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2024-03-31-accounts

GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY (A registered Charity)

CHARITY NUMBER 1198034

TRUSTEES REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024

Richard Alsept Chartered Accountant 16 Burlington Terrace Cardiff CF5 1GG

GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

NAME OF CHARITY: Gateway into the Community
ORGANISATION TYPE: CIO
REGISTERED No: 1198034
TRUSTEES: Rosemary Theobalds (Chair)
Caroline Harris (resigned 3rdApril 2024)
Catherine Mousette
Timothy Raine (resigned 3rdApril 2024)
Joyce Winder
Paul White
Liz Holmes (appointed 3rdApril 2024)
KEY MANAGEMENT Julia Ferguson – Chief Executive
PERSONNEL:
PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 3 St Marys Wynd
Hexham
Northumberland
NE46 1LW
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: Richard Alsept Chartered Accountant
16 Burlington Terrace
Cardiff
CF5 1GG
BANKERS: Lloyds Bank
98 Victoria Street
London
SW1E 5JL
Unity Trust Bank
Nine Brindley Place
Birmingham
B1 2HB

GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

CONTENTS Page
Trustees Report 1 - 8
Independent Examiners Report 9
Statement of Financial Activities 10
Balance Sheet 11
Notes to the Financial Statements 12 - 19

GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Introduction

The Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The Trustees have prepared the annual report and financial statements in accordance with the provisions of the statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” issued in January 2019.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governance

Gateway into the Community is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It registered as a CIO on 23[rd] February 2022. Its Governing Document was adopted on 23[rd] February 2022. Gateway into the Community enables people with learning disabilities to take part in a broad programme of leisure and learning opportunities. The safe environment within our own 'groups' prepares our members to participate in mainstream activities in their wider communities. We work to ensure that the inclusion of people who have a learning disability is enjoyable and beneficial for everyone.

The process of transferring to a CIO completed on 31[st] March 2023 and the new CIO received all assets transferred from the unincorporated charity, Gateway into the Community (charity number 1093566), on 1[st] April 2023. The new CIO charity registration number is 1198034.

The comparative figures shown in these accounts, for the eleven month period ended 31[st] March 2023 relate to the activities of the unincorporated charity (charity number 1093566), and those figures were shown in the 2023 accounts for that charity.

Trustees

The Management Committee comprises a minimum of four and a maximum of twelve Trustees, who are charity trustees for the purpose of charity law. There are currently five appointed Trustees.

Membership of the Charity is open to all people with a learning disability who are resident in West Northumberland and at least 50% of the Trustees are members of the Charity. Trustees are elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting and, if willing to stand, offer themselves for re-election each year. The officers of the Charity for the ensuing year are nominated and elected (by ballot if necessary) at every AGM.

All Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the Charity. No Trustee received any remuneration for services as a Trustee during the year ended 31 March 2024.

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Trustee Induction and Training

A Trustee Information Pack is available to potential and new Trustees. Potential Trustees are invited to attend a Trustee meeting to find out more about the workings of the Management Committee and the governance of the Charity, after which they might feel better informed to make a decision to become a Trustee.

New Trustees are introduced to the Charity, their legal obligations under charity law, the content of the governing document, the Trustees and the decision-making process, the business plan and financial performance of the charity, during an induction period soon after appointment. Trustees are also encouraged to attend appropriate training events that will support effective conduct in their role.

Organisation

The Management Committee is responsible for the overall management and control of the Charity and meets approximately six times a year for full Management Committee meetings plus the Annual General Meeting. A finance sub-committee meets more regularly and reports to the Management Committee.

The Charity is run on a day-to-day basis by the Chief Executive, Julia Ferguson, supported by two senior managers, Sharyn Castelow and Joanne Armstrong. Community Support and Sessional workers, largely part-time, are employed to provide services to the Charity’s members, with support from administration and finance staff.

Related parties and relationships with other organisations

The Charity is not affiliated with any other organisation.

