We are looking to provide a supportive environment that will become a beacon of best practice, by building affordable housing that serves the needs of the older LGBT community and that offers an excellent quality of life to its residents.
There is currently no LGBT-specific housing for older people in the UK, and few positive examples of where the needs of older LGBT people are meaningfully considered when new housing policy or provision is being developed. The consequences of such inaction can be devastating for people who have experienced prejudice and disadvantage at different stages of their lives and where older age will mean increasing vulnerability. Tonic’s vision is to develop housing and services with a distinct LGBT identity and ethos, and in doing so to provide the older LGBT community with greater choice and control over services that are more supportive, safe, and culturally appropriate.
As we embark upon a year of research and consultation (starting in January 2015), we are reluctant to pre-empt this discovery phase with pre-conceived notions of an ideal outcome. We approach this period with a true sense of possibility in uncovering a fresh and untraveled path. However, we have been very impressed by the progress made in support of older LGBT people living in other countries, not least in Germany.
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