Stars welcome launch of LGBT Age – a service for older LGBT people in Edinburgh
The LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing is proud to announce the launch of LGBT Age, a new service aimed specifically at older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Edinburgh and the Lothians. LGBT Age will be offering support to LGBT people over 50 in a number of ways:
- Social opportunities, outings and events to improve social networks.
- A volunteer befriending scheme providing one-to-one support.
- An information service on a range of topics including LGBT and mainstream support and services, housing and legal matters.
- An advocacy service to offer individuals support in dealing with issues such as accessing health and social care services or challenging discrimination.
The new service was welcomed enthusiastically by Scottish LGBT celebrities:
Edwin Morgan, O.B.E. The Scots Makar, Glasgow Poet Laureate and nonagenarian, said: “The most important thing now is to see things clearly, and to discuss things openly with one person or group. This is where the LGBT Age Project will be very helpful.”
Horse MacDonald, Singer/Songwriter, said: “I feel as we begin to grow older there is the opportunity to actually grow as people. In this the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing and the LGBT Age service, with our gathered worldly wisdom, the experience and involvement, whether member or volunteer, will actually enrich lives and very possibly extend life spans.”
Craig Hill, Comedian and TV presenter, said: “I think the idea of LGBT Age is inspired. Much of the elderly community in general feels lonely with no connection to the 'real world' and can feel isolated and I think this is exacerbated if you're elderly and LGBT. Because not only do you feel that you maybe don't 'fit in' or have anything in common with your elderly compatriots but you also feel like the younger gay community has left you behind.”
Research has found that older LGBT people have significantly diminished support networks when compared to the general older population. We are more likely to live alone and be single as we age, but are also less likely to have children or family to call upon in times of need. Many older LGBT people have concerns over housing, the level of LGBT-awareness of care providers and access to health and support services, and may be isolated.