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Bridge to Belonging: Peer Led Intervention to Reduce Loneliness and Depression Among Older Gay and Bisexual Men
Sponsor: Fenway Community Health
Summary
Older gay and bisexual men living with HIV (OGBMLH) are more likely to experience depression and loneliness, which can lead to negative health outcomes. This mixed-methods research study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Bridge to Belonging (B2B) intervention. B2B is a peer-delivered, manualized program designed to increase engagement in LGBTQ+-affirming elder services and thereby reduce loneliness and depression among OGBMLH. The program utilizes a) cognitive behavioral therapy-based Friendship Enrichment Program (FEP) to build social skills; b) Peer Mentoring (PM) to model and support engagement in community services; and c) connecting participants to affirming elder services such as meal programs, bereavement groups, social activities, etc. Interventions like B2B are essential to the NIH's goal of improving access to behavioral interventions through advances in HIV/AIDS research.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
50 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2026-05-06
Completion Date
2026-12-01
Last Updated
2026-08-13
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
B2B Intervention
This 10-session peer-delivered intervention is designed to reduce depression and loneliness among OGBMLH by addressing barriers to engagement in LGBTQ+-affirming community services. The intervention involves group sessions facilitated by trained peer interventionists, drawing on two evidence-based components: the cognitive behavioral therapy-based Friendship Enrichment Program (FEP) to build social skills and Peer Mentoring (PM) to model and support engagement in community services. Sessions are structured around skill-building activities designed to a) reduce stigma-related barriers to community participation, b) create and strengthen social connections, and c) increase confident and motivation to engage in community services. Participants will also receive resource navigation as needed.
Control condition
The control condition will involve a resource guide of content related to local LGBTQ+-affirming community service (e.g., information related to community meal programs, social groups, etc.)
Locations (1)
Fenway Health
Boston, Massachusetts, United States