Supporting Older People from LGBT+ Communities (more questions than answers) Mick Ward, Deputy Director Adults and Health, Leeds City Council and Leeds NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups
3 Major Strands: A strategic approach to tackling LGBT+ inequality in health and care services Tackling loneliness and isolation in older people from LGBT+ communities Developing a ‘quality mark’ for core (regulated) social care services
Strategic Approach (1); Priority for Health and Well-Being Board (Age Friendly City and LGBT+ Friendly City) Response to Stonewall ‘Unhealthy Attitudes’ report: http://www.stonewall.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/unhealthy-attitudes Tackling harassment and discrimination Improved training Support LGBT+ staff networks/role models Improved patient/service user experience Leadership support
Strategic Approach (2); Leeds LGBT+ Asset Mapping: https://doinggoodleeds.org.uk/news/2017/05/18/leeds-lgbt-mapping-project-report-launch-201705171449/ What people value What impacts negatively Health and Well-being Community Safety Community Assets
Tackling Loneliness and Isolation 1/ Ensuring equity of access to all services 2/ SAGE: https://timetoshineleeds.org/projects/sage Drop in/Peer support Queer Stories Visible Presence: Pride/International Day of Older People/Out in Leeds Training for organisations
Develop a quality mark for providers Out Loud LGBT Voices in Health & Social Care (National LGB&T Partnership, 2016 https://nationallgbtpartnership.org/publications/out-loud/ Equality – don’t make judgements or assumptions about me Respect and dignity – treat me well Acceptance show me that I am welcome Understanding – show me you understand me Confidentiality – my information about me belongs to me Support – see me for who I am
Key Questions: What else should we be doing? What good practice do you have? How can we collaborate?