DOOR 84

What is Door 84 all about?

Door 84 has been a part of the community in the Groves, York for decades and we want to make sure it remains so. Originally named “York Boys Club” it was founded in the 1930s. In recent years under the name "Door 84" the charity has evolved into a trusted provider of high quality services in our community. Whilst we regularly receive referrals of people who need support from the local authority, our funding is entirely dependent on donations and fundraising activities, including grants from charitable foundations. Our work is never done and therefore our fundraising is never done either! We will be running a series of campaigns through Crowdfunder to enable us to continue funding these important services for the community in York.

Through FOOD, FRIENDSHIP and ACTIVITIES we support all sectors of the community across the year and offer a welcoming space to build relationships, get support in accessing services and have the chance to relax in a friendly, safe space for those who need it.

FOOD is provided free through our food bank, at low cost through the Community Cafe, and is always on offer at youth sessions. Food has the ability to bring people together and show people care and we see this every day in our building.

FRIENDSHIPS are central to all our services and they develop through our youth clubs, between participants at our SPARKS sessions for adults with additional support needs, and amongst the community who attend the Community Cafe and Foodbank.

ACTIVITIES occur in the various youth groups for young people ages 8-17 years, in our SPARKS sessions for adults with additional support needs, and are many and varied at our open to all Community Days which occur 2 or 3 times a year.

Supporting Young People

Youth clubs that offer a safe space to hang out and just be yourself are few and far between in the modern world. Not all young people want to pursue a skill, play a sport or join a club so the opportunity for young people to spend time together in a safe, stimulating environment, without the pressure to conform is important. Door 84 provides this across multiple sessions each week and over a year approximately 350 young people benefit from attending the youth sessions. 92% of attendees say they have made new friends since joining Door 84. 83% have learnt new skills and 75% say they are more confident. 

Craft activities are always on offer, sometimes cooking, alongside the regular facilities including board games, pool, air hockey and table tennis, computers for gaming, and plenty of outside space to burn off excess energy. 

During school holidays there are often day trips and, over the summer, residential trips are offered as well. Experienced staff run all sessions and trips and we are fortunate to have a steady stream of volunteers, often from the local student population, who support the youth activities.

By supporting Door 84 you are supporting our young people, and so helping shape a brighter future for the community.

What our Young People say: 

• "I love Door 84 because it makes me feel good when I’m sad."
• "I always feel included and welcome."  
• "I can always come here and know I am in good hands"
• "I have become more social ‘cause of door 84"

Community Cafe and Foodbank

Door 84 runs a Community Cafe each week, providing a warm and welcoming space where local residents and people from across the city are able to access good quality nutritious food at heavily subsidised prices. For those in real need we also provide a foodbank service, distributing donated food and toiletries. Local councillors are available to offer further support to those who may need it and the team are equipped to signpost users to other services as required. 

What our Cafe visitors say:

Jack*, a Community Cafe user, used to be homeless and didn’t know Door 84 existed until a friend told him about it.   Although accommodation is now secured he still struggles to manage his finances and attends the cafe every week. Jack told us his story; "I have tried to manage without food banks in the past but it's becoming impossible now. What has also helped me is the personal support I have received from the staff and other professional services. In particular, helping me with the job centre and applying for jobs because I don't have a computer at home and I struggle with my reading and writing. It’s nice to have some company as well because most of the time I don't speak to anyone as I live alone and can get very lonely. I really look forwards to Cafe sessions."

Another Community Cafe user: "The service you provide shines a light in the darkness, it helps us feed our families. Thanks from the bottom of my heart."

SPARKS

Twice a week we run sessions for adults with additional support needs and their caregivers. The aim of these sessions is to reduce isolation and ensure individuals feel part of the community and have opportunities to socialise, try new experiences and develop skills. Each week one session focuses on crafts and the other is a chance for participants to really let their hair down and enjoy a disco - karaoke is optional! These sessions have a real sense of fun about them with regular attendance by many resulting in the development of friendships and trust. The Door 84 team provide an avenue to support for attendees and their caregivers, and the sessions help caregivers develop a network of peers as well. 

This project also benefits from the work of four supported volunteers - people who have their own additional needs and work alongside the staff to run the sessions and engage with the group members. 

What our group members say:

Ian* is profoundly deaf, Jackie* has been Ian’s caregiver for over 5 years.  They started attending SPARKS over 18 months   ago. Jackie shared “After his first week of attending Ian said that he felt “safe”, which is the most important thing for him as it gives him security”. Staff and other group members have learnt some sign language so they can communicate better with Ian. The team sets up the big music speaker next to him so that he can touch it, feel the vibrations and join in. “Ian has gained confidence and is happy to engage  with others which is brilliant as he is usually clingy” said Jackie. 

A caregiver speaking about SPARKS: "I enjoy attending on both a social & professional aspect. It helps with making connections, relationships and friendships within the community." Another caregiver said "people who attend can be themselves and celebrate who they are."

Summary

As you can see from the testimonials above, Door 84 gives people a place to be themselves, feel safe and included, get nourishment and develop life skills. There is a dedicated team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver these services and your donations will help them give the best they can to our community. Thank you for reading about Door 84 and we hope you feel able to support us. 

£50 is enough to give one child access to Youth Sessions for 1 year.

£12 a month would provide 4 food parcels containing a selection of fresh fruit, vegetables and ambient products. 

£5 is enough for five young people to attend a Youth Session.

Every donation counts, big or small so please give what you can.

THANK YOU!