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Today (4th November) we are celebrating the first of what will be termly 'Make a Difference Days' at St Mary’s. All members of the St Mary’s community are invited to wear green as we raise funds and awareness for the valuable work of the Doorway Project, a Chippenham based charity which supports the homeless and those who are moving on from homelessness. In addition to contributions to wear mufti and food donations we are also holding a Sponsored Sleep Out and would like to share the link to enable the wider St Mary’s community to sponsor the students and teachers who, once again, will be braving the elements and sleeping out for a night.
https://localgiving.org/fundraising/StMarysSleepoutforDoorway2021/
Unfortunately, the Director of Doorway was unable to join us today in Chapel as planned, but she sent a message of great thanks updating us on the work of the charity since our last Sleep Out during the 2021 Charity Week, when a staggering £10,000 was raised. Shortly after Charity Week the first lockdown was announced, and their fundraising opportunities suddenly dried up. Whilst they were able to apply for some emergency government funds the £10,000 cushion was incredibly helpful and enabled them to remain open during the pandemic, with training for volunteers moving online and food, advice and referrals quite literally organised on the doorstep.
More than 20 referrals were made to the council on behalf of people who had suffered domestic abuse or a relationship breakdown and who found themselves homeless as a result. Having recently moved to The Citadel in Chippenham, they are now able to run a number of activities and groups in addition to the regular support offered; options include the Football Group and Women’s Group, as well as a new Advice and Activities session and an Addiction Support Group. For further information about the Doorway Project, please click here.
Mrs Claire Bolton, Head of Community Outreach and Partnerships