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Pride Month: Resources for Older LGBT+ People in East London

Published on 20 June 2025 02:03 PM

Pride Month is a chance to recognise and support older LGBT+ people, many of whom have helped shape the rights and freedoms we have today. This resource pack brings together local and national services that offer support, connection, and advice for LGBT+ people in Hackney, Newham, and Tower Hamlets. Whether you’re looking for social groups, mental health support, housing advice, or someone to talk to, these resources are here to help.

We hope this resource pack helps older LGBT+ people in East London feel more connected and supported—not just during Pride Month, but all year round. Please share it with anyone who might find it useful.

Hackney

1. Mind CHWF – Rainbow Mind

🔗 https://www.mindchwf.org.uk/services/rainbow-mind/
Description: A mental health service supporting LGBTQ+ individuals across City, Hackney, and Waltham Forest, with therapeutic workshops and support groups.

2. Queertopia Consortium – Hackney LGBTQIA+ Community Forum

🔗https://queertopiaconsortium.org.uk/

Description: A free, sober monthly forum for LGBTQIA+ residents of Hackney, held on the first Thursday of each month (6 pm–7:30 pm) at CLR James Library, Dalston Square, London E8 3BQ, offering a space for peer connection, dialogue, and community-led advocacy.

3. Rainbow Grow at Hackney CVS

🔗 https://rainbowgrowhackney.wordpress.com/ 

Description: A welcoming LGBTQI+‑led community gardening project based in the courtyard garden at Hackney CVS (24–30 Dalston Lane, London E8 3AZ), meeting weekly on Tuesdays from about 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm to grow edible plants, share gardening skills, and build multigenerational connections in a lush outdoor space.

 
 

Newham

3. Well Newham – LGBTQIA+ Support

🔗 https://www.wellnewham.org.uk/advice/lgbtqia-community
Description: Information and services for LGBTQIA+ residents in Newham, including support groups and mental health services.

4. Newham Council – Community Neighbourhood Link Workers

🔗 https://www.newham.gov.uk/health-adult-social-care/community-neighbourhood-link-workers/3
Description: Link workers can connect older LGBT+ individuals with community services and social support in Newham.

5. Queer Newham

🔗 https://queernewham.weebly.com/

Description: An inclusive local initiative in Newham, East London, offering regular community meet-ups (film screenings, panel talks, creative workshops) and resources to support LGBTQIA+ wellbeing, raise awareness, and foster dialogue across the borough.

 
 

Tower Hamlets

5. ELOP LGBT+ Group at Toynbee Hall

🔗 https://www.toynbeehall.org.uk/whats-on/elop-lgbt 
Description: A weekly social support meetup for LGBTQ+ people aged 50 and over, held every Tuesday from 4:00 pm to 5:45 pm at Toynbee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London E1. It’s a friendly space to build connections, enjoy conversation, and expand your social network among peers.

6. Tower Hamlets Council – LGBT Support

🔗 https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/community_and_living/support_groups/LGBT/LGBT.aspx
Description: Directory of LGBT support services and community groups in Tower Hamlets.

7. Tower Hamlets – Support for LGBT Victims and Survivors

🔗 https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/community_and_living/community_safety__crime_preve/domestic_violence/VAWG-Service-Directory/Support_services_for_LGBT_victims_and_survivors.aspx
Description: Information on local services supporting LGBT+ individuals affected by domestic abuse, hate crime, and violence.

8. Tower Hamlets LGBT Community Forum (thLGBTvoices)

🔗https://thlgbtvoices.wordpress.com/

Description: A free monthly forum for LGBTQ+ residents and allies in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, held in person (typically last Wednesday of each quarter, 6–8 pm) at varying community venues (e.g. Positive East, Mile End Rd, E1). It provides a space for peer connection, local advocacy, networking, and influencing services and policy impacting the Tower Hamlets LGBTQ+ community

 
 

General Resources across East London and the UK 

8. ELOP – East London Out Project

🔗 http://www.elop.org/
Description: East London-based charity offering mental health support, counselling, and social activities for LGBT+ people of all ages.

9. London Friend

🔗 https://londonfriend.org.uk/
Description: Offers counselling, support groups, and drug & alcohol services specifically for LGBT people in London.

10. Galop

🔗 https://www.galop.org.uk/
Description: Provides emotional and practical support for LGBT+ victims of abuse and hate crime across the UK.

11. AKT (Albert Kennedy Trust)

🔗 https://www.akt.org.uk/
Description: Supports young LGBT+ people (16–25) facing homelessness or living in hostile environments. Relevant for intergenerational support efforts.

12. Age UK – LGBT+ Information

🔗 https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/relationships-family/lgbt/
Description: Guidance and support for older LGBT+ individuals on ageing, health, relationships, and legal rights.

13. Re-engage – Rainbow Call Companions

🔗 https://reengage.org.uk/join-a-group/get-a-rainbow-call-companion/
Description: Free telephone befriending service matching older LGBT+ people with volunteers for regular chats.

14. SAND (Safe Ageing No Discrimination) – LGBT Ageing Support

15. Tonic Housing – Precarious Lives

🔗 https://www.tonichousing.org.uk/precariouslives
Description: Research on the housing experiences of older LGBT+ people and a push for inclusive, affirming living environments.

16. Housing LIN – Inclusive Residential Care

🔗 https://www.housinglin.org.uk/blogs/A-Virtuous-Circle-Creating-Inclusive-Residential-Care-for-LGBTQ-Elders-CIRCLE/
Description: Blog post on creating welcoming residential care settings for LGBTQ+ elders, part of the CIRCLE project.

17. East London LGBT Seniors

🔗 https://eastlondonseniors.lgbt/
Description: A friendly network for LGBTQ+ people around retirement age in East London, offering social meetups, peer support, and advocacy on issues like isolation and access to inclusive services. Join via their Facebook group or contact them directly for more info.

18. Age UK Lambeth

Description: Our partners at Age UK Lambeth are starting an LGBTQI+ Chair Exercise Class for older people. Classes will take place on a Tuesday in Waterloo. Clients can email exercisesocialise@ageuklambeth.org for more information.

19. Positive East Support Group

🔗 https://www.positiveeast.org.uk/our-services/support-groups/

Description: A social and support lunch group held monthly on the first Thursday afternoon for people aged 50+ living with HIV in East London, providing peer connection, wellbeing activities, and occasional outings.

20. 50+ Friday Social – London LGBTQ+ Community Centre

🔗 https://londonlgbtqcentre.org/event/50-friday-social-22/

Description: A weekly, free social meetup for LGBTQ+ people aged 50+ taking place every Friday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre, 60–62 Hopton Street, Bankside, London SE1 9JH. It’s a welcoming, intergenerational space for connection, conversation, and community in a fully accessible venue .