‘We love you, and we love our LGBTQ+ elders!’ anonymous donor, November 2023.

We are immensely grateful to all of you who have already donated and shared our Emergency Appeal. But the work is not yet done, and we are calling out to all our friends and supporters to continue to push towards our target amount. We're almost at £50,000 and still have a way to go to reach our £120,000 goal: we cannot give up now!

Our mission is to ensure that no older LGBTQ+ person ever feels alone, isolated, or without support. Every year we provide a safe space for over 2,500 older LGBTQ+ people to connect, share their stories, and access vital services.

We have been so heartened and inspired by the lovely messages left with donations and how much Opening Doors means to everyone. Take Frank, who donated to us in November and left the following message with his donation: ‘Opening Doors has been a lifeline for me since I came out five years ago at the age of 74. Monthly events, as well as the weekly Friday Coffee Club, have been both anchors and beacons in my life.’ Or an anonymous donor who donated in January and said ‘I am extremely grateful for the support I have received, particularly from the telephone befriending service I would be devastated if this were to cease operating. Good luck!’

Our goal of £120,000 is ambitious, but the consequences of falling short are even more daunting. We need your support more than ever, and we urge you to stand with us to keep our doors open.

Here's how you can make a difference:

- Donate: Every contribution, big or small, will bring us closer to our goal. Please consider a donation today to help us continue our life-changing work.

- Host your own fundraiser: whether it's a bake sale, a dinner party or a sponsored challenge. Every pound raised gets us one step closer to our target.

- Spread the word: follow us on social media and share our appeal within your network. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to join us in this fight for the future of Opening Doors.

- Volunteer: Your time and skills can make a significant impact. We welcome your assistance in organising events, raising awareness, or supporting our older LGBTQ+ community directly.

We understand that these are challenging times for everyone, and I don’t make this request lightly. Thank you again to all of you who have donated and shared our appeal. Your support is a lifeline, not just for us, but for the countless older LGBTQ+ pioneers who depend on us.

The future of Opening Doors depends on our collective commitment, and together, we can ensure that our doors remain open for those who need us the most.

Bridget Symonds,

CEO Opening Doors