Published by the Furzedown Project, this new report emphasises the need for change in health and care commissioners, providers, and regulators
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES BY JOEL RYDER MEDIA
A new booklet highlighting the specific needs and aspirations of LGBTQIA people as they age has been launched by the Furzedown Project, a community organisation supporting older people. Titled Ageing On Our Own Terms, the publication is designed to guide health and care commissioners, providers, and regulators in creating inclusive and supportive environments for LGBTQIA people as they age.
Developed by members of the project’s 50+ LGBTQIA group, the booklet addresses concerns about discrimination in later life and the fear of having to hide one’s identity to access services. It also outlines proposals for community-led support, inclusive service design, and safeguards against discrimination in health and social care.
Speaking at the launch, Liz Sayce, Chair of Trustees at the Furzedown Project, emphasised the importance of the initiative. “Older LGBT people are imagining and shaping the futures they want as they age. We are delighted to share the conclusions with colleagues across health and care services, to inform the development of great, respectful support for older LGBT people. The Furzedown Project is proud to have set up the LGBT group eight years ago and we are very grateful to Wandsworth Council for providing a grant to support this booklet and event.”
The event, attended by representatives from Wandsworth Council, Adult Social and Health Care, and local community groups, highlighted ongoing health inequalities faced by LGBTQIA people as they age.
The fears outlined in the booklet reflect the lived experiences of many older LGBTQIA individuals, who grew up when their identities were criminalised or stigmatised. Some now worry they may face discrimination in care homes and other social services.
Penny Newman, a Furzedown Project member, added: “The booklet produced by the Furzedown Project is of great importance to our continued well being. Many of our age group had to grow up in a society hiding our true identities. We fought for the right to be ourselves. Our generation is having to encounter abuse and discrimination in care homes and other social services. It is important to address the care issues now, that are affecting some of us or that may do in the future and to be recognised and accepted for who we are, in an inclusive environment.”
What are some of the booklet’s core proposals?
- Providers of Home Care, Residential and Nursing Care should ensure that inclusive values are shared by all staff, and ensure that any homophobic attitudes or behaviour are monitored and addressed
- Regulators should explore how all services are providing tailored support for LGBTQIA people
- Commissioners should require evidence that services are LGBTQIA-inclusive when awarding funding
The booklet is available on the Furzedown Project’s website, along with a short video documenting the initiative’s development. You can find out more here: furzedownproject.org/gallery/news/
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