Opening Doors London runs a Befriending Service for LGBTQ+ people aged 50 and over who are feeling isolated.

During this period of lockdown and as we progress out of it, all face-to-face ODL services are currently suspended. Anyone in need of befriending is instead being offered our telephone befriending service. Referrals to this service remain the same as for befriending - see details below.

Why Befriending?

Life can be lonely sometimes – everybody has experienced feeling alone at some point in their lives. But feelings of isolation can be particularly challenging for older people, especially those who are unable to get out and about like they used to. Having someone to spend time with and talk to can make all the difference.

The Befriending Service aims to reduce the stress of loneliness and isolation, increase peoples' confidence, and enable members to maintain their independence. It is also a great way to spend time with someone else who identifies as LGBTQ+.

Our Befriending Service offers two options: if you live in London you can receive home social visits or a phone call, outside of  London the service is only available by phone - we call this Telefriending.

"I’ve been housebound for 3 years. I’ve not had any companionship at all. Max my befriender came into my life [and] changed my life for the better... very much for the better" - David, 86

What is Befriending?

Befriending matches you with a volunteer Befriender for regular social contact, with visits or calls every week or fortnight. Your Befriender and you might:

• go along to social groups and community activities
• go to exhibitions or events
• have a cup of tea and a chat in your home

The Opening Doors London Befriending Service operates in every London borough.

Befriending by phone is called Telefriending and works in a similar way to our home visits, except we make contact with you by phone and works across the UK.

Who is Befriending for?

• For those who are LGBTQ+, over 50 and are isolated or housebound
• Have a limited social network and would like to re/connect with the LGBTQ+ community
• Befriending is for people who live in any London borough
• Live in a London care home and would like an LGBTQ+ friendly visitor
• Telefriending works well no matter where in the country you live
• to access telefriending you must have your own landline or mobile phone and able to hear and be understood over the phone

This service will prioritise those who are isolated due to frailty or physical impairments and have no regular meaningful social connections. 

We are particularly interested in supporting those who are from underrepresented groups.

What won't a Befriender do?

While having a Befriender can be wonderful and help improve your life both emotionally and physically, it is important to note all Befrienders are volunteers. This means they are not like a social worker or key worker.

Befrienders also won’t be able to help you clean the house or do jobs for you, but they will provide you with company.

How do get a befriender for myself?

If you want to have a befriender please fill in our self-referral form, or if you want to refer someone you think could benefit from being befriended, please fill in our external referral form and send to [email protected] or post it to our offices.

If you have any questions email us or call on 020 7239 0400 and ask for the ODL Befriending Team.

Sometimes people have support needs that are not suitable for this scheme, perhaps because they are too complex, or the needs are not linked to being lonely and isolated. if you are unsure, contact the befriending team to discuss your needs.

Interested in becoming a Volunteer Befriender?

Check out our Volunteer Befriending page or get in touch with the Befriending Team. 

“I initially got involved to give something back to the older LGBT+ community, as I am very much aware that without their struggle I would not have the free life I live today as an out gay man. I never realised how much I myself would get from befriending, it has been a wonderful experience" – Volunteer Befriender

"I feel very supported and appreciated - it is one of the most rewarding volunteering roles I have ever had, and the support and communication from ODL is a key part of this." - Volunteer Telefriender