Last Updated on September 30, 2020
Tonic, Stonewall Housing and Opening Doors London (ODL) have released a new joint report, Building Safe Choices, which aims to capture ‘the voice of the demand’ of older LGBT+ people.
The research looks to better understand the housing, care and support requirements of older LGBT+ people in London to ensure that everyone is able to choose from a range of options in terms of the support they receive.
With over 620 respondents, the survey was the largest of its kind and carried out in early 2020,
closing mid-lockdown.
Building Safe Choices found that people wanted:
- Housing, care and support services that are safe.
- Policy makers and providers to recognise their diversity and differences.
- More advice and support around housing and associated services.
The hope is that, with the launch of this report, the voice of demand of older LGBT+ people will be heard,
and positive change will be seen in the options available.
The report also looks at whether people would prefer to live in LGBT+ specific housing, LGBT+ accredited housing or general housing, stating that, 'LGBT+ specific/affirming retirement communities are overwhelmingly popular regardless of financial assets or tenure, but also...LGBT+ accredited retirement housing would be popular.'
In a call to action, the three organisations share five key recommendations for public bodies:
- Formally recognise the needs of older LGBT+ people in policy and practice.
- Co-design a pathway to enable older LGBT+ people to access appropriate services and
housing. - Commit to developing LGBT+ affirming housing in London.
- Promote LGBT+ accredited housing and care services.
- Fund LGBT+ community led services for older people.
The full Building Safe Choices report is available to read and download.