The Doorway Project provides housing advice, support and advocacy to people with mental health issues or historic drug or alcohol issues. We can help people who are either in accommodation or homeless. We can assist those who are over 18 and are looking to live in Cheltenham. The Project has been running for six years.

All services are provided by this project are free of charge and are usually offered at Cheltenham Housing Aid Centre.

Giving help with finding somewhere for clients to live

Our fully qualified advisor can provide help to find accommodation which may be supported, private or in social housing.

This may involve representation at supported housing allocation panels, advising on the process of accessing private rented accommodation, challenging a local authority homeless or waiting list decision or checking people’s banding for Gloucestershire Homeseeker.

Preventing the loss of someone’s home

This can involve negotiating with a landlord with regards to rent arrears, court representation, and applying for, or challenging, housing benefit decisions.

Support in a new property

We may be able to assist towards some furnishings for a new home and providing other essential household items.

Case Study:

James was homeless after being given notice by his landlord. He was able to stay with a friend on a short-term basis only. He had a history of alcohol misuse and had recently been in hospital with a heart condition. We advised James to make a Homeless Application with the Local Authority and facilitated the process. Once James was allocated a property through Gloucestershire Homeseeker we completed a referral to Community Based Support to help him set up his utility bills, assist with budgeting and help him maintain his tenancy. As James had no furniture or household goods, we applied to a number of charities to assist with these and removal costs. James has settled into his new home and is doing well. He had started doing voluntary work in Cheltenham and hopes to start work once he has recovered from his heart operation.