Older LGBT Network

The Older LGBT Network is a network of older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, together with both organisations working directly with the LGBT community and those with a wider remit, including an interest in LGBT issues and the broader equality and diversity fields.

The Older LGBT Network allows people to make their voices heard and to share information, ideas and best practice. Regular meetings are arranged to allow the Network to plan campaigning priorities and to try to solve problems affecting the older LGBT community in Wales.

In 2007 the Network produced a briefing card which was sent to all politicians, networks, forums and many other key decision makers prior to the elections in May of that year.

It catalogued the key issues that the Network felt were priority issues that needed to be addressed. This briefing card produced a very positive response with many of its suggestions being reflected in the political parties' manifestos and part of it was quoted in a Liberal Democrat party paper.

More recently, in May 2009, the Network produced a detailed report into the specific needs of older LGBT people in Wales, including care service provision and health and housing issues.

The report was officially launched at an event at the National Assembly for Wales with the sponsorship of a member of the Assembly’s Equality of Opportunity Committee.

A number of other Assembly Members including the Deputy Minister for Social Services attended the event and offered their support to the future work of the Network.

As well as being sent to politicians of all parties, the report was also circulated to all local authorities and other key organisations and bodies.

If you would like hard copies or more information on this network please contact Martyn Jones on 029 2043 1555 or email: martyn.jones@agecymru.org.uk