Stroud Charity, The Door launches 25th anniversary celebration campaign

ON MONDAY, November 9, Forest Green Rovers’ Carol Embrey Suite was the venue for The Door’s Annual General Meeting and Golden Hinge Awards evening.

Hosted by Chief Executive Barrie Voyce, the evening was attended by trustees, staff, supporters and beneficiaries of the charity which supports 11-25 year olds and their families across the Stroud District.

Mr Voyce reflected on his first year as CEO, and the challenges and successes the charity had faced.

Sean Corbett, chair of trustees, reminded attendees of the wide ranging impact the work has across the area and thanked staff and volunteers for their dedication and hard work.

Treasurer Barry Upward gave a clear outline on the financial challenges facing The Door and other similar charities.

After an interlude which was accompanied by music from Damson Sky, a two-piece representing the Keith Jefferies Foundation which has supported The Door, Barrie, along with Family Support Manager Victoria Robson, and Youthwork Manager James Honey gave out The Door’s Golden Hinge awards to staff and volunteers who had contributed to the charity’s work, and young people and families who had turned things around.

Staff Member of the year was Shelagh Goldie, who manages the Youth Mentoring programme – a large team of volunteers who provide in-depth, long term 1-1 support for youngsters facing a variety of issues.

A Special Recognition Award was given to volunteer Mel Reed who has given over 100 hours of her time supporting parents of teenagers through 1-1 support and the Triple P parenting programme.

Finally, Young Person of The Year was Troy Stevens, a young man who has grown in confidence, found purpose and is now volunteering in the Stroud Drop-In Centre to support other young people.

After the awards and a few tears, Barrie Voyce then launched the 25 & Counting campaign to coincide with The Door’s 25th Anniversary in 2015.

He explained that the Christian Charity believed God was directing them to work much closer with the local community, businesses, schools and organisations.

He set out the ways in which Stroud can count on The Door to:

• Improve communication between young people, their families, and the community

• Provide support to families with pastoral needs

• Provide affordable, accessible holiday and after school activities in a safe environment (11-17)

• Provide 1 to 1 support for NEETS (16-25)

• Offer volunteering opportunities to adults and young people

• Offer advice and training in working with young people and families

• Develop new and creative ways to meet local needs