LGBT
Opening Doors in Central London Supporting Older LGBT People
Opening Doors in Central London is a partnership project involving Age Concerns in Camden, Hackney, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster to specifically meet the needs of older LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) people. The project is aimed at people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and are over the age of 50 and who live, work or socialise in the five boroughs. We also produce a newsletter which can be accessed by clicking HERE.
Older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (OLGBT) people often fear identifying themselves and accessing the support they might need. We recognise that older LGBT people have lived a large part of their lives in less liberal times and their experiences have made them understandably wary and cautious and we are keen to offer services that will enable people in this group to come forward in confidence.
Our project provides regular social activities including monthly social groups, computer classes, access to LGBT friendly exercise classes, information and advice sessions as well as participating in bigger celebrations such as London Pride and LGBT History Month. As well as volunteering opportunities, we also offer information, guidance and training for other service providers, statutory and non-statutory, in order to help them develop appropriate and inclusive services for older LGBT people in the five boroughs.
Men’s Groups
Camden Men’s group – 2nd and last Tuesday of the month, 6pm to 9pm
Westminster Men’s group – 1st Wednesday of the month, 6pm to 9pm
Women’s Groups
Camden group - 1st Tuesday of the month, 6pm – 8pm
Hackney Group – 3rd Wednesday of the month, 6pm – 8pm
Mixed Groups
Regular events – contact us for more details
Speakers who have attended our meetings recently include:
- Peter Tatchell (LGBT and human rights activist)
- Ray Keane (LB Camden)
- Stephen Brown (Camden LGBT forum)
- Jeffrey Weeks (author and Professor of Sociology at London South Bank University).
- Howard Del Monti (PACE Family Support Service)
Those who attend the meetings find the service invaluable for support, socialising and staying well-informed. Feedback from our members include:
> “The group provides a mean of socialising with other Older Gays (especially as I don’t go on the so called ‘gay scene’) and hopefully a means of support in a crisis”.
> “The group gives me a lift: It is an antidote to loneliness and also a learning experience”.
For more details and directions or a confidential chat, please call Debbie or Nick.
Nick Maxwell, Men’s LGBT Development Coordinator
Email: n.maxwell@ageconcerncamden.org.uk
Tel: 020 7121 3335
Stacey Halls, Women’s LGBT Development Coordinator
Email: s.halls@ageconcerncamden.org.uk
Tel: 020 7121 3331