This week in Community we’re focusing on Opening Doors. They’re a wonderful Camden-based charity who focus on providing opportunities and activities for older LGBT people. Unfortunately our community has a reputation for superficial age discrimination, and Opening Doors are hoping to put a stop to this. 

We spoke to their development coordinator Liam O’Driscoll and asked him to tell us a little more about it.

Opening Doors London works and campaigns with older members of the LGBT* community to reduce inequality and social isolation,” he said “We run friendly and welcoming social events, arrange befriending for those who cannot easily leave their homes, and support people in accessing a range of external services. We also help mainstream service providers to become more LGBT*-friendly, and encourage LGBT*-specific services to consider the needs of older people.”

“Unfortunately our community has a reputation for superficial age discrimination, and Opening Doors are hoping to put a stop to this.”

John, a member of Opening Doors, says: “Without ODL I would be living a lonely isolated old age. ODL has enabled me to make new friends some very close and opened new opportunities for me to open new doors and discover new interests. I now have an activity four days a week to get me motivated to get out of the house”.

• If you’re over 50 and a member of the LGBT* community, and think Opening Doors would suit you, contact on 020 7239 0400, or go to openingdoorslondon.org.uk