Stroud’s youth charity, The Door has been awarded the contract from Stonehouse Town Council to deliver community youth work in the town for a further three years.
On Friday a celebratory event was held at Stonehouse Town Council’s Pod in Oldends Lane to mark the relaunch of the service.
Victoria Robson, Chief Executive of The Door, said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be chosen to serve the Stonehouse Community. We’ve built strong links in the community over the past three years and I’m delighted we can continue that work.”
Stonehouse Town Councillor Theresa Watt added: “We’re very keen to see young people supported and delighted The Door has been awarded the contract for the next three years.”
Guests were given a presentation by Youthwork Manager Christopher Scorah and Community Youth Worker Isak Sandgren-Clarke about the work the charity does in the town.
“We currently open three afternoons a week [at the Pod] and we also do detached work around the town – we will also do at least one lunchtime a week at one of the schools in Stonehouse,” explained Isak, who has worked for The Door for five years.
“It’s all about continuity – continuing the work we’ve started. Coming out of the pandemic has been unprecedented and youth work needs to be consistent so we are able to responds to the pressing needs of young people,” he added.
Youth clubs run by The Door cater for school years 7 to 13 and included a weekly life skills session for people up to 25 years of age where they can get help with CV writing, university and job applications and even exam revision.
“It’s a safe and relaxed place for people to concentrate on their future,” said Isak.
One of the young people who attended the event said: “Pod is a very safe space and the workers care about you a lot. They speak to you if you’re going through tough times and tell you it will be OK.
“I have been going to Pod for nearly a year and it has seriously changed my life. Tough times and good times feel so much better coming to Pod. If Pod ever shut I don’t know what I’d do.”
For more information about The Door’s work visit: www.thedoor.org.uk
