Lgbt Foundation and Gaddum

LGBT Foundation are delighted to be working together with Gaddum, one of Manchester’s oldest charities, established in 1833 and a lead provider in carers support services to create an LGBT carers advisory group and to develop a survey created by and specifically aimed LGBT+ carers. Carers Rights Day, which is marked each year on November 26th helps us to ensure carers are aware of their rights, let carers know where to get help and support and raise awareness of the needs of carers.

We are looking for adult LGBTQ+ carers from a diverse range of communities and backgrounds to join a brand-new LGBT carers advisory group. We are particularly keen to hear from you if you are a person of colour, trans, or non-binary.

The group will meet virtually over the next 3 months to share your experiences and expertise in the development of a LGBTQ+ survey that will be distributed across the UK. The group will also create a list of recommendations in terms of how carers support organisations can raise awareness, improve engagement and specifically support LGBTQ+ carers.

Andrew Gilliver of LGBT Foundation says:

“You might think of yourself as a person’s partner, family member or friend, but recognising that you might be a carer means you are not alone. A carer is someone of any age who supports, unwaged, a relative, partner or friend who due to physical or mental illness, disability, frailty or addiction could not manage without that support. A carer does not always live with the person they care for, or care for them full time.

During the current pandemic people are more likely to be a carer now more than ever before. It is estimated there are now an additional 4.5 million unpaid carers in the UK due to the pandemic, bringing total national estimates to as many as 13.5 million. Many of us within  LGBT communities take on roles where we look after people and this can lead to feelings of increased isolation. We might need support or just a friendly person to chat to from time to time, who we know will understand us. If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you!.”

Dave Williams, Chief Officer for Manchester Carers Forum, says:

“This piece of work is perhaps long overdue.  Cares in the LGBTQ community remain almost out of view although from our personal experience we know there are many of us out there.  This piece of research is an ideal opportunity for work to be done to encourage self-identification and to discover the discrete challenges that we face in accessing the support that we need.  I look forward to the engagement that will be encouraged and facilitated, the outcomes identified  and to the formation of strategy to fully address the issues raised.”

The benefits of joining the group for all members will be:

• For every meeting attended you will receive a £50 voucher for a range of online retailers. We aim to host 3-4 meetings between December and March.

• You will have the opportunity to meet other carers, share experiences and make new friends.

• Be part of an exciting new project that aims to improve the support of LGBTQ+ carers for generations to come.

Anyone who is interested in being part of the group or have any questions and want to know more about the project, please get in touch with Sam.Palmer@gaddum.org.uk. The deadline for expressions of interest is 12 noon on 11th December 2020.

Published: 26-Nov-2020: (6059)