Opening Doors is a member-informed organisation and supports LGBTQ+ people over 50 to live full, vibrant and respected lives free from isolation, loneliness, discrimination and prejudice.   

Everyone can feel a bit lonely sometimes, or miss the socialising we used to do. We’re here to bridge that gap and help you connect with other LGBTQ+ people aged over 50 as well as our fabulous volunteers – we pride ourselves on working intergenerationally.

Maybe you want to extend your circle of friends, would like someone to go to the cinema or have a meal with or a walk, or just have an occasional chat. Perhaps you have concerns about memory loss or are trans or non-binary or a person of colour – we aim to offer something that you can engage with and feel part of; something you want to return to.

To get involved in anything we have on offer through OD we operate a membership service.

Why become a member?

Because we care deeply about your wellbeing and this allows us to be sure that only LGBTQ+ people aged over 50 benefit from what we can offer. The majority of our services are facilitated or offered by volunteers who receive thorough training with us including DBS and reference checks.

• Membership is free and all personal details are stored securely within GDPR guidelines and never given to anyone else, ever
  
  
• You receive a monthly members’ update by email or post (postal mailings these are less frequent with Covid restrictions in place) – occasionally more if we have something special to offer. This lists activities available from month-to-month, news stories, updates or anything else of interest and we have great relationships with a number of organisations who offer us tickets for events you wouldn’t otherwise find
  
  
• We are always open to suggestions for other groups, activities or events you’d like
  
  
• We mail out an anonymous membership survey each year to ask members how we are doing, ask for suggestions on what else they’d like to see and publish the results
  
  
• All members sign up to an agreement to be respectful of each other – check out our inclusivity statement 

As an organisation who is member informed, we listen, learn and grow from our engagement with you and with our volunteers.

Opening Doors leaflet with more info

Our Member's Stories

Become a member

Activities, groups, events and services available to Opening Doors' members:

• Groups and activities
  
  
• Befriending
  
  
• Telefriending
  
  
• Dementia Services
  
  
• Bi-the-Way
  
  
• BAM/PoC
  
  
• Trans and Non-Binary