Sir Derek Jacobi: ‘Older LGBT people need our help and support’

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Actor Sir Derek Jacobi is backing a campaign to improve care provision for older members of the LGBT community.

Opening Doors London (ODL) supports almost 1,000 older LGBT people, but in April a large proportion of its funding came to an end.

The charity is now trying to increase donations in order to continue its work. It has received the endorsement of acclaimed TV and stage actor Sir Derek Jacobi.

Sir Derek, who stars alongside Sir Ian McKellen in ITV’s Vicious, said: “As the older generation of the LGBT community requires our help and support, we need to be there for them.

“Many of these same older LGBT people fought for the rights of the community that we enjoy today”.

The gay actor added: “LGBT people are far more reliant on formal care services however due to the scars from decades of discrimination and social exclusion they are far more likely to feel anxious and fearful about accessing them.

“With your support ODL can continue their vital work in supporting older members of our community.”

Last weekend, the Royal College of Nursing warned that older people living with HIV are being “failed” by parts of the NHS when it comes to nursing care.

The issue of care provision for older members of the LGBT community will be explored tonight in a report by Channel 4 News.