One door closes but another opens

The closure of community organisation Open Door on Berkhamsted High Street will have left a hole in many people’s lives, but a new organisation is hoping to fill the gap.

Led by former Open Door volunteer Iain Manson, with what he calls, ‘a very willing and growing group of volunteers’ behind him, Berkhamsted Together has been born.

Iain told Berkhamsted Living: ‘Berkhamsted is a beautiful town that has a real sense of community. For many it is seen as a privileged place without any real problems. The volunteers at Open Door know that this is certainly not the case. We have seen first-hand the many people that seem to live on the edge of our community, whether they are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, isolation because of age, disability, illness etc, or even just struggling to deal with one of the tough challenges that life throws at us.

‘We are all so sad that Open Door has had to close, but so proud of the work that was led by Joan Fisher in setting up this truly community-focused organisation. Open Door was proof that our community truly has a heart.’

Iain said Berkhamsted Together aims to be a truly inclusive organisation that brings the community together and mobilises it to help itself. While the search continues for a permanent home for the group, it is working with The Swan Youth Project to provide some of its services, such as The Warm Welcome Cafe
from Tuesdays to Fridays, 11am-2.30pm.

Parul Dix, manager at The Swan Youth Project, said: ‘We want to provide a safe space for all in the community until a new location is found for Berkhamsted Together to launch their amazing work. We are supporting groups by hosting a warm cafe, having a space for the crafty crew to get their creative hats on [on Tuesdays], and also offering a place where the Healthy Walkers can meet prior to their walk. We strongly believe that the community needs to support the community, and I feel this collaboration provides just that.’

If you’re interested in joining Berkhamsted Together, call Iain Manson on 07917 327384 or email iainmanson@hotmail.com.