People aged 50 years old and over, who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or queer, and use or have used community-based services, groups or organisations are invited to take part in research to consider how inclusive these services are throughout the UK.

The research is conducted by Liz Wands-Murray, a PhD research student at the University of York, and is funded by the School for Social Care Research.

Liz’s research is also open to people who work or volunteer in community-based services, groups or organisations (including in the third sector), and is looking to learn more about people’s experiences, through informal interviews and a focus group. Currently all interviews are carried out online or by phone; Liz is also happy to virtually attend groups to talk about the research and what taking part involves.

It is hoped that this research will result in some clear information these services and groups can use throughout the UK to be more inclusive going forward.

Groups or services might include formal service provision but can also include:

hobby, interest or craft groups or sessions
activities designed to help with social isolation or loneliness (including Men’s and Hen’s Sheds and day services)
funded or free groups or services
anything that a person over 50 years old might access within their local community

These do not need to be LGBTQ+ or older people specific services, and can have been in place before the pandemic, or been created during this time.

Please note that this research is open to trans people, but focuses on sexuality rather than gender identity.

For further information (including how to take part), please view or download the information sheets as pdfs: