Hundreds of Bags of Hope sent to those in need

A Devon charity has filled more than 400 bags with food, drinks and games for those in need at Christmas.

Open Door, based in Exmouth, recently came up with the idea of 'Bags of Hope' to help those who use the charity.

The initiative saw the local community fill the blue bags with items for the elderly, homeless and vulnerable people.

Charity CEO Lisa Pike said: "We ordered 250 bags and within four hours they were all collected, which was incredible. We ordered more and they all went as well."

In total, 435 bags have been sent out with many containing a personal message from the person who filled them.

One of the beneficiaries of the scheme was Ashley, who has been using the charity since November 2022 when he finished rehab for drug and alcohol addiction.

He said: "When I got my bag it showed me that there is a lot of love and a lot of support out there for people who are struggling out there, such as myself.

"I've had a lot of struggles in life fighting addiction and I walked in [to Open Door] the day I finished rehab and I didn't really have a plan."

He said: "I didn't want to be homeless because that would have caused a relapse so what they did for me was cook me a meal, they gave me support and the woman who gave me support is now my sponsor.

"It's all about being in that network where you can engage with people and really tell them what's on your mind."

Ashley has been sober for 18 months and has his son back in his life which he said was down to the charity.

"I'll be honest, Open Door has really saved me," he added.

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