.
• Two members of the Steering group are going to visit the organisers of ‘Open Doors’; an Age UK LGBT initiative in Camden.  We hope to learn from Camden’s experiences.
• One steering group member is going to a conference in Oxford regarding loneliness in later life.  This is to gather facts and feedback to the steering group.

We have three more steering group meetings planned.

click here for a full description of the project

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