Our Impact

“I came to the Open Door project after a family loss led to a breakdown in relationships. I was really struggling to find my way at the time, but living there taught me essential skills required to live independently. With the amazing support of staff, I learned how to run a house holistically, covering everything from shopping and cooking to cleaning and maintaining a routine. Today, I am proud to be working in the social care sector helping others while starting my nursing studies. My time at Open Door played an integral part in shaping who I am. My advice to the young people there now is that there’s a whole world of opportunity out there. You can achieve anything you set your mind to despite going through a rough patch, and your experiences give you a platform like no other to help others.”

"I was supported in Craigshill when I was 16/17. My support worker was absolutely awesome, really great memories. I went on to get my first flat aged 18 and now aged 38, I live in a bought house with my partnerand 2 kids, and I work for West Lothian Council support at home services. Being homeless young doesn’t mean that your future is ruined, these kids can and do make it! I would absolutely love to come and work with this organisation but my youngest is only 5 so maybe when he’s a bit older."

"I stayed in Open Door back when I was 16, that was 17 years ago and absolutely loved it – I got so much support from the staff to prepare me for getting my own place, best memories were definitely the macaroni cheese. I am now 33 and have 2 amazing kids but will never forget my time at Open Door."

"I was in Open Door twice; it’s helped me so much with cooking skills and cleaning. I now have 3 kids and live in a council house. I got my first council house in 2008 after been in shared accommodation. I wouldn’t have learned half the stuff I have today if it wasn’t for Open Door, they do so much to help young people - thank you."

"I stayed in the Open Door supported accommodation twice and in one of their flats in Durward Rise Dedridge. I stayed in a few hostels over the years growing up and Open Door was by far the best I ever stayed in. Staff were great and went the extra mile to help. Open door helped me get my first house, helped me with a lot with debt problems and mental health issues at the time. A few people that I met in Open Door became friends for life."

"At 17 years old with no support and nowhere to go. the supported accommodation offered me a room. I loved the view - it was the top corner looking down onto the tower. The staff were amazing and just gave me time to process my situation. They provided me with a safe place and the life skills I needed to reach my potential. Fast forward some 20 years later and I started to work with them… so I came full circle and gave back to them some of what they gave to me… The Supported Accommodation continues to beso needed in West Lothian to keep on supporting our youth of today so that theybe our leaders of tomorrow."

"Open door really helped me learn how to manage to be by myself and it helped me grow with a support system behind me. If I looked at myself when I first went into the flat to now it’s two completely different people. They helped me grow my confidence and helped me learn in my own way how to look after a house and myself. I’ve just recently got my own tenancy and I felt excited to sign the tenant agreement rather than scared; how I know I would feel if I didn’t get support from Open Door."