The survey encouraged guests to comment on a wide range of issues. The diverse types of guests - ranging in age from teens to mid-50's; in educational background from no qualifications to postgraduates - mean that Doorway meets a wide range of needs, the report concluded.
Top of the list was the provision of food, but the chance to meet people and build friendships was a close second.

During the first year of the North Wiltshire Homelessness pilot project, the local police reported that drug-related crime in Chippenham had fallen by 24.8%. The survey confirmed this, with a number of guests telling us that their involvement with the project had reduced their tendency to commit crimes and increase their resolve to stay off drugs.

Guests say that they were drawn to the centre in the first place by the offer of free food, but stayed on because they relished the 'normality' of sitting and sharing a meal. Some guests had no other way of obtaining hot food. Some did, but had no motivation to cook for themselves.

The Monday breakfast session is particularly important since it sets up a routine for the week. Guests have to be up and organised to be at the hall in time for their 'full english'.

The hot food became a catalyst for change to many guests. Meals helped them to begin the important process of socialising. The survey remarked on how new guests, though suffering from addictions and depression, chose not to eat alone, but to sit at tables with other guests.

As friendships formed, guests felt that they were finally able to talk about their lives and the issues and problems that had led them to Doorway.

Doorway still has much to do, guests would like us to be open for more days during the week, to offer more activities, and to offer a better advice service.

But thanks to the frank and positive co-operation from our guests, Doorway now has a template for continued success.

Download the full second guest survey › "Lives on the Edge" by Karolyne Fudge Malik, Bufferzone 2005