Ageing Better in BirminghamConnecting people over 50 in Birmingham to their communities. Welcome to Ageing Better in Birmingham's Learning Depository! The programme is closing down and this website functions as an archive and collection of learning from the programme's seven years of delivery. Ageing Better in Birmingham began in 2015 to reduce loneliness and social isolation amongst people over 50 and to help them to live fulfilling lives. It was funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and was one of 14 Ageing Better programmes in England working to explore what works in reducing loneliness and isolation through a test and learn approach. It was delivered by a partnership of organisations across the city, led by Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC). It built upon the strengths and skills of individuals and groups to help create sustainable change within communities. Together, we reached over 10,300 people across the city. Here you can find out more about what the programme achieved, information about social isolation and loneliness in Birmingham and also resources to support the programme's legacy. Have a browse! Ageing Better in Birmingham 2015 -2022 Infographic Find out how we worked to get Birmingham's older citizens connected Useful resources & learning Back to main site About Resources Gallery Community Development Practice Hub Podcast episode: A conversation about LGBT experiences in care home settings Why do we need to focus on LGBT experiences in care homes? Ageing Better in Birmingham recorded a podcast episode about their aspiration for a new project called Changing Practice in Adult Social Care Provision. This episode formed part of the procurement for a provider to deliver this project. The Changing Practice in Adult Social Care Provision project aimed to raise awareness of LGBT equality and inclusion and promote the adoption of best practice in Adult Social Care for older LGBT people among Adult Social Care providers, workforce and commissioners in Birmingham. The project also aimed to improve the commissioning, monitoring, inspection and quality standards of Adult Social Care providers with regard to services for older LGBT people in the city. The last 50 years have seen dramatic cultural changes among the British public, which are reflected in positive attitudes towards and acceptance of the equal place of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people. However, evidence highlights that many people in the LGBT community are wary of accessing the health and social care system due to fears of having to go back into the closet or having to repeatedly ‘out’ themselves in unsupportive and sometimes hostile environments. They report that sta‑ and other residents are often not culturally competent to provide a positive experiene of care and that they can be met with open hosility and disengagement. Examples of a few of the issues experienced by older LGBT people: Difficulties accessing health care that appropriately deals with their sexual identity Denial of older people’s sexuality and identity in social care settings Older LGBT people’s past experiences of negative interactions with health care providers influences the way they engage with and access health services in later life Some older LGBT people describe challenges in forming new heterosexual networks, with difficulties finding common ground or feeling unable to present as their authentic selves. Mental health issues, particularly around suicide have been identified among older LGBT people and especially among transgender and bisexual women and those living in rural areas. Podcast episode: A conversation about LGBT Experience in Care home settings