Hundreds of people become homeless every year in Wiltshire. Being homeless is isolating, often leads to chaotic lifestyles, addiction issues, poor mental health, poverty and crime. A consequent lack of access to services means that people find it difficult to improve their situation. By running open access drop-in sessions Monday - Friday Doorway support its guests with hot meals, showers, clean clothes, internet access and makes referrals to relevant agencies helping the most marginalised people make positive changes. We also run other groups including an addiction support group, 5-a-side football, art, men's, music and a women's group to address specific needs.
We believe that homeless and marginalised individuals are capable of change and will only achieve their full potential when offered a safe, supportive, empowering and non-judgemental environment. It is our vision to provide such an environment, to improve opportunities and to help reverse the downward spiral of homelessness.
Why the community needs us
Homelessness is often an invisible problem in rural areas. Unlike the big cities, rough sleepers are rarely seen. People finding themselves without a roof in Wiltshire are often taken in by friends and allowed to sleep on a sofa or the floor ('sofa-surfing'), rather than remain on the streets. Our work benefits not only our guests but also the wider community as they are supported to move on in their lives away from substance dependency and reliance on welfare benefits.
Our impact on the community
After many years of operation, Doorway is now the key agency in North Wiltshire for homeless and vulnerably housed young people and adults. Doorway works very closely with local specialist services and support agencies including housing support, mental health, drugs & alcohol agencies. We provide information, referrals & practical help that will empower people to make and act on informed choices arrived at by themselves.
