February 2016 opening doors london events listings by Opening Doors London

2016 Opening Doors London February groups and activities See the inside cover for important news about change at Opening Doors London. On the back page we also have a farewell message from Stacey Halls and an update on funding in relation to the Big Lottery Fund. Events and activities to look out for this month:  Sat 6th Feb: ODL visits the Victoria and Albert Museum  Sun 7th and Mon 22nd: Peer led pub meal and drinks near Tower of London  Tue 9th: a Camden Police LGBT Liaison Officer visits Men’s Group Speaker’s Night at Henderson Court  Wed 10th: LGBT History Month event run by ODL and University College London  Wed 17th: A Men’s Pub Club starts in Greenwich  Sun 21st: ODL visits The Food Cycle for a free meal for those living with HIV  Tue 23rd: Men’s gentle exercise class before Men’s Film Night at Henderson Court

Opening Doors London: www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

For information about groups and activities please contact us on: 020 7239 0400 or ODL.Info@ageukcamden.org.uk twitter.com/OpeningDoorsLdn facebook.com/openingdoorslondon

ODL Signposting and Information Phone or email us on 020 7239 0400 or Led by

Opening Doors London is supported by:

ODL.Info@ageukcamden.org.uk

Good News and Change at Opening Doors London (ODL) • • •

Funding Goodbye and thanks to Stacey Halls ODL the charity

At the back of this newsletter you will read of some excellent news about Opening Doors London’s funding. Age UK Camden has been awarded a grant of nearly £500,000 over 4 years by the Big Lottery Fund, specifically for Opening Doors London. This will anchor the ODL services, but we also require “match” funding to fully deliver the programme. Additionally we actually want to expand befriending services which needs a bit more money. We see the match funding coming from other grants, donations, and legacies. The ODL Manager Stacey Halls is sadly leaving us at the end of January for an exciting new post at Compassion in Dying. Stacey has done an excellent job in three roles in ODL – overall manager, campaigns officer and women’s development officer – and we thank her and wish her well. She leaves ODL on a high. ODL was set up by Age UK Camden over 10 years ago, expanding in reach geographically and in support of the whole LGBT* community. In running ODL, Age UK Camden (which aims to support older people “in and around Camden”) has had a partnership with Age UK London. In 2015, we consulted members, volunteers, funders, staff and partner agencies about changing the constitutional status of ODL. There was overwhelming support for giving ODL a bit more independence and making it a subsidiary charity of Age UK Camden. We are now moving forward on this. Many things will remain the same (e.g. back up from Age UK Camden, premises) but we hope the change will aid fundraising. Additionally, there will be a board of trustees with stronger LGBT* representation. We are aware that ODL members and volunteers will be keen to know more about the above mentioned changes. We will be updating everyone as soon as we can. Age UK Camden and I personally are proud of the work of the ODL team, and look forward to the next phase. We also say thank you in particular to Stacey for helping to take ODL this far. Gary Jones Chief Executive Officer, Age UK Camden

Opening Doors London: full listings and activities. Monday 1st February Mixed Tower Hamlets ODL East Drop-in Positive East, 159 Mile End Rd, London E1 4AQ. Come and join our friendly East London afternoon social. This month we will be talking about the ODL Dinner Club in Tower Hamlets, responsibilities for volunteers and how ODL will continue to support the group. We will include ‘A Voice For Older People’ as a regular slot in the last half hour of our drop-ins. This is an opportunity to give your views on services in Tower Hamlets, whether you live, work, or socialise in the borough and this will be fed back to the Older People’s Reference Group. Drop in any time between 4pm – 6pm Wednesday 3rd Anchor Housing/ ODL Mixed Art Group Chigwell Court, 99 Balance Road London E9 5SQ. The art group will be held in the communal room. Basic materials will be provided for the informal drop-in session. Volunteer artists on hand. 2pm – 4pm ODL Stall at Working Men’s College LGBTQ+ Celebration 44 Crowndale Rd, London NW1 1TR Phone: 020 7255 4700 The Working Men’s College has invited us to have a stall at their staff & student LGBTQ+ month celebration. This gives us the

