- 44 High Street
- February 28, 2022
- thedoor.org.uk
Project History
Founded in 1991 by a local group of Christians, The Door has been at the heart of the Stroud district for over 30 years.
The Door ensures that every young person and their parents are safe, happy and valued, with the best possible opportunity to reach their potential. We work with over 1000 beneficiaries annually, providing safe spaces where they experience a sense of belonging. Our team of skilled staff and volunteers are positive role models who journey with them long term - allowing them space and time to discover their inner strength; equipping and empowering them to work through challenging situations and have hope for a better future. We meet our objectives through services for young people, their parents and families from all backgrounds, and we support issues as diverse as access to Higher Education, Self-Harm, Family Breakdown, and Mental Health Crises.
Recognized at county level as thought leaders and experts, The Door was voted Best Youth Work Employer in 2016, received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2017 and won an award for Contribution to Community Safety in 2018. It was awarded the NYA Quality Mark in Youthwork in 2022.
The Door works with Local Authorities, Schools, NHS, Gloucestershire Constabulary, Neighbourhood Wardens, Local Councillors, Mental Health Services, Social Care and the Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, as well as other charities, CICs and Community Groups.
Following the success of a “mission week” featuring the band LZ7 in October 2017, the vision for illuminateStroud was born:
To inspire, equip and empower Christian young people to be culture changers in their school communities through an active faith which draws others into relationship with Jesus
Structure & Vision
As Christians, we believe that God wants the world to be a place where love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are the most important values. Christians should be committed to demonstrate these values in their lives.
We want Christian young people to be empowered and inspired to live out these values within their schools and communities, and be confident in vocalising the motivation behind their actions.
Christian young people often feel isolated and alone, believing that they are in a significant minority, and they often fear that they will be judged as narrow-minded or bigoted by their peers. illuminateStroud helps them overcome these fears and think differently about their role within their community.
illuminateStroud is part of The Door's youthwork department, and is led and managed by a JNC professionally qualified Co-ordinator, with volunteers from local churches. It is intentionally distinct from the more community focused youthwork activity at The Door.
Location
illuminateStroud has been successfully running in the Stroud Town area since 2018, with strong links to local churches and an active ministry in Archway secondary school.
In 2022 we launched illuminateDursley, in partnership with Churches Together in Cam & Dursley, and building new links into Rednock Secondary School.
We also hope to grow this project into the other areas we work.
Current Ministry
We have weekly groups for young people in each of the areas, focusing on discipleship and leadership development. Young people come from across a variety of church and denominational backgrounds. They are encouraged to serve within the group, their school, church and other community settings.
We work closely with the 2 secondary schools, running activities which enhance the RE and PHSE curriculum with a distinctly Christian feel. This includes Prayer Spaces in Schools, Classroom Debates, Art Projects, etc. We also delivery assemblies, and run lunchtime "clubs"
We work with key primary schools around yr6 transition, offering activities like Its Your Move alongside local church leaders.
Within the placement there will also be opportunities to get experience of The Door's other services, including Open Access Youth Clubs, Mentoring, Online Support, Family Support.