Stories

Success Stories

We would like to show you that the appropriate areas and levels of support can change young people's lives. The names in these stories have been changed to protect the identities of the resident.

Rachel's Story

I was accommodated by Doorway after being on the waiting list. I wasn't getting on with my mum.

I saw a counsellor from Doorway for a few months and this was very helpful and I sorted out a lot of problems during this time. I attended Doorway's Young People's Group and went on some activities such as; The Mercia Thunderball, orienteering, Christmas meal and the cinema. This was good as I got to meet other people who were in the same situation as me. It was also a chance to go out as I couldn't afford to do these sorts of things very often.

I helped Doorway interview for a new Housing Support Worker and I really enjoyed this.

I am back with my mum now and am expecting a baby of my own. I still see my support worker as she is helping me find somewhere suitable to live for when the baby is born.

Without Doorway I don't know what would have happened to me, but with all the help and support I received I am now friends with my mum and looking forward to the future.

Jamie's Story

In September 2003 I was due to become homeless whilst with another Housing Association. The situation I found myself in was desperate; no home and no means of acquiring or renting one. By chance my girlfriend was a client with Nuneaton and Bedworth Doorway and advised me to contact them as soon as possible. I did so and within a few days a prospective home was found for me, much to my relief.

The subsequent service provided by Doorway was hard to fault, unlike the Housing Association I was previously with, Doorway did their utmost to aid me with a vast variety of problems, ranging from formalities such as, benefit associated difficulties, to providing counselling for emotional issues.

Their support and diligence during my recent move into a council property was invaluable and wouldn't have been possible without their assistance. Support was offered in buying all the necessary items required to set up home.

My girlfriend has also received fantastic support for over 3 years and is as grateful as I am for the ever present help and advice we received. As we now live together in a council flat the support has ended, but we are now both confident in running our tenancy and are secure in the knowledge that should we run into difficulties we can still call for advice.

L's Story

L came to Doorwaywhen she was 16 years old. She had left the family home and stayed with friends on a temporary basis. She had a troubled background and was unwilling to contact statutory agencies, even with the support of Doorway, because of her previous experiences. Her low self confidence was evident and her future uncertain. Her thank you letter below was written when she left Doorway and shows the difference she has made to her life in that time.

“All the staff at Doorway,

I would just like to say a big thank you for all your help and support over the past year and a half. You have played a big part in my life. I wouldn't be where I am as a person if it wasn't for you. I am so grateful to everyone for everything. I would just like to say an extra thank you to two other people who have played a huge part in my stay at xxxxx Road.
My Support Worker - thank you very very much for all your help and support. You are a star and have always been there when I needed you. You're an asset to Doorway. (Thanks)
– Development Worker, thank you, you have been awesome and help me realise a lot. Thanks to you I have some of my lost confidence back. You're a star so thank you. All us young people are lucky to have people like you, without you many young people would be ignored and homeless. I just think it's time for me to move on. I'm 18 and need to prove I can do it alone. Thanks for all your help I definitely won't be going back to the old 'L'. Once again thanks for all your help and support.

PS keep up the good work I will let you know when I'm rich and have a mansion.”

P's Story

P came to Doorwayfollowing several weeks of sofa surfing after being made homeless by his mum.

“I would like to say thank you very much for everything that you have done for me. I would have been homeless if it wasn't for Doorway. I had some ups and downs but have pulled through and came out fine. I have achieved my goal and am now going in the army for a brilliant 22 year career. I have enjoyed many of Doorway's events like Alton Towers for example.”