Originally founded in 1992 as ‘Open Door at Christmas’ the charity gradually expanded and developed their work, taking the new name of Cheltenham Open Door and becoming both a registered charity and limited company. They have been operating from their Grosvenor Street base since 1998.
Cheltenham Open Door supports vulnerable, disadvantaged and lonely people. They are working to relieve poverty, hardship, and social or emotional distress. Their guests are men and women who have been deprived of the comforts and security most of us take for granted and they offer them hospitality, warmth, food and somewhere to relax. Some guests lost jobs through injury or sickness and are not fit to work again. Some read and write only with great difficulty. Some are coping with mental health issues. Some are in a programme to get off alcohol or drugs. Many come from broken homes, were in care as children or have experienced broken relationships. Some are sleeping rough, or are among the hidden homeless in a temporary hostel, or sleeping on a friend's floor.
Cheltenham Open Door does not judge, and they make no charge for any of their services.
It is their policy to never demand names of their guests.
Each year they run a Christmas Shelter at St Luke's Church Hall, this is open to guests 24 hours a day from midday on Christmas Eve until after lunch on 27th December. All this is completely free. Teams of volunteers working in shifts under experienced shift leaders man the shelter and they serve three hot meals a day, with hot and cold drinks continually on tap. They aim to provide companionship, food and warmth to those in need at this special time of year making it a real Christmas for everyone.
All year round they offer: hot meals and drinks, a clothes store, a shower with soap and towels provided, a TV room for relaxation, access to a telephone and companionship and respect. If appropriate, their guests can receive visits from health professionals, and links can be made with expert agencies. The weekday service runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am to 1.45pm. Self-service hot drinks are on tap and a meal is served from 12 noon to 12.45pm. On Sundays they open from 9.45 to 11.45am, to serve a continuous hot breakfast, self-service hot drinks are again on tap. Attendance varies between about 30 and 50. Additional activities for guests have included art and cookery classes, and a day trip to a wildlife park.
Cheltenham Open Door: 39 Grosvenor St, Cheltenham, GL52 2SQ.
A Company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No 3379241. Registered Charity No 1063434
Sunday 5 June 2011
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