opportunity to meet and talk with younger LGBT* people. 11:00am-3:00pm Men’s Pimlico Social Pimlico Room, back of St. Saviour’s Church, St George’s Square, London SW1V 3QW. Friendly drop-in coffee evening. 6pm – 9pm Thursday 4th ‘Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT* computer drop-in Computer Suite, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. Our LGBT* friendly drop-in session provides you with an opportunity to receive IT assistance and guidance from knowledgeable volunteers and staff. For more information please contact Tony on 020 7239 0400. Every Thursday 10am – 1pm Men’s “Older, Gay & Positive” Group Tavis A&B Meeting Room, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. There will be the chance to chat at this support and social group for LGBT* men who are living with HIV. 6pm – 8pm Friday 5th Mixed Friday Coffee and Cake Club Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. Come in for a chat and cake at this peer led social group. Hot

www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Feb 2016

drinks can be purchased in the café. Please feel free to bring your own cakes and biscuits. Every Friday 10am – 12pm Saturday 6th Opening Doors London at National Festival of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans History for Victoria and Albert Museum Seminar Room 3, Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL As part of a wider programme for the day, Chris Barlow will be introducing a screening of Gateway to Heaven. Stories of older LGBTQ people after a play by Claire Summerskill and commissioned by Age UK in 2006 as part of Opening Doors London. www.vam.ac.uk/whatson 1pm –1.30pm Free entry No need to book Sunday 7th Peer led pub meal and drinks The Liberty Bounds, 15 Trinity Square, Tower Hill, Tower of London, London EC3N 4AA. ODL member Roger will be going along to this J D Wetherspoon and would like to invite other ODL members to join him to socialise. Drinks and meals will be available to purchase from the bar. Menu: http://m.jdwetherspoon.co.uk /food Page 1

Opening Doors London: full listings and activities. Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible. Start time: Roger will arrive by 5pm, but feel free to drop in any time. End time: Everyone is free to leave whenever they wish to. Roger will stay until at least 8pm. Travel: Tower Hill underground 0.1 mile (District and Circle lines). Tower Gateway DLR Station: 0.2 miles. Fenchurch Street (0.2 miles) or London Bridge (0.7 miles).

whether you are an experienced dancer, a beginner or have never danced before – there is room for all! Peter will instruct and lead us in Line Dancing. Please bring LGBT* friends of any age. 5.30pm – 7.30pm Tuesday 9th Men’s Group Walk

Monday 8th Invitation to the Cutty Sark LGBTQ Tea Party L.B. Greenwich LGBT* staff network has invited odl members to their tea party. As part of 2016 LBGT History month L.B Greenwich commemorate the lives and struggles of older LBGT people in Greenwich and further afield. Speaker: Peter ScottPresland Author of Amiable Warriors, Volume 1: A Space to Breathe, the story of the pioneers who founded the Campaign for Homosexual Equality. Although this event is free please book with Kate by Thursday 4th February so that they know numbers: kate.hancock@ageukcamden. org.uk or 020 7239 0400 L Mixed Tea Line Dance Tavis House Café, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, WC1H 9NA. Join us for our tea dances

If you lived in South London in 1925 and wanted to go and do some serious shopping, you would naturally head towards the largest and best shopping centre. Today, few people would guess that, with its multiplicity of railway lines, fine departmental stores, excellent shops, fascinating covered arcades and lively street market, your first choice would have been Brixton. Fortunately its town centre has escaped wholesale rebuilding and there is much to discover from its remarkable heritage. It is truly an unexpected part of London which is steeped in history and our February walk will go in search of its gems. It is also an area seeing some remarkable transformations so come along, stroll along Electric Avenue and marvel at South London's treasure trove of eating, fresh produce, clothing, jewellery, homeware, art,

www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Feb 2016

music, culture and so much more. If you would like to join the walk you can either: If you would like more info or to join the walk you can either: Text or leave a message on: 07804 329 416. Email: odwalksgroup@gmail.com We need your full name and the name of any other Opening Doors member coming with you. Alan will then confirm meeting point details. There is room for up to 24 people. These walks are proving popular so if you find yourself unable to come along, having booked, kindly let us know so that your place can be offered to someone else. Arrive: 2.15pm for 2.30pm Walk from: 2.30pm – 4.30pm Men’s Group Speaker Night Henderson Court Resource Centre, 102 Fitzjohn’s Ave, London NW3 6NS (entrance on Prince Arthur Rd).

