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Read our 2009 annual report - pdf format. Donnington Doorstep is a much-loved community-based Family Centre for children and their carers. We aim to provide a safe, welcoming environment for anyone with young children to come freely, make friends or get support in an informal way. The centre is open-plan and accessible, and has a large garden with grass and two sandpits. We offer a range of varied, creative free-play and messy-play opportunities - we always have water, paint and sand! |
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We are viewed as being independent of the statutory services and very much a user-led organisation.We are always busy, with 60 to 100 people from all cultures, nationalities and walks of life visiting each day. We are open from 10 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday, 50 weeks of the year, and 10.30 am to 2 pm Saturdays. At midday you can buy a healthy home-cooked lunch from our kitchen. We serve a variety of multicultural food and always offer a vegetarian dish and a pudding! |
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What
else do we do? We provide a range of other services, including training in areas such as multi-cultural awareness, play and catering, a volunteer programme, student placements and a toy library. We also offer a holiday drop-in playscheme for children aged 8 to 14. Activities include art and crafts, pool, table-tennis and outdoor games. |
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How
did it all start? Doorstep was set up in 1984 by local parents who found that there was nowhere to go with their children outside the hours of the local playgroup. Originally based in a Portakabin it was the first drop-in centre of its kind in Oxfordshire and immediately became a success by providing an active support group for the local community. As the number of users increased, so Doorstep outgrew the Portakabin. In 1996, after much hard work and fund-raising, we moved into a purpose built centre in Townsend Square. Although the building was fantastic, our needs changed over the years, and in 2008 we completed major building works to provide new spaces for training, youth activities and administration. |
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Where
does the money come from? Friends of Donnington Doorstep Anyone
with resources, time, fundraising contacts or general good ideas, why
not join Friends of Donnington Doorstep? Forms
available in the office, call: |
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