Remuneration Policy for key management personnel

The remuneration of the Chief Executive and senior management team is guided by the Local Government Pay Scales agreed by the National Joint Council for Local Government Services (NJC). Points on the scale for each individual are set by reference to affordability and local market conditions for the post in question. Pay is reviewed annually by the Chief Executive and the financial Trustee; the salary of the Chief Executive is reviewed by the Chair.

Risk Management

Where appropriate, policies and procedures or systems have been put in place to mitigate the risks the Charity might face. Significant external risks to funding and the nature of funding across the Community and Voluntary Sector, have led to the development of a long term strategic plan including the identification of priority activities in relation to income generation. Policies and procedures exist to ensure compliance with health and safety of all staff, volunteers and members of the Charity. This includes the provision of adequate insurance cover and risk assessment of all charitable activities. These policies and procedures are reviewed annually or more frequently, on change of circumstances, to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity.

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OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The principal activity of the Charity is to support, promote and encourage the provision of facilities for recreation, learning and other leisure time opportunities, for people living in West Northumberland who have a learning disability, with the object of improving their quality of life.

Gateway into the Community supports people who have learning disabilities and live in West Northumberland, to take part in a broad programme of leisure and learning opportunities.

When planning our activities for the year we have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. We work to ensure that the inclusion of people who have learning disabilities is enjoyable and beneficial to everyone. We support integrated activities whenever possible.

Health and well-being is at the heart of everything we do. We meet our objectives through the delivery of our grant funded projects and activities and services. Our Gateway into Nature project, our Individual Support Service and Day Service provide opportunities for our members to develop a wide range of skills in arts and crafts, independence, independent travelling, volunteering opportunities, cooking and literacy, numeracy and money management.

Achievement and Performance

This year we have been successful in achieving many of our endeavours one such was to secure the purchase of the building where we have been based since 2017. We were absolutely thrilled to announce that on 31[st] March 2024 we became the proud new owners of the Den. In August 2023, our landlord decided to sell the property. We saw this as an opportunity as the Den had become an invaluable place in helping us to meet our objectives and had become a real home for all our members. We secured a social investment loan and a capital grant form Garfield Weston to purchase the building and a grant from Durham Community Foundation to support our social enterprise activity.

It is centrally located in Hexham and is easily accessible for all our members, it has more than met our expectations and has become a real asset and part of Hexham’s Community We utilise our space to provide real opportunities for social development, impact and benefit to the local and wider community The Den currently provides; A welcoming office, a hub/café, 6 sitting room/craft rooms, 5 bathrooms – 2 refurbished with showers, 3 kitchens, a large sensory room, a large day service room, group room, art and pool room and a lift with access to all floors. The Den provides multi-functional uses and is adaptable to be able to provide flexible spaces when member’s needs change.

The funding we secured from County Durham Community Foundation to support our social enterprise is enabling us to refurbish the kitchen in our Hub to create a space that will enable our members to develop further skills in hospitality and cooking. We are also developing an area in the Hub to showcase our wooden crafts that we sell throughout the year at our coffee mornings, fairs and we are hoping to venture into online sales. As well is this huge achievement in purchasing a property we have continued to grow our successful Individual Support Service and Day Service. This work provides us with an

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earned income providing sustainability as well as immense opportunities for all our members.

Over the year we have been held many events such as our much loved discos, we celebrated our 25[th] birthday, we have held a Macmillan coffee morning, celebrated the King’s Coronation and had a stall at Hexham Christmas Market. One of our Trustees organised and completed a 12 hour Bikeathon at the Den and some of our women were catwalk models for M+Co. We have also been part of numerous sporting events supporting our members to access opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them such as a Triathlon with Bikeability, and inclusive rugby events with Newcastle Falcons Foundation. We also continue to work in partnership with Newcastle United Foundation and support them with their highly successful weekly Disability football sessions.

