Doorway is a charity drop-in centre for homeless and vulnerably housed 'guests' over the age of 16.
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, at Doorway, to provide such an environment along with meaningful activities which will help reverse the downward spiral of homelessness.Service users are known as 'Guests' rather than 'Clients' which defines the relationships we wish to achieve from the outset.
Why the community needs usHomelessness is often an invisible problem in rural areas like North Wiltshire. Unlike the big cities, rough sleepers are rarely seen. People finding themselves without a roof in Chippenham 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 communityAfter ten 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 etc.We provide information, support & practical help that will empower people to make and act on informed choices arrived at by themselves.A large part of our work is the prevention of eviction from social housing tenancies
We need:-General helpers who are prepared to do a variety of tasks such as making coffee for guests, carrying out laundry duties etc;Cooks to help plan, prepare and cook meals (breakfast on Mondays and 2 course lunch on Thursdays) for about 60 people;Befrienders to listen to guests & assist with signposting to other specialist agencies for help and support;Trustees who sit on the Board of Doorway;Fundraisers to join the Friends of Doorway.
