WE'RE SUPPORTING CHELTENHAM OPEN DOOR

As I'm not local to Cheltenham, I asked The Daffodil to nominate a local charity for us to support and they suggested Cheltenham Open Door.

I did a bit of research and chatted to some of the volunteers there and I'm really impressed by what they do and hope our contribution will help in a small way.  £1 of every £2 entry fee will go direct to the charity.

They don't just help the homeless but a myriad of people with different social needs but all are vulnerable, disadvantaged or lonely.  The charity, which was founded in 1992 by Flip Thornett-Roston and initially based at Grosvenor Hall, works to relieve poverty, hardship and social or emotional distress.  In 1988 the charity moved into 39 Grosvenor Street, where they're now open on all year round on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm serving tea, coffee and a hot meal at lunchtime.  They also open on Sundays from 9.45 to 11.45 to serve a packed lunch takeaway. 

At Christmas they open as a 24 hour shelter and move to St Luke's Hall, where they're open from lunchtime on the 24th, Christmas Eve, through to after lunch on the 27th.

Open Door are a drop-in centre where everyone is welcome and they don't judge or ask questions.  They deal with people with mental health issues, eviction problems and any social needs people have.  They have shower facilities, an area where people can get clothes and food stores distributing food parcels.  They also link to other organisations, so can point people in the right direction for where they need help, including Cheltenham Housing Aid, Turning Point, CCP, meaning they can help individuals find help where they need it.

Everyone working at Open Door are volunteers, working on different shifts.  They cater for about 50 people a day and have shifts of 3 or 4 each day.  They are totally reliant on voluntary donations and, if you want to help they always need donations of soft food, clothes, bedding, tents, sleeping bags and anything they can pass on to people needing help. 

If you want to donate, volunteer or help in some other way, why not call them on: 01242 577418.