The general history of London Friend and the future direction of the Islington LGBT space. Rita will also be discussing Antidote the UK’s only LGB&T run and targeted drug and alcohol support service. Social 6pm – 7pm Talk from 7pm (After the talk some members also head to a local pub for a drink.) On this night the Men’s Group Speaker Night will be visited Page 1

Opening Doors London: full listings and activities. by a volunteer from Camden LGBT Forum and/ or a Camden Police LGBT Liaison Officer. They have said: “If you are a victim of homophobic or transphobic harassment or crime we have numerous ways of supporting you. Come along from 6:307pm to speak to us.” Wednesday 10th Mixed Islington Older LGBT* Drop-in London Friend, 86 Caledonian Road, N1 9DN. In partnership with London Friend, this social group is a place to meet friends for a coffee, chat and optional board games! 2pm – 4pm ALTERNATING VENUES Men’s Group Pub Social: Bloc Bar Bloc Bar, 18 Kentish Town Road, London NW1 9NX Come along to Bloc Bar this month and let us know if you’d like this to be our new monthly meeting spot. Come along for a chat over drinks. 7pm – late LGBT History Month event run by ODL in conjunction with Out@UCL and UCLU LGBTQ Student Network: Faith, Identity and Life: A Tale of Two Ages Pearson Lecture Theatre, UCL - Gower Street London WC1E 6BT (Come to the main UCL entrance on Gower Street and turn left. The room will be sign posted.)

Feb 2016

to be wet and windy. Meet in the café at Tavis House. 1-6 Tavistock Square, WC1H 9NA at 11am for coffee. Leave promptly at 11.30 for Regent Square. “Three University College London students and three members of ODL who identify as LGBTQ+ will share their experiences of faith, identity and life from a generational perspective. Some short films of the panellists created by Rob Eagle will be shown alongside a panel discussion chaired by Revd. Bertrand Olivier, openly gay Vicar of All Hallows By The Tower.” Booking essential for the limited spaces on http://openingdoorslondon.ev entbrite.com/ or via 020 7239 0400. Panel discussion: 6pm-7.30pm Drinks reception in the Wilkins Garden Room: from 7.30pm Thursday 11th ‘Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT* computer drop-in See the first Thursday of the month for more details. Every Thursday 10am – 1pm Women’s Walking & Herstory Virginia Woolf is one of the most documented among writers’ lives. In a short space we can visit 6 squares where she lived. We will undertake this walk whatever the weather, so please come prepared should it be forecast

www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Friday 12th Mixed Friday Coffee and Cake Club See the first Friday of the month for more details. Every Friday 10am – 12pm Mixed ODL East Dinner Club Positive East, 159 Mile End, Road, London E1 4AQ. £6 for a delicious meal and great company. Pre-booking is essential, please email: odl.info@ageukcamden.org.uk or call 020 7239 0400 stating your name and contact number by Monday. Drinks: 6:00pm Dinner: from 7:00pm Ends: 9.30pm Sunday 14th Mixed ‘Second Sundays’ Social Group Afternoon performance and discussion CHANGE TO USUAL AGENDA We'll be meeting at the Mona Lisa Cafe for lunch at 12.30pm and then at 1:30pm we'll take a short walk to Chelsea Theatre where we will be having an alternative tea dance with a variety of music, discussions and dancing. Please RSVP by Friday to Fiona: fiona.addison@ageukcamden. org.uk or call/text 07435 356 951 12.30pm – 1.30pm: Lunch at Page 2

Opening Doors London: full listings and activities. the Mona Lisa Cafe Mona Lisa Café, 417 King's Road London, SW10 0LR 1.30pm – 3.30pm: Chelsea Theatre, 7 Worlds End Place, Kings Road, London SW10 0DR Second Sundays need your mugs! If you have any spare mugs gathering dust in the deepest darkest corner of your kitchen cupboard please give them a new lease on life and bring them along to the group. Monday 15th Bi the Way: bisexuals over 50 + allies of all ages and orientations welcome. (Formerly called Bi Visibility Group) Woburn Room, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA Open social and discussion group for anyone who would like to think about the question "What does bisexuality mean to you?" Movie night: Appropriate Behaviour.