We have also developed our Wellness Wednesdays and work with Spencer Boyle who delivers freestyle fitness yoga and functional range conditioning promoting mobility and fitness. We also work with Jo Shallcross to deliver sessions in pilates, bootcamp and fitness. We are highly committed to providing the best possible opportunities around health and well-being, promoting activities that support both physical and mental health.

Grant Funded projects and activities:

We now deliver 10 weekly groups ranging from sports, football, social groups, youth groups and gardening groups. These are our grant funded activities and provided much needed support to so many vulnerable people. Many of our members needs have changed as a result of the Pandemic which meant it was paramount that we were able to diversify and build our projects and activities in direct response to these changes.

Our grant funded projects and activities currently provide 127 places every week. These projects are critical to ensuring that we are able to provide in some cases vital support and weekly social contact for many of our vulnerable members.

It is vital that we are able to continue to fundraise and ensure that this strand of our work continues as 67% of members who access our weekly groups have little or no other support in their lives. Many do not meet the criteria needed to qualify for social care funding for social and health and well-being as they may not be deemed to be in crisis. However, without this weekly support and social contact they would indeed fall into crisis. We continue to be extremely committed to this area of work as this we feel this support helps many members from falling into crisis. Our flexible approach ensures that we continue to meet the individual needs of our members along with for many, providing a real lifeline. We do not operate 9am – 5pm and have often supported members through challenging times when they have had no one else to turn too.

Day Service and Individual Support:

We are currently delivering 541 hours of Individual Support every week and 31.25 days of Day Service every week. 33 members receive an Individual Support Service every week and 17 members access our Day Service every week.

We currently support 9 members to access volunteering and employment opportunities throughout the week. For these members this has been a great achievement and would

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not have been possible had it not been for the service they receive from Gateway. We build links with local businesses to ensure that we are able to provide as many opportunities as possible. We support our members throughout their placements to ensure they succeed, and their experiences are positive.

Our earned income services are so bespoke that no 2 members have the same package. Every member’s package is individual and completely designed around their individual needs.

Social Enterprise:

Alongside our existing services and activities, we are also developing our social enterprise which will provide new opportunities for skills development and volunteering opportunities. Over the last 2 years we have designed and made wooden crafts made from recycled wooden pallets that we collect from local businesses. Our members are involved planning. We have sold very successfully at 2 Hexham Christmas Markets where nearly every item was sold. We have continued to display and sell throughout the year and once the refurbishment of the Hub is complete, we will be promoting even further our wooden crafts enterprise.

Dreams and Aspirations:

We are fully committed to supporting our members to not only have dreams and aspirations, but to also achieve their dreams and aspirations. We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce and staff who all offer a wide range of experiences, skills, knowledge and interests. This has helped our members to plan and take part in activities that they never thought would ever happen. Our members have achieved goals that have given them confidence, self belief and a real sense of value.

We believe that it is not only the big things in life that make a difference but also the small things, and every single member at Gateway is supported to find their own path and realise their own self worth. Over the year we have supported members in fulfilling their dreams around volunteering, having meaningful friendships, being part of a community, going to the pub with mates, playing football for a team and many more.

Working Together:

Over the years we have developed strong partnerships with other organisations, projects, groups and individuals who have all played a part in opening up opportunities for our members. We currently work with NUFC Foundation, Hexham Priory School, Hexham Community Partnership. Hexham Forum Cinema, Queen Elizabeth High School, and Wentworth Leisure Centre to name but a few. Through these partnerships we have delivered sports groups, taken part in community events and activities and coffee mornings.

Funding and Support from our Local Community:

We would like to express our thanks to all our supporters over the year. Support from the local community has been incredible. Some of our members over the year have taken part in challenges to raise funds for Gateway such as sponsored walks, a Triathlon and a Zipwire across The Tyne. We would also like to thank Vercelli’s, Multichem, Jive Alive, The

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Rotary Club of Hexham, Skipton Building Society, Saint Aidens Church, Cathy Mousette for organising a bikeathon and many individual donors all of whom have provided funding and support over the year.

