Welcome to .....
What is Devizes Opendoors?
It is a charity that has been set up to help people in the Devizes Community Area to find solutions to homelessness; to offer support to local people when they are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and to benefit local individuals in need, including the marginalised and vulnerable.
Opendoors exists 100% for the benefit of others, in particular those who are homeless or at risk of becoming so. For the last few years it has provided three cooked meals a week at St. John’s Parish Rooms, Long Street and there are about 15 – 20 people there at most sessions. Along with the good food and company there is the chance of a shower and a few other things (see Opening Times).
The guests are a mixture of rough sleepers, those sleeping in sheds, vans and old boats, sofa surfers and those with their own homes but with issues that can make their tenancies vulnerable.
The team has two paid staff, a coordinator and a deputy coordinator, and over 50 volunteers on a rota with 7 - 9 on per session. Together they prepare the food and the hall, welcome the guests and chat, serve meals and discuss issues in one-to-one conversations. Concerns that get followed up include health (mental and physical) issues, alcohol and drug dependency, criminal activity, financial matters and of course, housing issues.
Like to find out more about? Click to download our Autumn 2019 Volunteer Newsletter.
A series of articles about those who access Opendoors services, and those who provide them.
Latest News
Our Annual Sponsored Sleepout
took place on Sat 11 January to 8am Sun 12 January 2020
St. Mary’s Church - Devizes
Watch this space...All the news coming soon!
Once more we have been delighted by the support from local people and organisations in the run up to Christmas and a Big Thank You Goes To...
- Coate Fireworks £500
- Hot Gossip (Wansdyke school staff) £100
- Wessex Model & Toy Auction Evening. (Total to be announced on the 4th Feb.)
- Local Labour Party Cellar Bar £214
- Wadworth Winter Market: Sale of hot drinks £163.18 plus £506.60
- Good Afternoon Choir Concert £833.87
- Sing Alive Choir £429.84
- Chamber Choir £51.20
- Bishops Cannings Tuesday Group £95.00
- Worton Nitt & Knatter Group £137. 10
- Worton & Marston Carol Service, £18120
- Marston Chapel Carol Service £125.10
- The (Lawrence) Arts Society £100.00
- Compton Bassett Christmas Fayre £200
- Devizes Rotary £270
- Women's Institute £12.50
- Metabolics £120
We also received the following monetary donations from supporters amounted to the following: 11 donors, £1,110 - 1 donor, £2,000 - Just Giving donors 675.09
We were also delighted by the generous gifts of wrapped presents, food, Christmas cake and unwanted gift vouchers that altogether meant that our guests had a very enjoyable lunch on the 23rd December. Thanks to you all.
Volunteer Opportunity
Be a Devizes Opendoors Befriender
Give a homeless person a hand up - not a handout
This autumn we are looking for people who can empathise and encourage.
We provide full training and you will join a supportive team of volunteer Befrienders.
Please click here to find out more, or contact John Saunders:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
07828 041152
Contact Details
If you are homeless, know someone who is, or concerned about someone at risk of becoming homeless we might be able to help. Please call: 07493 825258
To speak to a member of the team during our regular opening times please call: 07722 096046
If you are interested in volunteeering with us please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You might also like to take a look at our Volunteer section, where you can find more information or download our Autumn 2019 Volunteer Newsletter.
Any other enquiries? Please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go to our Contact Page.
