New Fund Tackling Isolation For Older LGBT+ People

A first of its kind fund for Leeds has been launched by Leeds Community Foundation to address loneliness and social isolation experienced by older LGBT+ people.

In partnership with Leeds Older People Forum, the Connecting Older LGBT+ People: Micro Fund will support small community groups and individuals who are delivering unique, grass roots activities that engage older LGBT+ people: creating opportunities to establish and maintain social connections.

Older LGBT+ people are especially vulnerable to loneliness as they are more likely to be single, live alone, and have lower levels of contact with relatives. The fund aims to tackle loneliness and isolation; ensuring resources are allocated to improve wellbeing to this often-marginalized community.

Shahed Molvi, Head of Grants at Leeds Community Foundation, said: “This fund will particularly benefit underrepresented individuals and groups within Leeds.”

“It ensures vital funding is available to start and develop projects to overcome isolation, loneliness and feel better connected to each other, and to the wider Leeds community.”

Hillary Wadsworth, Programme Manager at Leeds Older People Forum, said: “LGBT+ older people in Leeds are a huge asset to the city and we believe that this new project with Leeds Community Foundation is an excellent opportunity to harness their experience, skills and talents to establish new opportunities which will grow and run for years to come.”

Funding between £500 and £2.5k is available to kick-start both new community activity as well as for those groups, who are more established, delivering projects to older people and/or the LGBT+ community. For more information about the fund visit: www.leedscf.org.uk/open-grants