LGBTQ+ Extra Care Housing Scheme – Community Update

Work has made steady progress since our last update, and we’re pleased to announce that we have submitted plans for the ‘first of a kind’ purpose-built majority LGBTQ+ Extra Care housing scheme in Whalley Range, south Manchester.

The scheme will look to increase the affordable housing opportunities for older people to move into high quality accommodation, with flexible care and support services available to meet changing needs encouraging independent living. The residents will be required to be aged 55 years or over, with the majority of residents being members of the LGBTQ+ community from Manchester. Living alongside allies the aim is to provide an open and inclusive, physical and psychological place of safety for the older LGBTQ+ community and a welcome addition to the Whalley Range area.

The final proposals will deliver 80 one- and two-bedroom social rented apartments for older people in a brick building of four to five storeys. The low-carbon scheme will include shared communal facilities including lounges and treatment rooms and landscaped gardens which will look to ensure an overall net gain of trees on the site.

The site will also include a neighbouring separate shared ownership block consisting of around 40 one- and two-bed apartments, delivering affordable homes to first time buyers and eligible customers, helping to address emerging affordability issues in places such as Whalley Range.

The final proposals could not have been developed without the crucial input from the Russell Road Community Steering Group, Manchester City Council and LGBT Foundation, and without the feedback from many of you via our consultation at the beginning of this year. We would like to thank everybody for their support in getting the Russell Road development to this stage.

The plans are due to be considered at Manchester City Council’s September Planning Meeting. You can read the planned proposals and you can provide your feedback ahead of the meeting here.

Co-production has underpinned the project from the outset, and alongside preparations for the planning submission, work has continued with the Community Steering Group (CSG) to co-produce a question for the Extra Care provider competitive tender that reflects the aspirations for care for LGBTQ+ older people demonstrated by Russell Road.

We’re also pleased to announce that Amy Davies, Head of Independent Living at Great Places Housing Group and a key member of the Russell Road Project Team, has been awarded a Churchill Fellowship. This will enable her to travel to Berlin, Lyon and Madrid as part of a research study into specialist housing provision for LGBTQ+ older people. We’re sure that you would join us in congratulating Amy on receiving this coveted award that will allow her to look into how the UK is making progress in specialist housing for LGBTQ+ older people, learning from others developing similar pioneering schemes across Europe to inform the development of the scheme as the project progresses.

Thanks for your continued support it is appreciated. We look forward to sharing further news on the planning submission as soon as we can as well as continuing to keep you up to date as to the latest developments as the project continues.

Commenting on the planning submission, Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said:

We know there is a real need for this type of affordable housing that can support older LGBTQ+ people in the city to age with dignity, surrounded by a community of like-minded people. Extra Care homes are an attractive and affordable housing choice for people later in life, and where some on-going care needs can be accommodated on-site.

This will be a hugely welcome planning application to transform a long-term brownfield site and these proposals have been developed in partnership with a Community Steering Group to ensure this development will meet the needs of older residents from the LGBTQ+ community in Manchester.

Martin York and Susan Duncan-Wood, Joint Co-chairs of the Russell Road Community Steering Group (CSG), added:

As Co-Chairs we are proud to be involved in this pioneering scheme, working alongside Community Steering Group members. We aim to ensure all voices are heard and perspectives considered to deliver a housing development where LGBTQ+ older people can live their lives authentically and with dignity.

LGBT+ Retirement Communities in the United States

As the population of openly LGBT+ seniors in the United States continues to grow, the need for inclusive and supportive gay retirement communities has become increasingly evident. These communities provide a safe and welcoming environment where LGBT+ seniors can live without fear of discrimination or ostracism.

The importance of gay retirement communities

LGBT+ seniors often face unique challenges as they age, including social isolation, discrimination and a lack of family support.