Join the Bi Visibility Group for a screening of Appropriate Behaviour. Iranian-American director Desiree Akhavan stars in her autobiographical debut feature, which takes a wryly funny look at the challenges faced by a young bisexual woman in the arenas of dating,

work and family life. This event is open to bi people over 50 and their guests, and open to any ODL members. Light refreshments provided but please feel free to bring and share. No need to book but please arrive promptly for the screening at 6:15 Meet: 6pm Film starts: 6.15pm Ends: approx. 8pm Tuesday 16th Mixed Exercise Walk: Walk in Trent Park in Enfield Join walk leader Gerry for a leisurely stroll in the beautiful grounds of Trent Country Park, Enfield. Trent Park is a large public park, which used to form part of the Enfield Chase royal hunting grounds in centuries past. We can admire the lake, the water garden, the obelisk, and many fine views. Our walk will include the avenue of lime trees and the water garden. Our cafe stop in the Park will be at the wildlife hospital and animal centre in the Park. Approx. miles: 3 Meeting time: 11.30am prompt Meeting point: The ticket hall in Cockfosters tube station on the Piccadilly Line (toilets available). Lunch plans: The walk will last about 90 minutes, after which we can go to Moonlight Cafe, 104 Cockfosters Road for snacks and meals at reasonable prices. Others can have packed lunch on benches nearby.

www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Feb 2016

End location point: Cockfosters tube station Booking: No booking necessary Wednesday 17th ODL visits The Posh Club

St Paul's Church Hall, corner of Stoke Newington Road and Amhurst Road, London N16 7UE The Posh club is an elegant event for all older folks in their 90s, 80s, 70s and 60s - aka swanky senior citizens, elegant elders and glamorous golden girls. On this day, ODL will be visiting. The Posh Club features classic high tea and fabulous entertainment and the strict dress code is very ‘posh’. The cabaret includes Obviously Elvis, Missa Blue and Madame Galina. Tickets: £4 Book in advance on: 07930 395 188 (let Simon know you’re from ODL when you book as he would like to look after our members at the event.) Noon – 3pm Anchor Housing/ODL Mixed Art Group See first Wednesday of the month for more info. 2pm – 4pm Mixed ODL Ealing/ West London Social and Support Group run in partnership with Age UK Ealing & Outwest. ECIL (Ealing Centre for Page 3

Opening Doors London: full listings and activities. Independent Living Management Centre), 1 Bayham Road, West Ealing, London W13 0TQ Stories of Our Lives

5 beautifully rendered stories of forbidden desire courageously collected to tell the hidden truths of LGBT life in Kenya. (Jim Chichu 2014) All welcome. Refreshments served. For more details please contact: Derek.Freeman@ageukcamde n.org.uk 2.30pm – 4.30pm Outings in Art The Regent Street Cinema, 309 Regent Street, London W1B 2UW “Our special Valentine’s treat is a matinee screening of You Were Never Lovelier, plus a back stage tour of the beautifully renovated Regent Street Cinema.”

You Were Never Lovelier” (1942) 97 min Stars: Fred Astaire, Rita Hayworth. Cost £1.75 Meeting time: 12.30pm Cinema tour: 12.30pm Cinema Organ recital: 1.45pm

Film starts: 2pm Transport: The Regent Street Cinema is 2 mins walk north of Oxford Circus. Booking essential on: http://www.regentstreetcine ma.com/programme/youwere-never-lovelier Please also text Chris on 07958 257 541 to let him know you’ll be there. NEW EVENT Men’s Pub Club: Greenwich Ye Olde Rose & Crown 1 Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ER. (Ten minutes walk from Greenwich station.) Social group for older gay men to meet in a lovely gay pub in the heart of Greenwich village. For more details contact 020 7239 0400 6pm – late Thursday 18th ‘Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT* computer drop-in See the first Thursday of the month for more details. Every Thursday 10am – 1pm ‘Rainbow Surfers’ explore Genealogy/ Family History using a computer IT Training Room, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA This will be an opportunity to learn how to use the internet to look up your family’s past. The session will consist of a presentation, a practise task and an opportunity for a one to one search with our volunteer genealogist. As usual with Rainbow Surfers, this session will be run by our

www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Feb 2016

colleagues in Age UK Camden. Booking essential on 0207 239 0400 or tony.brown@ageukcamden.or g.uk 2pm – 5pm Women’s Film Night G24 Common Room. UCL Foster Court, Malet Place, (off Torrington Place), London WC1E 7JG.

