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Opening Doors in Central London S upporting Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People in Central London

Opening Doors in Central London S upporting Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People in Central London. Why do we need to provide services to older LGBT people?.

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Opening Doors in Central London S upporting Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People in Central London

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  1. Opening Doors in Central LondonSupporting Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People in Central London

  2. Why do we need to provide services to older LGBT people? Older LGBT people may have a greater need for health and social care services because, compared with their heterosexual contemporaries, they are: two-and-a-half times as likely to live alone. twice as likely to be single, and four-and-a-half times as likely to have no children to call upon in times of need. ( DOH 2007)

  3. What are the health and support needs of older LGBT people? • Older people are overwhelmingly perceived to be heterosexual (heterosexism) in generic services, consequently older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (OLGBT) people have often been invisible in service provision for older people. • Therefore their needs are often overlooked in planning care, such as opportunities for maintaining social networks, “significant others” as primary care givers and decision makers. • 20% of older LGBT people indicate that they have no one to call on in times of crisis or difficulty, a rate of up to ten times higher than the general population. • Older LGBT People generally are more likely to be estranged from birth families, having moved to avoid disrimination.

  4. No where to go??? • Within LGBT community service provision, little thought is given to the needs of older LGBT people. • Most generic service providers, particularly for older people, ignore their LGBT service users. • The “gay scene” places great emphasis on youth, thereby excluding it’s LGBT seniors.

  5. One Scene Fits All??

  6. Past Experience • Older LGBT people have lived a large part of their lives in less liberal times and their experiences have made them understandably wary and cautious. • The “baby boomer” generation won’t have faced the same level of discrimination, therefore more likely to be “out” and more demanding of appropriate services

  7. Background to the Project • 2002 Age Concern Opening Doors conference. • Gap in service provision, recognised/responded to by gay member of staff at Age Concern Camden • Working group. • ACE funding 2005/2006 to fund initial “pilot”. • Adult Social Care funding 2006/7 (Camden council). • City of London research on needs of older gay men with Polari’s research (funded by Camden Council) on needs of older lesbians which led to… • Big Lottery bid proposal and submission

  8. What are the aims of the project ? To reduce social isolation for older LGBT people To improve the social well-being and mental health of older LGBT people To provide increased support for individuals from the LGBT communities to remain independent and live at home for longer  To increase awareness of the needs of older LGBT people within other statutory and voluntary agencies

  9. How do we do this? • Through holding regular social and other activities, including monthly men’s, women’s and mixed social events. • By providing a telephone advice and signposting service. • Distribution of the monthly “Opening Doors” newsletter. • By recruiting LGBT volunteers to provide befriending to older LGBT people. • By providing community safety surgeries and advice sessions. • By working in close partnership with many local and national agencies, and providing referrals to other relevant agencies and organisations. • By offering training to increase awareness of the needs of older LGBT people within statutory and voluntary agencies.

  10. What kind of volunteering opportunities do we offer? Be a friendly visitor / befriender. Help with our groups. Lead a workshop or activity group. Help with our monthly newsletters. Help with events and parties.

  11. Current and proposed management and support of volunteers. • Currently all volunteers are recruited, trained and supervised through Age Concern Camden. • However local befriending projects already in place (either AC or partners) will be supported to expand current services and offer LGBT volunteers to LGBT clients. • Volunteers with roles directly linked to events/groups will be managed and supported by Project Coordinators. • Volunteer training on LGBT issues and awareness, assistance with recruitment and ongoing support will be provided by Project Coordinators.

  12. Community Safety and 3rd Party Reporting • Each local borough group will have a specific link with an appropriate LGBT LO • Each group will host community safety/3rd Party reporting speakers (e.g. Camden LGBT Forum) • Opening Doors project coordinators and volunteers will assist local LGBT LOs with community/venue outreach where appropriate

  13. Older LGBT Health • Working in partnership with The Royal Free Hospital’s “The Marlborough Clinic” to provide a safe and confidential space for older men to discuss any sexual health concerns and problems. • Working with local PCT’s and other health services (including complementary health services) to provide information on related health topics.

  14. Who could best benefit from this project? Men and women who are over the age of 50, whom identify as being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender and live, work or socialise in Camden, Hackney, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster. Older LGBT people who have little contact from others in the community. Vulnerable Older LGBT people who may refuse services from other agencies. Older LGBT people who would like to meet and socialise with like-minded people. Family, friends, groups or agencies who would like more information and advice on LGBT services.

  15. London Context • Population of London over state pension age 2006; 1,034,700 • Estimated LGBT population over 50; between 75,000 and 100,000

  16. Linking Up London • Opening Doors Central London works geographically within the five boroughs. • However has a “membership” criteria of any who lives, works or socialises within the 5 boroughs. • Advising on Opening Doors West, South, North and East London. • How can you help? “Mystery Shopping”

  17. How can people refer to the Project? We will take referrals via email and phone. All we require is the client’s permission to contact them. Nick Maxwell Men’s LGBT Development Co-ordinator n.maxwell@ageconcerncamden.org.uk tel: 020 7121 3335 Debbie Neil Women’s LGBT Development Co-ordinator d.neil@ageconcerncamden.org.uk tel: 020 7121 3331

  18. Older LGBT community Celebrating Pride

  19. Brighton GEMS hosted picnic

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