(Apologies for any cross-posting via other networks)

We are getting in touch to let you know about a new research study “The Last Outing: Exploring end of life experiences and care needs in the lives of older LGBT people”. The study has been funded by Marie Cure Cancer Care Research Programme, and is led by Dr Kathryn Almack at the University of Nottingham.

The study will be the first of its kind across the UK and will run for two years (Sept 2012 to Aug 2014). We will be capturing people’s experiences in two ways:
1. A UK-wide survey of LGBT older people’s end of life experiences and care needs
2. In-depth interviews with a sub-sample of the survey respondents (up to 60 people) to examine in-depth issues highlighted from the survey.
More information about the study and the research team can be found at:

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/nmpresearch/lastouting

We are now at the stage of launching the survey and we are keen to extend our contacts with LGBT individuals and groups across the UK to publicise the survey to potential participants as widely as possible.

We are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:

• Currently live in the UK
• Identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans, or their gender identity and/or gender expression is different from the one assigned at birth
• Are aged 60 or over OR are under 60 but have a partner or a person for whom they care who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans and is aged 60 or over.

We hope that the project findings will have an impact on present and future health and social care provision and so we would very much appreciate your help in reaching people who meet these criteria. We would be pleased to hear from your organisation or from individuals and groups directly.

The above website contains a link to the online version of the survey or we are more than happy to provide a hard copy of the survey for anyone wishing to participate who does not have access to computer or who would prefer to work with a paper copy. For the latter we would need a postal address and we will provide a prepaid envelope for the survey’s return.

We also have some A4 posters and postcards available, aimed at publicising the study to potential participants, so please let us know if there are places where you could put up posters for us and/or distribute postcards and we can arrange to send these to you. Please email us at thelastouting@nottingham.ac.uk if you would like any more information.

Many thanks in anticipation,

The Last Outing Team

I’m Mike – I’ve just this Monday started working with LGBT Forum – I shall be back in the office tomorrow – so I shall be able to send you some links and hopefully information as soon as I get in.

I have been made redundant twice now in the last 6 months – and I know only too well how horrible and demoralising it is to be ‘out of the loop’ – even for just a few months…

I know from my own experience that belonging to a supportive group of like minded folk – although no help on the money front – is a life-raft when it comes to feeling good about yourself. I belong to Sing Out Bristol Choir – we now have more than 75 members – including MtF and FtM folk… and you don’t even have to sing! It’s certainly got me thru some darker times.

OK – will get back to you tomorrow.

All the best

Mike Burgess
LGBT Bristol

Can Anyone help/advise me please?

“stop treating people who struggle with same-sex sin as lepers”

We would welcome open and frank debate on whether same-sex love is sin but, as a publicly funded organisation and source of information, we must make every effort to report factual information accurately and fairly. It is not our intention to promote anti-religious feelings, whatever our personal beliefs, and especially in respect of those who do not advocate homophobia but tolerance.

I hope you understand our position.

One of the Directors and Trustees of CARE is also a Director and Trustee of an organisation called Anglican Mainstream and was actively involved in their conference held in January this year entitled “The Lepers Among Us : Homosexuality and the Life of the Church.” http://www.scribd.com/doc/85757022/Anglican-Mainstream-Website-The-Lepers-Among-Us-1

Thank you again for raising awareness about the petition. I hope more people will sign it and help to persuade the remaining 16 MPs to distance themselves from this charity.