Opening Doors

Emergency Appeal

Opening Doors is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ people over 50. However, we are currently facing a crisis where we urgently need to raise £120,000 by Spring 2024 or we face closure. By making a donation to our Emergency Appeal, you can ensure we can continue to be there for our members who depend on us daily for support. Read more
Opening Doors' response to UN Expert Report

We wholeheartedly support the nine recommendations made by the United Nations experts to address violence and discrimination that disproportionately impact the enjoyment of older LGBTQ+ peoples’ human rights. Read more

Opening Doors is the only dedicated national charity connecting LGBTQ+ people over 50 with activities, events, support and information. We also provide accredited training to professionals, conduct research and create policy. We work across the UK but retain a focus in London.

Donate to support our vital services for LGBTQ+ people affected by dementia

Get one-to-one social support from our trained volunteers

2230	members have joined Opening Doors and enjoy our free services and support
82%	of our members feel more connected to LGBTQ+ communities from being involved with Opening Doors (Member Survey 2019)
120	active befriending and telefriending relationships, reaching and supporting the most isolated and vulnerable members of our community

Discover our LGBTQ+ training for health and social care professionals

Precarious Lives

Opening Doors is undertaking an ambitious, three-year study into poverty among LGBTQ+ over-50s in London. Read more
Supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the care sector

Mark Sladen, Research and Policy Officer at Opening Doors, provides insight into the needs of LGBTQ+ people entering care. Read more
Joint Strategic Needs Assessments: Assessing Provisions for the Older LGBTQ+ Population of London

We are thrilled to publish our ground-breaking report, assisted by Ashurst LLP, produced by our research lead Professor Ben Thomas. Read more