We will be showing Crocadyke Dundee - a documentary that covers the life of Dawn O’Donnell. Director Fiona Cunningham-Reid. The documentary covers the life of Dawn O’Donnell through a mixture of interviews with Dawn and key people in her life; alongside photos and videos from the time. HOW TO GET THERE: Come into UCL from the entrance opposite Waterstones on Torrington Place. Foster Court is on the right and half way along there is an archway also on the right, with a set of automatic double doors on the right - the Common Room is through those doors and up 3 stairs but also has step-free access. Social: 5.30pm – 9pm Film: 7.00pm Friday 19th

Page 4

Opening Doors London: full listings and activities. Mixed Friday Coffee and Cake Club See the first Friday of the month for more details. Every Friday 10am – 12pm Sunday 21st ODL visits The Food Cycle for a free meal for those living with HIV Acorn House Kitchen, 314 – 320 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8DP Food Cycle run a weekly Sunday lunch for anybody who is HIV positive and their friends. They do this in partnership with The Food Chain which exists to ensure people living with HIV in London can access the nutrition they need to get well, stay well and lead healthy, independent lives. We are delighted to have been invited back along as a group on 21st January. Opening Doors London will be attending to enjoy the delicious 3 course vegetarian meal and socialise with Food Cycle regulars and volunteers. Who can attend? Anybody who is HIV positive – and you can bring a guest too. Cost: Free Arrive: 4.30pm prompt Ends: 6pm approx. Closest transport hub: Kings Cross (0.3 miles) Monday 22

Peer led pub meal and drinks The Liberty Bounds, 15 Trinity Square, Tower Hill, Tower of London, London EC3N 4AA. ODL member Roger will be going along to this J D

Wetherspoon and would like to invite other ODL members to join him to socialise. Drinks and meals will be available to purchase from the bar. Menu: http://m.jdwetherspoon.co.uk /food Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible. Start time: Roger will arrive by 5pm, but feel free to drop in any time. End time: Everyone is free to leave whenever they wish to. Roger will stay until at least 8pm. Travel: Tower Hill underground 0.1 mile (District and Circle lines). Tower Gateway DLR Station: 0.2 miles. Fenchurch Street (0.2 miles) or London Bridge (0.7 miles). Questions about groups, events and activities? If there’s contact details next to the specific event you’re looking at, please use those to find out more information. Otherwise please contact us on 020 7239 0400 or ODL.Info@ageukcamden.org.uk Tuesday 23rd Men’s gentle exercise class Henderson Court Resource Centre, 102 Fitzjohn’s Ave, London NW3 6NS. (Entrance on Prince Arthur Road). Exercise is free medicine! Come and join a class to stretch, energise and have fun. You don’t need to bring any kit (you won’t be getting sweaty), just come along and give it a

www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Feb 2016

go. Suitable for all abilities and levels of fitness. Free to attend in January and February 2016. 6pm – 6.30pm Men’s Film Night Henderson Court Resource Centre, 102 Fitzjohn’s Ave, London NW3 6NS. (Entrance on Prince Arthur Road).

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) 100 min “In this cult musical classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet discover the eerie mansion of transvestite scientist Dr. FrankN-Furter. Brad and Janet lose their innocence as they meet a houseful of wild characters and Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named "Rocky."” Director: Jim Sharman Stars: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Richard O'Brien Social: 6pm Film starts: 7pm Wednesday 24th Mixed Islington Older LGBT* Drop-in London Friend, 86 Caledonian Road, N1 9DN. In partnership with London Friend, this social group is a place to meet friends for a coffee, chat and optional board games! 2pm – 4pm Page 5

Opening Doors London: full listings and activities. ALTERNATING VENUES Men’s Group Pub Social: Halfway To Heaven Halfway To Heaven, 7 Duncannon Street, London WC2N 4JF Come along to Halfway To Heaven this month and let us know if you’d like this to be our new monthly meeting spot. Come along for a chat over drinks. 7pm – late Signposting and Information Service Do you want advice? If you need help in the home, or you are confused about tax, have questions about your pension, benefits or housing etc contact our ODL signposting team at odlsignposting@ageukcamden .org.uk or 07961 937 621. Thursday 25th

