ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the knowledge exchange (KE) project. It explains how knowledge about the lives of older LGBT people can be used to try to create better services with those older people in mind; and it has considered some of the benefits and challenges of undertaking such work. The project comprised knowledge exchange between different groups of stakeholders, attempting to improve a range of services with older LGBT people in mind. Knowledge exchange refers to a two-way process between social scientists and individuals and organisations. The chapter concludes that undertaking such knowledge exchange work is vital if legislative and organisational policies and practices are to make a difference to older LGBT people's lives. It provides how the KE project was conducted, in terms of its methodology and the challenges that were faced during its progress. The KE project was, therefore, intended to raise awareness of older LGBT service users amongst service providers, change policies and practices.