Organisational Development:

Our Chief Executive Julia Ferguson provides leadership for the organisation and is supported by the Senior Management Team, Jo Robinson: Development Manager, Sharyn Castelow: Day Service Manager, Louise Humble: Finance Officer and Clare Woodley: Administrator and Fundraiser. Gateway into the Community is not an overtly top-heavy organisation, with the Senior team involved in many aspects of the organisation. There are strong links and working relationships with our Community Support Staff who directly provide support to our members. This close working ensures that we are able to lead by example, provide daily support and model good practice which we feel is the most effective way to ensure the vision of the organisation is at the heart of everything we do. This is also embedded due to the fact that we are all based in the same building. The Chief Executive and the Senior Team have regular contact with members and staff and are able to support both staff and members through challenges and adapt to the changing needs of our members. We are greatly committed to staff development provide a wide range of online training opportunities for staff to ensure not only their development, but also the safety and development of our members.

Volunteers

We would like to thank all our valued volunteers who provide support within our groups and activities throughout the year. Their support makes a big difference to the lives of our members and greatly enhances our projects and activities.

Future Development:

Now that we have secured the Den, this has opened up further opportunities for us. Any investment in the Den going forward will be secure and will benefit future generations. Our next goal is to complete our accreditation with Investors in the Environment. We are working through the accreditation and are currently exploring opportunities around Solar energy. Owning a building within the community we want to ensure that we are able to utilise greener technology and activities that will benefit the whole community and the planet. We also want to replace all our single glazed windows with double glazing. Again, this will help us to keep bills down and also become more energy efficient.

We are also continuously looking at day to activities and how we can improve what we do in the office and delivery of services to become greener.

The future is very exciting.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The charity remains grateful for the help and support given by government agencies, charitable trusts and other sources of fundraising and donations.

This review covers the 12 month period to 31[st] March 2024 (2023: 11 month period ended 30[th] April 2023).

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The charity generates a significant proportion of its income from Individual Support and Day Service fees. Total income, including these fees, grants, fundraising and donations, in the year ended 31 March 2024 was £786,002 (2023: £624,811). The increase in income of 25.8% was as a result largely of increased levels of activity with higher individual support and day service income. Individual Support and Day Service fees rose significantly to £635,297 (2023: £525,679).

Grant income also increased in the year to £126,517. This included a capital grant of £40,000 received from the Garfield Weston Foundation towards the purchase of the charity’s freehold property, and £26,435 from Access Reach Fund to cover legal, financing and consultancy fees relating to the property purchase.

Total costs were £676,407 (2023: £614,684), and as a result the charity once again generated a surplus for the year of £109,595 (2023: £10,127 surplus). Payroll costs, which represent the significant part of the charity’s costs, increased over the year to £523,493 (2023: £467,174) equalling 77% of total expenditure (2023: 76%).

Total funds at 31 March 2024 were £500,863, of which £367,777 was held in bank and cash balances. Of the total funds at 31 March 2024, £394,652 related to unrestricted funds (2023: £335,012). The Trustees decided to transfer on a monthly basis, from May 2018 up to March 2023, 5% of Individual Support and Day Service income from the unrestricted general fund to a designated maintenance fund to support ongoing maintenance of the charity’s leasehold premises. At 31 March 2024, this designated fund stood at £50,014.

At the end of the period, the charity completed the purchase for £550,000 of the freehold property at St Mary’s House, Hexham, the property from which the charity operates. The acquisition was funded by a social enterprise loan of £440,000 from Northstar Ventures, with the balance funded by the Garfield Weston grant referred to above, and by the charity’s own reserves.

The charity also recognises the valuable contribution made by individuals and supporters under our regular giving schemes.

Grant Making Policy

The Charity does not make grants.

