At The Door we pride ourselves on being a needs-led organisation. This means that where possible we aim to follow the need, meeting young people and families where they are at, rather than waiting for them to come to us. We are also privileged to have an amazing relationship with our local policing teams where we work and often partner with them to best support the community.

Lockdown hasn’t changed either of these things and in recent weeks our Youthwork team have been out and about (2 meters apart of course!) working alongside and supporting the neighbourhood policing teams in Dursley, Stroud and Stonehouse with their weekly community outreach work.

Kathleen and Sam have joined the local PCSO’s out on patrol; connecting with young people out and about in the towns we serve, checking in with familiar faces and meeting new ones too. As well as offering a smile, friendly guidance and sharing in conversations the team have been signposting young people to where they can get any support that they may need.

This includes spreading the word about our the ‘Door Line’ phone line which is available on weekdays between 5pm and 7pm for young people to call for an informal chat with a member of The Door’s team. (01453 705350)

Kathleen says “It’s been great to get out an about, helping to keep young people safe and encouraging them to follow the lockdown rules in a way that’s more effective because it’s less intimidating than if the police were out and about alone.”

Alongside visiting streets and parks the team have also been checking in with students at Rednock School in Dursley. Offering young people that have still been attending school as they are vulnerable or the children of key workers extra support and a listening ear as well as some positive distractions during their breaks. Much to the delight of the teaching staff and young people alike!