Informal Art Group Tavis House 1-6 Tavistock Square, WC1H 9NA Join Angie for an informal art group for all abilities - come and do your own creative thing, or improve and expand your drawing skills with gentle guidance from an experienced volunteer teacher. Whether you are a traditional sketcher or an outrageous Avant Gardist, this group will supply encouragement, support, plenty of dialogue and maybe an exhibition. Basic materials provided, but feel free to bring your own sketchbooks and non-messy kit. 12.30pm – 3pm Sunday 28

Sunday Lunch & Film Club Henderson Court Resource Centre, 102 Fitzjohn’s Ave, London NW3 6NS (entrance on Prince Arthur Road).

‘Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT* computer drop-in See the first Thursday of the month for more details. Every Thursday 10am – 1pm

Feb 2016

obnoxious slob of a shower curtain ring salesman as his only companion. Director: John Hughes. Stars: Steve Martin, John Candy. Delicious lunch to be served on the day costs £5. Booking for lunch essential, NB- please advise when ordering if you are allergic to nuts (almonds) or sesame seeds when booking. Please email odl.info@ageukcamden.org.uk or call the office on 020 7239 0400, before Friday. Social: 12pm Lunch: 1pm Film starts: 2pm

FUTURE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Sunday 6th March: ODL member Tony will be heading back to the The Amersham Fair Organ Museum after the December trip was a great success. Keep the date in your diary if you’d like to join him in March for an afternoon out of London back at the museum.

Friday 26th Mixed Friday Coffee and Cake Club See the first Friday of the month for more details. Every Friday 10am – 12pm

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) 93 mins A man must struggle to travel home for Thanksgiving with an

www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Page 6

Opening Doors London: full listings and activities.

Feb 2016

A fond farewell message from Stacey Halls, Project Manager, ODL Dear ODL members and volunteers, As I hope you are now aware we have been successful in securing continuation funding from the Big Lottery. The new funding means ODL can continue its work for another four years and also enables expansion into South London, reaching new members across the whole of the capital and becoming a fully pan-London service. This is obviously fantastic news and a huge relief! A condition of the funding is that ODL now needs to find ‘match funding’ from other sources but this support from BIG is crucial for continuation and expansion. I am personally thrilled with this result and have high hopes for ODL’s future but I am also sad to be letting you know that after six years I am moving on to take up a new post. It has been quite a journey but I leave the organisation knowing that the fabulous team of staff and committed volunteers will do everything they can to develop the various services provided and secure the future success of ODL. They really are a wonderful team to work with - I feel very fortunate to have spent the last six years working at ODL and having had the opportunity of getting to know so many of you. I wish you all the very best and hope to see you at future events. Warmest, Stace.

News from Opening Doors London regarding the £0.5m Big Lottery funding Opening Doors London can breathe a sigh of relief as Big Lottery funding of £497,445 was confirmed in January 2016. This money will allow the project to run for another four years. Without this support it would have been impossible to continue to deliver ODL at the current level. Staff, members and volunteers have been concerned that difficult decisions would have to be made and it’s been a difficult time of uncertainty. Opening Doors London (ODL) was established ten years ago by Age UK Camden to fill the void in support for older LGBT* people living in London, by providing a range of safe and welcoming social opportunities including lunches, film nights, trips and dance classes, befriending for very isolated individuals, information events and support in accessing a range of external services. It also campaigns for LGBT*-friendly services, provides training and resources for mainstream service providers to become LGBT*-friendly, and encourages LGBT* services to consider the needs of older people in the community. The new funding means ODL can continue its work for another four years, and also enables expansion from North London to the whole of the capital. The organisation is not quite out of the woods yet though - even though the bid has been successful, a condition of the funding is that ODL now needs to find ‘match funding’ – a further £497,445 – from other sources. “It’s certainly been a nail-biting few weeks!” said Stacey Halls, Manager of Opening Doors London. “We have many amazing funders, all of whom help us to run day-to-day, but this is a significant proportion of our funding. Without this money we would have had to make big changes to the service we offer and would not have been able to help anywhere near as many people, so it was a big relief when we heard we had secured it. We’re now working as hard as we can to secure the match funding!”

www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Page 1