Precarious Lives

Interested in taking part in focus groups or interviews as part of our research?

Tonic is researching how older LGBTQ+ people in London are experiencing the cost-of-living crisis. We are currently looking for people to discuss their experiences in focus groups and interviews.

To get involved, you need to be:

  • A member of LGBTQ+ community

  • Aged 50 or over

  • Live in London

We are particularly interested in hearing from:

  • People from the global majority*

  • Lesbians

  • Bisexual people

  • Trans people

  • Those with long-term health conditions

If you are interested in taking part, please get in touch for more information. Call 07597 779793 or email us at research@tonichousing.org.uk.

Your participation will be confidential, and your time will be remunerated with a shopping voucher. DEADLINE 15TH MAY.

*Global majority refers to all ethnic groups apart from White British and other white groups. 

 

ABOUT THE RESEARCH

It is becoming increasingly evident that many older LGBTQ+ people face financial and material problems in later life, a situation that has been heightened by the recent cost of living crisis. Despite this, there is little research to date as to why these problems are so prevalent among older LGBTQ+ people. 

We are conducting a major study, entitled Precarious Lives, that will explore the prevalence of financial and material precarity amongst older LGBTQ+ people in London. It will look at the experiences, causes and the links with other forms of inequality and discrimination. Precarious Lives is informed by an advisory group that includes members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as representatives from service providers, local authorities and support organisations. Most importantly, it engages older people from all sections of London’s LGBTQ+ community, asking those with first- hand experience to share their stories and help bring change.

The first phase of the project, which included conducting a survey of older LGBTQ+ people, was initiated by the charity Opening Doors, which sadly closed in February 2024.

Tonic has taken on this important research project and has applied for funding to gather final evidence and lived experience through focus groups and interviews, prior to issuing a report in early 2025.

We would like to thank everyone who has completed the survey. In addition, we can confirm that Tonic has now sent out the prizes for the prize draw that was set up by Opening Doors for survey participants.