Who?
If you feel "older" are lesbian or gay; and live in Berkshire then you' re probably someone who would like to be part of the forum, but anyone who supports the aims of the Forum is welcome. We are particularly keen to encourage people of all ages to join the Forum. We are currently looking for people interested in joining the Steering Group. If you can help, contact the current Chair, Steve Masters.
What?
The Forum is:
- organising social events such as our film events, tea dances and meals out, but we' re always looking for new ideas and people to organise them;
- collaborating with other Lesbian and Gay organisations in the UK;
- working with statutory and voluntary agencies to support older lesbians and gay men who receive their services and
- playing its part in campaigning to end the discrimination that older lesbians and gay men face.
You will find details of our programme of social events on the socials page.
In August, 2003 we hosted a networking day for 10 organisations representing the interests of lesbians and gay men in the south of England. We shared the wide range of activities that these groups were undertaking. Sally Middleton gave a presentation on Brian Heaphy's research into non-heterosexual aging in the UK. We developed a plan for future work and collaboration which will include plans for a national umbrella organisation and a national database of resources. For a fuller account of the day please see Sally"s summary of the day"s activities.
We organised a Conference in October 2003, in partnership with Berkshire Age Concern, aimed at professionals in the voluntary, public and private sectors of health, housing, care and social services. "Opening Doors in Berkshire" highlighted the needs of older lesbians and gay men. The day was a great success and a report on the day's activities is available.
For more thoughts on the discrimination that older lesbians and gay men face, and changes that are afoot, follow the discrimination link. This page has some information about the UK government's civil partnership proposals.
How?
To start us off, a Steering Commit te was formed with the aims of:
- setting up a Forum for older lesbians and gay men initially in Reading, but extending the catchment area as the Forum grows. (We are now making contacts in Slough, Wokingham and Newbury);
- pursuing funding opportunities for social/information and advice activities;
- working with other agencies including Age Concern, Social Services, Hospitals, Relate, Aids organisations etc;
- working with other similar groups across the country, exchanging information;
- raising awareness of issues relating to older lesbians and gay men with service providers;
- undertaking research into the specific needs of older lesbians and gay men.
In the fullness of time we plan to have a team of volunteers to "be family" for each other.
If you are interested in finding out about volunteering opportunities see the "contacts" page.
To find out more about the steering group follow the steering group link.