The Gateshead Housing Standard for Ageing Well
7. Inclusivity
Our homes need to support older people across all communities in Gateshead to age-well and thrive. This section addresses the cultural and religious needs of residents alongside the unique challenges faced by older people that identify as LGBTQ+. It emphasises the importance of culturally competent housing design, which respects diverse cultural preferences and values, while also advocating for LGBTQ+ friendly environments that combat discrimination and foster a sense of belonging.
Through considerations such as proximity to cultural amenities, access to supportive networks, and the provision of LGBTQ+ affirmative accommodation and care, the aim is to create inclusive spaces where all of us can age well without fear of prejudice or discrimination.
40% of survey respondents said that it was either very or quite important that their home caters to their cultural and/or religious needs.
Cultural and/or religious needs are things that are necessary or helpful for an individual to thrive due to their cultural background or religion that they follow, sometimes they can be interlinked. For example, access to places of worship, cultural amenities such as shops or community centres or the way in which a home has been designed or furnished.
Diversity in Gateshead
Gender identity
| Description | Gateshead 2021 | North East 2021 | England 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| All usual residents aged 16+ | 161,748 | 2,178,959 | 46,006,957 |
| Gender identity the same as sex registered at birth | 95% (153,947) | 95% (2,065,870) | 93% (43,002,331) |
| Gender identity different from sex registered at birth but no specific identity given | 0.2% (360) | 0.2% | 0.2% (113,760) |
| Trans women | 0.1% (110) | 0.1% (1,743) | 0.1% (45,684) |
| Trans man | 0.1% (124) | 0.1% (1,963) | 0.1% (46,513) |
| All other gender identities | 0.1% (138) | 0.1% (1,904) | 0.1% (45,886) |
| Not answered | 4% (7,069) | 5% (103,166) | 6% (2,752,783) |
Figures may not sum due to rounding
Sexual orientation
| Description | Gateshead 2021 | North East 2021 | England 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| All usual residents aged 16+ | 161,748 | 2,178,959 | 46,006,957 |
| Straight or heterosexual | 91% (147,379) | 91% | 89% (41,114,478) |
| Gay or lesbian | 2% (3,087) | 2% (34,016) | 2% (709,704) |
| Bisexual | 1% (1,939) | 1% (25,954) | 1% (591,690) |
| All other sexual orientations | 0.3% (470) | 0.3% (5,851) | 0.3% (158,357) |
| Not answered | 5% (8,874) | 6% (129,694) | 7% (3,432,728) |
Figures may not sum due to rounding
The Jewish population is recognised by the council as a significant minority in Gateshead, however the Census data above doesn't necessarily reflect this. Bensham and Saltwell is the largest centre for Jewish education in Europe and attracts Talmudic students from across the world.
'Culturally competent' housing
Culturally competent housing refers to the design, development, and provision of housing that respects and takes into account the diverse cultural needs, preferences, and values of the people who will be living in those homes.
The following should be considered in relation to the design and development of culturally competent homes and neighbourhoods that support all communities in Gateshead to age well:
- Proximity to cultural and/or religious amenities where appropriate. For example, religious spaces and specialist retail spaces.
- Access to community and voluntary organisations working with diverse communities
- Access to existing support networks such as family and friends, other people from similar cultural and faith-based communities.
- Prevalence of multi-generational living amongst some families potentially requiring larger properties.
- Homes that support older people to 'culturally right-size' where multi-generational living is not required. For example, move to accommodation that suits both age-related needs and cultural preferences.
- Culturally appropriate care and support.
- Information and advice provided in community languages.
"Sheltered housing as it is doesn't appeal to me, I might consider moving if it addressed my cultural/religious needs. For others in my community, multi-generational living will continue to be what they prefer" - Gateshead resident
Case study: Cherry Tree House, Leeds (opens new window)
Leeds Jewish Housing Association have developed a mixed-use site within the heart of the Jewish Community. The housing component comprises Cherry Tree House, a purpose-built 51 unit sheltered scheme for over 55s and Hillside, a 34-unit apartment block for which anyone is eligible. The site also includes a community centre providing culturally sensitive services such as synagogue on site, café and restaurant and arts and culture.
