Safe to be me
The Safe to be me resource guide offers practical advice on providing the kind of service in which older lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) people can feel safe to be themselves.
This resource is written for anyone working or volunteering in health, social care or the voluntary sector who would like to support older people who are LGBT. It will also be helpful for training providers to ensure courses integrate discussions and scenarios relating to the needs of people who are LGBT.
Safe to be me resource guide
The pack includes helpful exercises, real-life case studies and checklists for good practice, and is guided throughout by the voices and experiences of older LGBT people themselves.
The staff in the home very rarely gave us any time alone together and on one occasion Arthur was taken seriously ill and transferred to hospital without them notifying me. The man I love could have died and I wouldn't have been there or even known.
It was such a relief when the Age UK befriender enabled me to open up about being a lesbian after so many years of hiding. She didn't push but she gave plenty of positive messages that she didn't have a problem. At 78 I finally feel I'm safe to be me.