October 2020

SUCCESS!

The bid for funding for our OLGBT Mind-Matters Project was successful. A big thank you to everyone who helped us achieve this terrific outcome. The grant of £5000 covers the cost of a six month programme of craft and performing arts activities aimed at improving participants mental health and wellbeing. We will be working with familar artists as well as meeting some new ones …We look forward to being challenged with fresh creative ideas that we hope will inspire and stimulate our imaginations. The project is intended to reach out beyond the group in the hope of extending the chance for us to meet new people and establish friendships as well as inceasing our social support networks.
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Bouquet of flowers – one of the fabulous presents Maurice received on his 79th birthday

September Online and Real Life Meetings

Throughout September, we have welcomed a regular group of members on our Monday virtual meetings on Zoom. It has been a pleasure to see new faces and visits from people we haven’t seen for a while. Everyone has a chance to say how they are feeling and what they have done in the past week. Some of the things that members get up to can be enlightening, inspiring, surprising, amusing…but rarely dull.

On Tuesday 15 September – observing the latest COVID rule of 6 – the group met for a picnic at Westport Lake. Perfect weather with warm sunshine and not too many people. Everyone seemed to behave in a sensible manner…not only us. Not sure when we will have a chance to meet in person next…but it’s good that we have had two outings outside before winter.

RESEARCH & SUPPORT PROJECTS

We have received requests to take part in research projects by several universities as well as an invitation to be involved in a breavement project by the Beth Johnson Foundation.

Andrew Colclough Volunteer Co-ordinator Bereavement Help Points

Email: andrew.colclough@bjf.org.uk Telephone Mobile: 07770 016978 Introductory video

Want to Help with COVID Research?

The COVID Symptom Study app has been developed by health science company ZOE.  It is endorsed by the Welsh Government, NHS Wales, the Scottish Government & NHS Scotland. Data collected is shared with and analysed by King’s College London & ZOE research teams.

People of all ages and backgrounds are joining together to fight COVID.  You can support the NHS, help scientific research and help get us out of lockdown safely. Takes 1-minute to report your health daily, even if you are well. Get the app from Apple Store or Google Play

VIRTUAL PRIDES

For a complete list of postponed or cancelled Prides go to GAY PRIDE SHOP

Some Resources You Might Find Useful

Staffordshire Buddies in the current crisis, have kindly extended their telephone support for clients to OLGBT Group members. If you would like to receive a weekly call from them, please ring 01782 613429. They are also offering help with shopping and medical prescriptions for people who have to shield themselves.

Street Angels Facebook page was set up to help indiviuduals who are self isolating. Help offered – help needed

Stoke on Trent COVID-19 Support Network – Local organisations and individuals willing to offer support or require help.

Look up NHS 111 online to check and follow their advice if you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19

Esri UK Portal for Public Health England, World Health Organisation (WHO) and John Hopkins University & Medicine – real time data on total cases, patients recovered and deaths

Switchboard provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone, by email or through Instant Messaging

North Midlands LGBT Older Peoples Group

Combatting isolation and loneliness amongst older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Links to mental health, LGBTQ, older people's support.