Supporting an LGBTQ+ person with dementia – useful organisations

Useful organisations

Age UK

Telephone
0800 678 1602 (advice line, 8am–7pm)

Website
www.ageuk.org.uk

Wales – Age Cymru

Telephone
0300 303 4498 (9am–4pm Monday–Friday)

Email
[email protected] 

Website
www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru

Northern Ireland – Age NI

Telephone
0808 808 7575 (9am–5pm Monday–Friday)

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland

Age UK, Age Cymru and Age NI aim to improve later life for
everyone through information and advice, services, campaigns,
products, training and research. Some local Age UKs, Age
Cymrus and Age NIs run social groups for older LGBTQ+ people.

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

Telephone
03000 616161 

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.cqc.org.uk

CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in
England. It has a database of service providers, including ratings
to help people choose care.

Carers Trust

Telephone
0300 772 9600 (England)
0300 772 9702 (Wales)

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.carers.org

Carers Trust works to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring for a family member or friend.

Carers UK

Telephone
0808 808 7777 (helpline, 9am–6pm Monday–Friday)

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.carersuk.org

Carers UK provides information and advice about caring, alongside practical and emotional support for carers.

Community Health Councils in Wales

Website
www.wales.nhs.uk/ourservices/directory/CommunityHealthCouncils

Community Health Councils are independent bodies who listen to what individuals and the community have to say about the health services provided for them. You can find your local one using the directory on the NHS Wales website.

Consortium

Telephone
020 7064 6500

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.consortium.lgbt
www.consortium.lgbt/member-directory

Consortium focuses on the development and support of LGBT+ groups, organisations and projects. It has a directory where you can search for LGBT+ services by location.

Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project (DEEP)

Website
www.dementiavoices.org.uk

DEEP is a network of peer support groups around the UK that provide opportunities for people living with dementia to support each other. They include an online LGBTQ+ group called Speak out with dementia.

Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)

Telephone
0808 800 0082 (helpline, 9am–7pm Monday–Friday, 10am–2pm Saturday)

Website
www.equalityadvisoryservice.com

EASS provides support and advice about your rights in England, Wales and Scotland.

Equality Commission for Northern Ireland

Telephone
028 90 500 600

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.equalityni.org

The Equality Commission provides information and advice about your rights in Northern Ireland.

Galop

Telephone
020 7704 2040 (LGBT+ hate crime helpline, 10am–4pm Monday–Friday)
0800 999 5428 (LGBT+ domestic abuse helpline, 10am–5pm Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 10am–8pm Wednesday and Thursday)

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.galop.org.uk

Galop provides advice and support to LGBT+ people who have experiences hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence. They have a dedicated Trans Advocacy Service.

Gender Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES)

Website
www.gires.org.uk

GIRES aims to improve the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people, including those who are non-binary and non-gender. It also hosts Tranzwiki, a comprehensive directory of the groups campaigning for, supporting or assisting trans and gender non-conforming people.

GOV.UK

Website
www.gov.uk
www.gov.uk/apply-gender-recognition-certificate

GOV.UK is the website of the UK government. It includes information on legal issues and rights, such as Gender recognition certificates and power of attorney.

Healthwatch

Telephone
03000 683 000 (8.30am–5.30pm Monday–Friday)

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.healthwatch.co.uk

Healthwatch is the independent champion for people who use health and social care services in England. They listen to what individuals and the community have to say about local health and care services. You can find your local Healthwatch using the directory on their website.

LGBT Foundation

Telephone
03453 303030 (9am–9pm Monday–Friday)

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.lgbt.foundation

LGBT Foundation provides advice, support and information services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

Telephone
0300 061 0614 (10am–4pm Monday–Friday)

Website
www.lgo.org.uk

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman is the final stage for complaints about councils and some other organisations providing local public services. It also includes adult social care providers (such as care homes and home care providers).

The National LGB&T Partnership

Telephone
020 7064 6506

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.consortium.lgbt/nationallgbtpartnership

The National LGB&T Partnership is a group of organisations that aims to reduce health inequalities and improve access to health and social care for LGBT+ people. Its website includes resources and links to local organisations.

Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman

Telephone
0800 343424 (9am–1pm Monday–Friday)

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.nipso.org.uk/nipso

The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman investigates complaints where local resolution has not been possible.

Opening Doors London

Telephone
020 7239 0400

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Opening Doors London is a charity that supports older LGBTQ+ people across the UK, including LGBTQ+ people living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia.

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (England)

Telephone
0345 015 4033 (8.30am–5pm Monday–Thursday, 8.30am–12pm Friday)

Website
www.ombudsman.org.uk

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman investigates complaints about the NHS in England where local resolution has not been possible.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Website
www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/what-is-pals-patient-advice-and-liaison-service

Each hospital in England and Wales has a PALS who can help with complaints and provide advice and information on health-related matters. The NHS website offers a search by location to find your local PALS office.

Patient and Client Council (Northern Ireland)

Telephone
0800 917 0222

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.patientclientcouncil.hscni.net

Patient and Client Council independently represents and advocates on health and social care issues for people in Northern Ireland. It can help with complaints and provide advice and information.

Public Services Ombudsman for Wales

Telephone
0300 790 0203 (10am–4pm)

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.ombudsman.wales

The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales investigates and considers complaints where they have not been resolved locally.

Stonewall

Telephone
08000 502020 (information service, 9.30am–4.30pm Monday–Friday)

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.stonewall.org.uk

Stonewall campaigns for the equality of LGBTQ+ people across Britain. Its website includes information and advice for LGBTQ+ people.

Stonewall Housing

Telephone
020 7359 5767 (advice line, 10am–1pm Monday–Friday)

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.stonewallhousing.org

Stonewall Housing is the specialist LGBTQ+ housing advice and support provider in England.

Switchboard

Telephone
0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm)

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.switchboard.lgbt

Switchboard provides an information, support and referral phone service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people, and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity.

Together in dementia everyday (tide)

Telephone
0151 237 2669

Email
[email protected]

Website
www.tide.uk.net

tide is a UK network of carers, former carers and health and care professionals. It campaigns to improve the lives of carers and those they care for across the UK.

Review information

Our information is based on evidence and need, and is regularly updated using quality-controlled processes. It is reviewed by experts in health and social care and people affected by dementia. 

Reviewed by: Dr James McParland, Clinical Psychologist, UCLH and Professor Rosie Harding, Chair in Law and Society, Birmingham Law School

To give feedback on this information, or for a list of sources, please email our Publications team at [email protected]