The voices and experiences of LGBT+ older people are seldom heard, though it is important for social workers to be aware of the needs and strengths of people with diverse gender or sexual identities of all ages.

This episode explores the many unique and shared experiences of LGBT+ older people during lockdown in 2020 through a study led by Professor Trish Hafford-Letchfield. We discuss reciprocal love, care and support they experienced, along with some unique challenges.

Trish is Professor of Social Work at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow in Scotland. Her research interests are in the care experiences of older people from marginalised communities.

The full text of the paper can be accessed here:

Hafford-Letchfield, T., Toze, M, & Westwood, S. (2021) Unheard voices: A qualitative study of LGBT+ older people experiences during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, Health and Social Care in the Community, DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13531

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