New Nuneaton Mayor launches his charity appeal

Nuneaton and Bedworth’s new Mayor, Cllr Chris Watkins, has launched his charity appeal in aid of Doorway

With homelessness being an issue close to his heart, Cllr Watkins is determined to make his mayoral year count. He said:

“Homelessness is a problem that might affect any of us during the course of our lives and it can be a particular issue for young adults.

“I’m ambitious in my fundraising plans - I really want to make a difference for Doorway, who do so much to help young homeless people locally.

“I’m looking forward to the year ahead – it’s going to be extremely busy but I’m relishing the challenge. By organising events, donations and activities, I am determined to raise as much money as possible.

“I’m in the process of arranging an online donation facility too, so that people will be able to donate via Facebook - details will be announced soon.”

Doorway has been working in the Nuneaton and Bedworth area since 1997, providing dedicated services to homeless young people aged 16 to 25 years. In the 21 years of operation, the charity has given homelessness and benefits advice to more than 4,000 young people from the Borough and helped 1,250 to find accommodation, many of these through the private landlord’s scheme.

On average, nine out of ten young people who move on from Doorway services do so positively; bearing in mind the challenges homeless young people face when they arrive at Doorway, this is an amazing achievement, made possible through a combination of the individual’s own determination and the right support in terms of education, health, job and life skills.

Carol Gallager CEO of Doorway said:

“There is so much we want to do and funding is always a challenge. We are delighted that the new Mayor has chosen Doorway as his charity – it will help to raise the profile of our work as well as bringing in valuable donations.”