Investment Policy

The charity holds no investments, other than reserve funds held in interest bearing bank deposit accounts, and as such has no formal investment policy.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees aim to have a reserve of sufficient unrestricted funds to cover three months’ operating costs, plus exit charges. This figure has been identified following consideration of the main financial risks to the charity. At 31 March 2024 free unrestricted reserves held amounted to approximately 6 months’ operating costs, and therefore this policy was met.

The strategy is to continue to maintain reserves through economies of scale wherever possible, suitable cost control, and seeking additional funding to meet essential expenses

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GATEWA Y INTO THE COMMUNITY which underpin the provision of service to members. The Trustees regularly review the level of unrestricted reserves at Management Committee meetings with the aim of ensuring that 8 temporary shortfall in grant funding does not have an immediate impact on seNices for members. Funding is sought against individual projects to enable the charity to fulfil its aims and objectives wilhout a disproportionately high drawdown of unrestricted reseNes', the Trustees authorise a new project only when sufficient funds have been obtained. statement of Trustees, Responsibilities Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statemenls for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charity as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year; in preparing those financial statements, the Trustees should follow best practice and= select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is not appropriate lo assume that the Gharity will continue on that basis. The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 . The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection or fraud and other irregularities. Responsibilities of the Trustees Trustees who served during the year and up to the date ofthis report are set out under Legal and Administrative Information. In accordance with charily law, as the charity's Trustees, we certify that.. so far as we are aware, there is no relevant information of which the charitys examiner is unaware., and as Trustees we have taken all the steps that we ought lo have taken in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant accounts information and to establish that the charity's examiner is aware of that information. This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice- Accounting and Reporting by Charities (issued in January 2019). Approved by thg Trustee on 51h June 2024 and signed on their behalf by.. Rosemary Theobalds, Chair

GAIEWAY I￿[0 THE COMMUNtrY INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT ON THE UNAUDrrED FIIIANCIAL STATEMENTS TO THE TRUSTEES OF GATEWAY Iiiro THE COMMUNrrY (the'charlty,). I report to Ihe Charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above Charity for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 10 to 19. Respective and basis of report The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (￿ '2011 Acf ). Having satisfied myseff that the accounts of the tharity are not required to be audibj under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination. I report in respect of my examination of your chariws accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charty Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 A Indopendent examlnerfs statement Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250.000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in Section 145 of the 2011 ACL I confim that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Inslitute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examinakn which gives me cause to believe that in. any material respect: . the accounting records were not kept in accordan￿ with section 130 of the Charthes Act; or . the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or . the accounts did not comply with the applicable reqUIre￿￿nts cOn￿ming the fomi and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts gNe a kn and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no cOn￿mS and have come across no matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this rewrt in order to a￿lIe a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. Richard Alsept Chartered Accountant 16 Burlington Te￿ace Cardiff CF5 1GG 5th June 2024

GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2024

Note
INCOME
Donations, Activities and
Gifts
3
Grants received
3
Charitable activities
3
Investment income:
Interest received
Total Income
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
4
Total Expenditure
Net Income/(expenditure)
Transfer between funds
Net Movement in Funds
Funds Reconciliation:
Fund balances brought
forward
Fund balances carried
forward
Unrestricted
Funds

£
14,158
500
635,297
6,745
656,700
597,060
597,060
59,640
-
59,640
335,012
394,652
Restricted
Funds
£

3,285

126,017

-

-
129,302

79,347
79,347
49,955
-

49,955
56,256
**106,211 **
Total
y/e 31
March
2024
£

17,443
126,517
635,297

6,745
786,002
676,407
676,407
109,595
-
109,595
391,268
500,863
Total
p/e 31
March
2023
£
14,171
83,086
525,679
1,875
624,811
614,684
614,684
10,127
-
10,127
381,141
391,268

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year / period. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.

