The Diversity Trust has published a new report exploring the experiences of older gay and bisexual men living in rural communities in Somerset. The report includes case studies, and biographies of older gay and bisexual men, and makes a number of recommendations for service providers to increase accessibility and remove barriers to services for the community.

Berkeley Wilde, the report author said: “We have been having conversations with individuals and groups of gay and bisexual men in the county over the past year and we have gathered these stories of men’s experiences together into this new report. The report discusses the loneliness and isolation some men experience living in the area as well as the sense of community and belonging other men experience. It paints a mixed picture of life in the county and shows the importance of community and belonging.”

“Whilst HIV and sexual health remains a priority with gay and bisexual men in relation to public health, the need for interventions around emotional health and wellbeing, especially mental health, are of concern for gay and bisexual men. From our research we have found higher levels of anxiety and depression, self harm and suicidal ideation amongst gay and bisexual men.”

To read the report click here

A new report by the Diversity Trust explores the key areas of discrimination and inequality, as well as the positive experiences LGBTQ young people have, of living in the area.

We have carried out a review of sexual health services for Somerset Partnership NHS Trust. The review included an audit of services, as well as work with young people in different settings, to explore improving access to services in the area. The review focussed on the experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans young people in the county.

We have launched a new report on access to substance misuse services by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans communities in Bristol. The report highlights the need for specialist and targeted services to improve the reach to LGB and Trans communities in Bristol.

A new report by the Diversity Trust, working in collaboration with Bath Spa University and Bath and North East Somerset Council, explores key areas of health inequality and discrimination, as well as the positive experiences LGB and Trans people have of living in the area.

In April 2012 NHS Somerset and Somerset LINk jointly commissioned the Diversity Trust to research the experiences of health and social care with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans (LGB&T) communities in Somerset.

A new report is published today which highlights the health and wellbeing needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people in South Gloucestershire.