According to Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE), many LGBT+ elders have experienced indignities such as being denied the opportunity to share a room with their same-sex partner or receiving insensitive treatment from staff members who object to homosexuality. These experiences can lead to feelings of loneliness and the need to “go back into the closet” when entering the senior care system.

Gay retirement communities address these issues by providing a supportive environment where residents can live openly and authentically. These communities often offer specialised services and cultural training programmes to ensure that staff members are equipped to meet the unique needs of LGBT+ seniors. 

Additionally, they foster a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for the mental and emotional well being of residents.

LGBT+ retirement homes across the US

Several retirement communities across the United States cater specifically to the needs of LGBT+ seniors. Here are some notable ones around the country that offer varying amenities and services:

Birds of a Feather (Pecos, New Mexico)

The Palms of Manasota (Palmetto, Florida)

Stonewall Gardens (Palm Springs, California)

The Connie House (Boynton Beach, Florida)

A Place for Us (Cleveland, Ohio)

Triangle Square (West Hollywood, California)

John C. Anderson Apartments (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Open House Community at 55 Laguna (San Francisco, California)

Town Hall Apartments (Chicago, Illinois)

Fountaingrove Lodge (Santa Rosa, California)

Stonewall House (Brooklyn, New York)

Crotona Pride House (Bronx, New York)

Bay Shore Senior Residences (Bayshore, New York)

Living Out (Palm Springs, California)

Pride Place (Seattle, Washington)

The Pryde (Hyde Park, Massachusetts)

The Opal (Portland, Oregon)

Rainbow Vista (Gresham, Oregon)

Village Hearth (Durham, North Carolina)

Alternatives to gay retirement communities

For LGBT+ seniors who may not have access to a dedicated gay retirement community, there are several alternatives to consider:

LGBT+-friendly senior living communities: Many standard senior living and assisted living communities are becoming more inclusive and implementing anti-discrimination policies. It’s important to ask about LGBT+ cultural training for staff and the presence of LGBT+ clubs and events when considering these communities.

Support organisations: Organisations such as the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging and Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) provide resources and support for LGBT+ seniors, helping them find inclusive living options and access necessary services.

Inclusive cities: Some cities are known for their LGBT+ inclusiveness and may offer a welcoming environment for LGBT+ seniors. Cities like San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta, Chicago, Orlando and Philadelphia have vibrant LGBT+ communities and supportive services for older adults.

Empowering LGBT+ seniors

Gay retirement communities play a crucial role in providing a safe and supportive environment for LGBT+ seniors. With locations across the United States, these communities offer specialised services and a sense of belonging that is essential for the well being of their residents.

For those who cannot access a dedicated gay retirement community, exploring LGBT+-friendly senior living options and supportive cities can provide alternative solutions.

As the demand for inclusive senior living continues to grow, it is essential to ensure that all seniors, regardless of their orientation or gender identity, can age with dignity and respect.

Rainbow Lottery Super Draw!

Please support Out In The City by buying a Rainbow Lottery ticket or two (or more!)

With each Rainbow Lottery ticket, you are not just entering to win exciting prizes, you are also supporting our mission to support older LGBT+ people.

It’s a vital part of our fundraising as we receive 50p for every £1 spent and you have the chance to win cash prizes each week from £25 for three numbers up to a jackpot of £25,000 for six numbers – while helping us to achieve more for the LGBT+ communities over 50 years of age.

Buy tickets here.

On Saturday 27 July, one lucky winner will walk away with this month’s amazing Ninja mega-bundle.

The Ninja Woodfire Electric Barbecue and Pizza Oven can be used as easily on your counter-top as they can in the garden!

And of course, your CREAMi ice-cream maker, Foodi Power blender, and Ninja Dual-Zone Air Fryer are perfectly at home in the kitchen too!

However, the choice is yours. You can take the £1,000 cash alternative! 

If you already have tickets then you’re in with a chance to win big – but don’t forget, you can top-up your tickets just for the week of the Super Draw!

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