The sheltered apartments are connected to 130 existing properties to form a sheltered village of 181 apartments for older people with secure access to the Ziff Community Centre.
Case study: Rupali Court, Birmingham (opens new window)
In 2021, Housing 21 a not-for-profit provider of housing for older people launched their 'cohousing strategy'. The vision is to expand from extra care housing and retirement living and provide cohousing as an additional option for older people of modest means, specifically those from BAME backgrounds. Cohousing is commonly described as an "intentional community" or a group of like-minded people coming together. Housing 21's definition for this scheme focuses more on a community that offers "mutual support" where neighbours look out for one another as it felt this description of "like minded" could deter diversity.
Research undertaken by Triangle Architects and Housing 21 identified a shift in multi-generational living amongst some people from ethnic minority communities and therefore cohousing for older people was identified as a possible option for older people from these communities.
Following local consultation, it is intended that Rupali will be a cohousing scheme for women over the age of 55 from the diverse community of Lozells including from the Bangladeshi community.
In addition to 25 one- and two-bedroom apartments which will be available for social rent, the application includes a residents' lounge/multi-faith room, landscaped communal garden, parking and an allotment area for residents to grow their own vegetables.
The scheme will also include common area with a kitchen and open space, where the community could come together to cook and eat; as well as space for activities such as yoga.
LGBTQ+
Homes suited to older people need to be welcoming and relevant to people that identify as LGBTQ+. Research from Housing LIN (opens new window) some of the issues that older LGBTQ+ people face in relation to housing includes, experience of stigma and discrimination in housing and care services, loneliness as a result of an increased likelihood of living alone and lack of community support. Often existing 'right-sizer' accommodation might not be considerate of the needs of LGBTQ+ people.
The themes throughout this standard are relevant to people that identify as LGBTQ+, however consideration also needs to be given to the following:
- Communities and services that accept a person's sexuality and identity.
- The importance of social networks and family of choice later in life, especially for forms of support and care.
- Providing LGBTQ+ affirmative 'right-sizer' accommodation, although this is not everyone's preference. i.e. accommodation that meets both age-related needs and LGBTQ+ identity.
- Providing care and support that is LGBTQ+ friendly.
"For me it's important to create something where members of the LGBT community can live and age well without fear of discrimination and prejudice. As a group we often experience homophobia in services for older people and for some they hide their identity, go back in the closet so to speak for fear of I'll treatment." - Gateshead resident
Case study: Tonic@Bankhouse, Vauxhall, London (opens new window)
Tonic@Bankhouse is the UK's first LGBT+ affirming retirement community. LGBT+ affirming means that the approach to services and support is not just "LGBT+-friendly" but affirming of the lives, histories, needs and desires of LGBT+ people.
Bankhouse consists of 84 apartments, 59 for affordable rent and 25 for shared ownership, across 14 floors. One Housing owns and manages all of the affordable rented apartments at Bankhouse, and 6 shared ownership apartments.
Amenities on-site include communal gardens, a community lounge, a restaurant and bar, an overnight guest suite, a laundry room, floating garden, roof terrace and bike storage. All areas of the building are fully accessible to wheelchair users.
Bankhouse has 24 hour on site staff and optional care packages from Care Outlook are available.
Case study: Pride in Ageing Programme, Manchester City Council, LGBT Foundation, Age Friendly Manchester and Barclays (opens new window)
The Pride in Ageing programme highlights the ongoing contributions of LGBTQ+ over 50s to our city region and ensures their voices are heard when it comes to ageing policy and planning. Launched by Sir Ian McKellen in June 2019, the programme was also set up to address concerns that too many lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people over the age of 50 are living in isolation and facing discrimination as a direct result of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The LGBT Foundation and Manchester City Council are currently working with Greater Places Housing Association to develop the UK's first purpose-built and co-produced LGBTQ+ Extra Care housing scheme. The plans are in place to develop 79 homes as extra care housing as part of a 120 home development on the 120 homes on the 2.25-acre former Spire Hospital site.