Inclusion Lite

This page – and the two resources introduced here – are designed to support community groups or organisations which are working around wellbeing to be actively inclusive of older and old LGBT+ people.

If you are a community organisation, group, or activity focused on promoting wellbeing and fostering positive connections for our residents in Shropshire, have you thought about how inclusive your group/activity is for older and old LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender+) members of our community?

Research conducted across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin indicates that the challenge for our LGBT+ community is frequently not one of active ‘exclusion,’ but rather a lack of ‘inclusion’ or consideration within local organisations, groups, activities, and services. It’s time for change, and together, we have the power to make a positive difference, ensuring everyone has the right to feel safe and comfortable in our beautiful county.

In this short film, Natalie Jackson from Community Resource explains the Inclusion Lite Resources

What do we mean by ‘inclusion’?

Being ‘excluded’, being ‘not included’ and ‘being included’ are all different experiences which have a range of impact on people and their well-being.

Being deliberately excluded – organisations which overtly say that it is not OK to be LGBT+, which discriminate against people because of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Being not included – can occur when people have not even thought about LGBT+ people existing, or do not carry a thought through, so we can look on websites and in organisational literature and not see ourselves. The assumption is always of a heterosexual, binary world.

Being included – is what we are aiming for, when we can actually see ourselves and LGBT+ lives are ‘usualised’ which can have a hugely positive impact on our well-being.

There are two resources on this page to help: bronze and silver tier – have a look at the summaries and click on the images to download a copy.

Bronze tier – a leaflet that:

Provides a starting point to talk about inclusion with our community groups and organisations across Shropshire
Shares the reality of the challenges still faced
Offers ways to positively contribute towards an inclusive Shropshire
Provides next steps for change

Silver tier – a workbook that:

Aims to share what exclusion might feel like in more detail
Encourages ideas about how to start discussions
Offers simple ways to identify actions which may help groups and activities to become more inclusive
Aims to support organisations across Shropshire to get to ‘gold’ tier standard of inclusion