Equitable Access and Use of Social Support & Care Services for LGBTQ+ Communities with Dementia

Addressing the issues of social justice and gaps in service provision through co-developing research priorities with people living with dementia from the LGBTQ+ communities.

The project aimed to co-develop ideas for a research proposal to address inequalities in the provision of support services for LGBTQ+ communities living with dementia. The project comprised three elements. The first included online group workshops on 25 March and 13 May 2025. Workshop one aimed to identify priorities, and workshop two aimed to narrow down to one priority and explore how to address it. These workshops had 80 participants, including people with lived experience, caregivers/supporters, representatives from charities/third sector, NHS, local authorities and academia. An artist produced visual minutes of both workshops. 

The second element included visual illustrations of personal stories from those with lived experience. Six people living with dementia from LGBTQ+ communities were invited to co-design with a visual artist and the research team on storyboards representing their lives and dementia journeys. Many groups were represented, from different ages, ethnicities, localities, types and stages of dementia, and represented the experiences of caregivers, families and allies. 

The third element was a final dissemination event on 2 July 2025. 40 people attended from diverse backgrounds. The event featured talks from the protagonists of the storyboards and from the visual artist. This event was an opportunity to learn about other dementia journeys and connect with local services.

These elements have created an evidence base to inform the development of tools, strategies and policy to ensure that those who are least supported do not fall into cracks in the social support system and can live independently for as long as possible. 

Image credit: iStock