Tonic Housing has announced it has become a registered provider of social housing, making it the UK’s first LGBTQ+ specific housing association.
As a registered provider, Tonic will be able to deliver social and affordable homes and access new development, investment and partnership opportunities. Tonic described the move as a “springboard for growth” that will enable it to meet the urgent and growing demand for housing that affirms and supports older LGBTQ+ people across the UK.
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.”
Tom Copley, deputy mayor for housing and residential development, said: “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.”
“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.”
Tonic became the UK’s first LGBTQ+ affirming retirement community in March 2021, following the acquisition of 19 homes at Tonic@Bankhouse in Vauxhall. This milestone was made possible through a £5.7million loan from the GLA’s Community Housing Fund.
Now that the GLA loan has 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 – a UK first for an LGBTQ+ housing provider.
Tonic says that its expansion comes at a critical moment, with its recent Precarious Lives report revealing the financial hardship, isolation and health inequalities facing older LGBTQ+ people in London. By becoming a registered provider, Tonic aims to meet the need for LGBTQ+ affirming affordable housing at scale.
