The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is helping to fund organisations that support people experiencing homelessness, mental health issues and addiction by offering support and rehabilitating activities.
This week, Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson visited Doorway Wiltshire Ltd after the group recently received a grant via the PCC’s Community Action Fund.
Doorway is based in Chippenham and is a drop-in centre for vulnerable adults with housing issues and unstable accommodation to provide food, washing and laundry facilities, activities, as well as offering advice and support.
Guests can also access the internet and can be referred to other support services such as FearFree and Turning Point, as well as linking in with probation services where necessary.
The organisation is currently run by 7 trustees and 7 part-time members of staff, and supported by a team of 50 volunteers, and the extra funding will be put towards supplies and the everyday running costs of the organisation.
Mr. Wilkinson said: “Doorway is a great community group that provides a safe space, a warm meal and a listening ear for vulnerable people when they need it most.
“By working with probation and rehabilitating health services, as well as running skills-based courses and activities, they are helping people to rebuild their lives, whilst tackling violence and serious harm and reducing reoffending – all of which are priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.
“My office will continue to invest in these, and other similar charities to show our commitment to supporting the vulnerable and providing diversionary services.”
Doorway CEO, Jo Kitching said: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to talk about our work to support vulnerable and marginalized people in our community; it’s vital that organisations such as ours are recognized for the value they deliver in reducing homelessness and improving the life chances of those who engage with our services.”
Find out more about the community groups funded by the PCC’s Community Action Fund, the eligibility criteria and how to apply for future funding here.
