The Wandsworth LGBTQ have received funding to deliver the over-50’s LGBT coffee morning for a second year. The only weekly service for older LGBT people in South London was first established in April 2017 with support from the Wandsworth CCG but expired in May this year.

The second year of funding comes from multi award winning local Charity, Wandsworth Oasis who have been a firm ally to the Forum over recent years.

CEO of Wandsworth Oasis, Gill Perkins, commented:

 “The Trustees of Wandsworth Oasis were unanimous in their support for this project. Having attended the coffee morning on a couple of occasions I was struck by how much it is valued by participants on many different levels - as an antidote to isolation; as an opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals; and to listen to the varied speaker programme. I am looking forward to working with the Forum more closely on this and other initiatives.”

This much valued service takes place every Thursday morning from 10-12 at the Furzedown Project, which is an activity centre for older people located in the community of Furzedown near Tooting Bec/Broadway tube stations. 

Furzedown Project Manager Mick Morrell said:

 “The establishment of an older persons LGBT support network at the Furzedown Project has been a delight to behold. At last we have a means to reach a group of people could easily become isolated or lonely as they age. The Thursday coffee morning is always lively with a host of fascinating guest speakers. As we move in to the second year I am looking forward to seeing yet more LGBT members taking the opportunity to participate in our wider programme and forging new friendships through the Project.”  

Founding members Hilary Anderson and Vito Ward also commented:

“I’m exceedingly happy that the LGBT coffee morning has acquired funding for a second year. It looks as if it is going to be as friendly and interesting as our first year. Words cannot describe how wonderful this group is. My wish is that it will be replicated throughout the country!”

If you’re interested in attending the group, please get in touch with the group facilitator, David Robson on Wandsworthlgbt@hotmail.co.uk or call 02074989933

Upcoming Speakers include:

August 24th Roehampton University Student Union President, ChuChu Nwagu

September 13th - Jane Traise (Writer, ‘Now You See Me – Lesbian Life Stories’) Out now!

September 27th - Wise Thoughts (LGBT & BAME Arts Charity in London)

October 11th – Asifia Lahore (The U.K’s first Muslim Drag Queen)

October 25th – UK Black Pride (TBC)