The provider of LGBTQ+ affirmative retirement housing is celebrating a milestone…
Tonic Housing has officially become a registered provider of social housing, making it the UK’s first LGBTQ+ specific housing association.
Tonic was established in 2014 to address the issues of loneliness and isolation of older LGBTQ+ people and the need for specific housing and support provision.
As a Registered Provider (RP), Tonic can now expand its impact by directly delivering social and affordable homes and accessing new development, investment and partnership opportunities.
Terry Stacy MBE, Chair of Tonic Housing, said: “Tonic is incredibly proud of this landmark achievement as the UK’s first LGBTQ+ Registered Provider of Social Housing — this is a turning point for LGBTQ+ housing in the UK.
“It gives Tonic the platform to grow a new model of later-life living, where older LGBTQ+ people can age not just with safety and support, but with pride, purpose and visibility.
“This is a testament to the unwavering vision and commitment of Tonic’s staff, board and community panel, ever since the organisation was founded in 2014. We particularly acknowledge the work of Anna Kear, our former CEO. Anna’s dedication meant we were able to reach this milestone and we are incredibly grateful for her contributions to Tonic’s legacy.
“We look forward to using our new status as an RP to meet the housing needs of more older LGBTQ+ people, especially those from intersectional marginalised backgrounds. Our vision is bold: a future where LGBTQ+ affirming housing is no longer the exception but a normal part of communities across the country.”
Tonic became the UK’s first LGBTQ+ affirming retirement community in March 2021, following the acquisition of 19 homes at Tonic@Bankhouse in Vauxhall, made possible through a £5.7 million loan from the GLA’s Community Housing Fund.
The loan has now been fully repaid through the sale of 17 shared ownership homes at Tonic@Bankhouse, the remaining two homes have been let to older LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness.
Originally provided through a partnership with housing association Riverside, these tenancies will now be held directly by Tonic.
“The Mayor and I are proud to have supported Tonic Housing in delivering safe homes for older LGBTQ+ Londoners and delighted that it has become the UK’s first-ever LGBTQ+ registered housing association”, said Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development.
“London is an open, diverse and inclusive city – but while we’ve made real progress on LGBTQ+ rights, there is still more to do, particularly in tackling isolation and inequality in later life. By becoming a registered housing provider, Tonic will be able to go even further in their efforts to deliver the kind of housing and community older LGBTQ+ Londoners not only need but deserve.”