Making Safer Housing Choices 2026

The Making Safer Choices Guide

This guide is for LGBTQ+ people thinking about safe, inclusive housing and care options later in life. It offers suggestions, illustrative stories and resources to help you plan ahead. Many LGBTQ+ people are living in homes that feel safe and meet their needs, but planning ahead now might help avoid stressful situations, waiting until a crisis often means rushed decisions.

Research shows it’s helpful to consider why you might need to move home as you age, especially if specialist housing becomes necessary. LGBTQ+ people may have extra questions, like: Will I be able to be myself? Will I face discrimination—and what happens if I do? Will I experience stigma concerning my sexual orientation or gender identity?

This guide draws on research, information from community organisations, and conversations with LGBTQ+ people. That’s why it’s called evidence-based, you can trust the issues raised have solid foundations. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone’s needs and preferences are different. The guide highlights key things to think about and help you prepare the right questions and find answers.

NATIONWIDE SERVICES

Stonewall Housing - for specialist housing advice, advocacy and referrals for LGBTQ+ people in crisis.

Age UK - for general advice on housing, relationships and well-being for older adults.

Micro Rainbow - for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers needing housing and specialised integration support.

Rainbow Communities - for vulnerable or isolated older LGBTQ+ people, support for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse, as well as for LGBTQ+ befriending and LGBT+ dementia support/memory cafe.

LONDON SERVICES

Tonic Housing - the UK’s first LGBTQ+ affirmative retirement community (Tonic@Bankhouse).

The Outside Project - LGBTIQ+ shelter, domestic abuse refuge, Trans Winter Night Shelter, LGBTIQ+ Centre and outreach service.

Star Support - LGBTIQ+ domestic abuse refuge development, recovery programme and inequalities research.

REGIONAL SERVICES

Anchor (New Larchwood) - LGBTQ+ affirmative extra-care housing for those aged 55+.

Pride of Place - an LGBTQ+ community in central Leeds where LGBTQ+ people can live, work, and enjoy life independently.

LGBT Foundation - developing LGBTQ+ majority extra-care scheme, Kindred House, and run ‘Pride in Ageing’ programmes. Runs monthly housing drop-in sessions in Manchester.

AT-HOME CARE SERVICES

Care 4 Pride - personalised hourly and live-in care.

Alternative Care Services - personalised in-home support for independence, also currently developing an LGBTQ+ extra-care scheme to open in 2026.

Care Choices - a general directory to search for care providers.

WATCH A VIDEO VERSION OF THE GUIDE