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GA'I'EWAY INTO T14E COMMUNITY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 March 2024 March 2024 April 2023 Notes FIXED ASSETS 550.000 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 38,020 367,777 405,797 50,051 347,157 397,208 CURRENT LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within one year {45,1521 {5,940) Nel Current Assets 360,645 391,268 Creditor due after one year {409,782) NET ASSETS 500,863 391,268 Restricted Funds Restricted Funds capital Designated Funds Unrestricted General Funds 66,211 40,000 50,014 344,638 56,256 80,014 254,998 TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 500,863 391,268 These financial slalements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 5 June 2024 and signed on its behalf by.. Rosemary Theobalds, Chair Paul While, Trustee

GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2024

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the period and in the preceding year.

a. Basis of accounting

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the provisions of Financial Reporting Standard 102, Section 1a Small Entities, and the Charity Statement of Recommended Practice, (Charities SORP (FRS 102) 2019), as well as the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

b. Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are incoming resources received or generated for charitable purposes. They are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Unrestricted funds comprise the unrestricted general fund and the designated maintenance fund to support ongoing maintenance of the charity’s leasehold premises.

Restricted funds can only be applied for a particular purpose as defined within their objects.

c. Income

All income is included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor.

Volunteers – the value of any volunteer help received is not included in the accounts, but is described and acknowledged in the Trustees’ report.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2024

d. Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes unrecoverable VAT.

e. Fixed assets

Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. All items with a useful life of more than one year, and a cost of at least £500 are capitalised. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Plant and Equipment - 33% straight line
Vehicles - 33% straight line
Leasehold Improvements - over the term of the lease

f. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

g. Trade debtors

Trade debtors are amounts due from funders for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.

h. Trade creditors

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the company does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2024

2.
Tangible Fixed Assets
Fixtures,
Fittings &
Equipment
£
Cost
As at 1 April 2023
15,686
Additions
-
As at 31 March
2024
15,686
Depreciation
As at 1 April 2023
15,686
Charge for year
-
As at 31 March
2024
15,686
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
-
At 31 March 2023
-
Freehold
Property
£
-
550,000
550,000
-
-
-
550,000
-
Total
£
15,686
550,000
565,686
15,686
-
15,686
550,000
-

In March 2024 the charity completed the purchase of the freehold property at St Mary’s House, St Mary’s Wynd, Hexham, the property from which the charity operates.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2024

3.
Income
Activities,
Gifts and Donations
Activities
Gifts and Donations
Group fees
Charitable activities
Grants received / receivable:
Access Reach Fund
Baily Thomas Charitable Fund
Ballinger Charitable Trust
Barbour Foundation
Community Foundation:
Blackett Family
Kellett Fund
Northumberland Village Homes
Ringtons
Prime and Reed Grass Roots
Thornton Family Fund
Willan Charitable Trust
EC Graham Belford Settlement
Egger UK Ltd
Garfield Weston (capital)
Hadrian Trust
Northumberland CC (MLIS)
James Knott Trust
Joicey Trust
Lloyds Bank Foundation
National Lottery Community Fund
NFU Mutual
Percy Bilton Charity
Screwfix Foundation
Other small grants received
Fees and other income:
Individual support
Day Service
Other income
Interest receivable
Bank interest receivable
Total
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total y/e
31 March
2024
Total p/e
31 March
2023
£
£
£
£
1,253
-
1,253
994
8,469
3,214
11,683
8,963
4,436
71
4,507
4,214
14,158
3,285
17,443
14,171
-
26,435
26,435
-
-
15,000
15,000
-
-
1,000
1,000
-
-
5,000
5,000
-
-
-
-
2,792
-
-
-
7,258
-
-
-
4,946
-
5,000
5,000
-
-
6,000
6,000
-
-
-
-
2,500
-
-
-
6,526
-
-
-
5,000
-
-
-
5,654
-
40,000
40,000
-
-
-
-
1,500
-
-
-
2,658
-
10,000
10,000
-
-
-
-
3,000
-
-
-
27,250
-
17,582
17,582
-
-
-
-
3,189
-
-
-
2,849
-
-
4,964
500
-
500
3,000
517,605
-
517,605
429,184
117,692
-
117,692
95,337
-
-
-
1,158
635,797
126,017
761,814
608,765
6,745
-
6,745
1,875
656,700
129,302
786,002
624,811
15

GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2024

4.
Expenditure
Charitable Activities:
Projects:
Activities and Events
Other project costs
Staff Costs:
Salaries and sessional costs
Employers NIC
Employers Pension costs
Other Staff Costs:
Health and Safety
Staff Clearance
Training and recruitment
Travel and expenses
Property Costs:
Insurance
Rent
Room Hire
Maintenance and repairs
Property improvements
Fixtures and fittings
Utilities
Volunteer Costs
Office Costs
Bank Charges
Licences and subscriptions
Depreciation
Governance
Professional and other fees
Examination fees
Total
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total y/e
31 March
2024
Total p/e
31 March
2023
£
£
£
£
2,355
585
2,940
8,789
7,207
2,094
9,301
23,180
440,317
45,364
485,681
429,174
22,724
1,296
24,020
26,377
13,230
562
13,792
11,623
3,676
149
3,825
2,833
419
-
419
382
1,169
-
1,169
2,961
24,862
319
25,181
22,646
3,702
725
4,427
3,681
37,360
4,640
42,000
34,099
925
-
925
6,821
14,854
473
6,947
11,110
2,908
1,928
4,836
10,931
375
178
553
358
10,313
2,697
13,010
6,394
61
-
61
177
5,097
623
5,720
7,125
154
-
154
361
892
-
892
817
-
-
-
-
592,330
61,633
653,963
609,839
4,374
17,595
21,969
4,370
356
119
475
475
4,730
17,714
22,444
4,845
597,060
79,347
676,407
614,684

16

GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2024

5. Debtors

Trade Debtors
Prepayments
Total
31
March
2024
£
31,020

7,000
38,020
31
March
2023
£
43,051
7,000
50,051

6. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

PAYE and NIC
Creditors & accruals
Loan (see note 7)
Total
31
March
2024
£
6,001
8,933
30,218
45,152
31
March
2023
£
4,639
1,301
-
5,940

7. Creditors: amounts falling due after one year

Loan (note below)
Total
31
March
2024
£
409,782
409,782
31
March
2023
£
-
-

The loan of £440,000 drawn in March 2024 relates to the purchase of the charity’s freehold property. It is from Northstar Ventures (part of the North East Social Investment Fund). The loan is repayable, in monthly instalments, by December 2034. The interest rate on the loan is 6%. The loan is secured by a charge over the freehold property at St Mary’s House.

17

GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2024

8. Staff costs and numbers

During the financial period the charity had an average of 37 (2022: 31) employees and their remuneration was made up as follows:

Salary and wages
National insurance costs
Employer pension costs
Total
2024
£
485,681
24,020
13,792
523,493

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000.

9. Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Creditors
Total
Unrestricted
Funds

£
510,000
282,192
(447,554)
344,638
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds

£
£

-
40,000

50,014
73,591

-
(7,380)
50,014
106,211
Total

£

550,000

405,797
(454,934)
500,863

10. Remuneration of management committee

Trustees received no remuneration, other than the reimbursement of expenses properly incurred in relation to attendance at meetings and charity activities.

18

GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2024

11. Fund balances

Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
Restricted Fund - capital
Designated Funds
Balance
1 April
2023
Incoming
Resources
Resources
Expended
Trfs
Balance
31 March
2024
£
£
£
£
£
254,998
656,700
597,060
30,000
344,638
56,256
89,302
79,347
-
66,211
-
40,000
-
40,000
80,014
-
- (30,000)
50,014
391,268
786,002
676,407
-
500,863

The designated fund represents a maintenance fund to be used to support ongoing maintenance of the charity’s leasehold premises.

The restricted capital fund relates to a grant of £40,000 received in the year from the Garfield Weston Foundation. The grant was to be used for the purpose of funding the purchase of the charity’s freehold premises.

12. Transactions with trustees and other related parties

No payments were made to Trustees or other related parties for services as a Trustee.

