There’s nothing better than feeling you’ve made a difference, whether that’s in the workplace, in the community or within one’s own family.
Because we’re hooked on making a difference wherever we are, the Financial Options Group are proud to support Caritas Red Door Bury.
Since last year, ongoing donations from our Foundation have supported Red Door Bury to initiate a 5-day-a-week wellbeing programme at the Peter Street facility. Launched in early 2024, the programme includes cooking, art, craft, gardening and a walking group.
The programme is not just designed to promote physical and mental health and wellbeing (although that is a big part of it!). It has also been put into action to encourage more guests of the facility to engage with signposting services – and the programme is already proving a resounding success across both those goals!
We've been pleased to gain insights on the new wellbeing programme directly from a Red Door guest! Please see the case study featuring Steve* below…
Red Door Bury: A Case Study
Steve came to Caritas Red Door as he was sleeping rough and referred by Bury Rough Sleepers Team (RST). Steve was already engaging with RST and was linked in with Achieve, Bury’s drug and alcohol team. Steve was very open and honest about his drug usage and explained that this is something that has increased since he had been sleeping rough.
Steve stated he “never thought I’d enjoy something like this” and told staff how the sessions were making him feel good.
During the initial conversation with staff at Caritas Red Door, Steve did not state there was anything he really needed support with, however he did feel like his substance misuse was becoming problematic. He stated that even though he was working with Achieve, he was still using regularly and stated that this was partly due to boredom.
Caritas Red Door staff discussed the activity sessions held regularly throughout the week. Initially Steve was sceptical, as he had never taken parts in arts and crafts or gardening and wasn’t a big fan of walking. However, he agreed to give the walks a try. The following week, Steve attended one of our organised Wellbeing Walks. He couldn’t believe how much he enjoyed it and couldn’t wait for the following week. This also stoked his interest in the gardening and craft sessions. He accepted that the gardening wasn’t for him, but the craft sessions were a big hit. He stated he “never thought I’d enjoy something like this” and told staff how the sessions were making him feel good.
Steve commented that his attendance at the activity sessions were impacting his health and his use of substances. He didn't feel the need to use on the days of the activity, as he had something to do, and that he wasn't keen using the day before, because he didn't want to miss the sessions.
Steve has since been housed in a bed every night ('ABEN') accommodation with Bury Council and still attends the Caritas Red Door sessions each week. He has since stopped using substances completely and is currently on a methadone detox under the supervision of Achieve.
“These activities are great, I never thought I’d enjoy something like this. The walks are good too, I’d just be bored otherwise and end up using [taking drugs] but now, I don’t even use the night before ‘cos I don’t want to miss it!”
*All names in case studies changed for confidentially purposes.
About Red Door – a Caritas facility
Not familiar with Red Door Bury?
The homeless support centre, situated at the heart of Bury, is operated by the Caritas Diocese of Salford. Red Door Bury provides daily meals as well as signposting services to those experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable people in the local community.
The Financial Options Group Charitable Foundation are the facility’s principal corporate sponsor and our ongoing donations helped to fund Red Door’s weekly food shops through the pandemic years. Last year we happily agreed to provide the resources required for Red Door to deliver a five-day-a-week activity programme for people experiencing homelessness in Bury.
We’ve been amazed by at the before and after photos of the new wellbeing space at Red Door, which you can see as part of the collage below...
Pictured: Red Door project manager Michael Holmes & Foundation director Sarah Kendell; Red Door Bury visitors
Red Door project manager Michael Holmes said:
"Your donation means Caritas Red Door has the space, resources and time to run a five-day a week activity programme for people experiencing homelessness in Bury.
“Activity sessions are a way of encouraging people to stay beyond food and develop relationships of trust with our team. In this way, the programme you are helping to support, is a gateway to transforming lives. 70% of people who registered with us last month, who then participated in at least one activity session, went on to attend one of our advice sessions intended to ensure they could access the help they need to improve their present circumstances.”
Charitable Foundation director Sarah Kendell said: “We have loved working with Red Door as the facility’s principal corporate sponsor. We hope the programme will have a great effect on the overall wellbeing of Red Door guests and attract more people in need to explore all the services Red Door has to offer.”
For more information on our Charitable Foundation, please visit www.financialopts.co.uk/fog-foundation
To find out more about how you can donate, volunteer or become a corporate sponsor of Caritas Red Door Bury, visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/service/red-door/
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