19

Everyone Deserves to Reach Their Full Potential Gateway into the Community Annual Report 2023 – 2024

Gateway into the Community

3 St Marys Wynd Hexham Northumberland NE46 1LW TEL: 01434 607653 E-mail: info@gatewayintothecommunity.co.uk Registered Charity 1198034

Chairs Report

It is something of a cliché to describe an organisation as going from strength to strength, but it is 100% true of Gateway into the Community during the past year.

Gateway is so alive and full of activity that in staff reports to Trustees, we often read words such as, ‘where has the time gone?’ as one Spring turns to Summer, and Summer to Autumn and Autumn to Winter.

During the past year, we have had the Coronation of Charles 3[rd] in the national calendar, and the 25[th] Anniversary of Gateway into the Community as well. Most significantly, we have moved from being tenants of the Den to developing the last remaining part of the building (known as the Hub), to becoming the owners of the whole property when the previous owners decided to sell in August 2023. This was an amazing opportunity for us and demanded much number-crunching and nail biting over several weeks. We knew that the purchase was the way to go, there being no other building in Hexham to match so perfectly our needs. Its central, accessible location, its many rooms, large and small, more opportunities to increase our public face, not to mention much more scope for the creative talents of our staff and members with so much window space to

We were very grateful for the expertise of Paul White, our fairly new Honorary Treasurer working with Louise Humble our Finance Officer and CEO, Julia Ferguson to make the purchase happen. We have a ten year loan to secure our future well beyond that date.

Already the Hub has been used for parties, coffee mornings, a Hen party and Wedding Reception for two members.

Julia’s report gives detail of the many groups and individually supported activities of members, and as usual, we have many wonderful photos recording those events, such as our first Bikeathon, the Cabin at Gateway into Nature where amazing items are crafted for sale at Christmas.

The Senior Staff Team, Julia, Joanne and Sharyn work so well together and are supported by our Sessional Staff – too numerous to mention by name. Staff feedback data has been collected, (something new) and was very positive.

Please read the rest of this Report. I speak for all the Trustees when I say how proud we are to be part of Gateway into the Community where our members are increasingly seen as valued participants in the life of this local community.

Rosemary Theobalds

Chair

Chief Executive

What an incredible year it has been. Our Den is the building where we have been based since 2017 and has been instrumental in providing our members with a warm welcoming space where they feel a real sense of belonging. The Den has proven to be an invaluable place where we now run the majority of our services, projects, groups and activities.

In August 2023 the opportunity arose for us to purchase the whole building. This was an incredible opportunity as we knew this would provide long term sustainability. We researched many possibilities to raise the necessary funds. This led us to NorthStar Ventures, a local Social Investor who we felt shared our vision and ethos. Secured a support grant from REACH via NorthStar Ventures which provided consultancy support to help get us Investment Ready. After months of developing a business plan that set out our aims and means to purchase, I am thrilled to say that we were successful with our offer and completed the purchase on 31[st] March 2024.

We feel very privileged to be in this position as owners of such an asset and to be able to provide our members with real sustainability and security for the future. Our Den is located in central Hexham and is accessible for all our members being close to bus links and easily accessible by walking. It is also in the Hub of the town which means our members feel a real part of their community. We have many local businesses as neighbours and have made some valuable links which has led to many volunteering opportunities for our members. We feel that securing the Den, our home, has meant that we are visible within the community and our members and their family’s have security for their future.

As well as securing the Den, throughout the year we have taken part in and completed many projects and activities that again show the individualised services and activities that we provide. Our activities have included, weekly social groups, youth groups, health and well being groups, sports, football, performing arts and coffee mornings. As well as our regular groups and activities we have enjoyed many more events throughout the year. We took part in a Triathlon, organised through Reason to Disablity, Cathy Mousette organised a bikeathon to raise funds for Gateway, we celebrated the Kings Coronation, took part in and hosted the Easter Bonnet competition organised by Tynedale Lions and members of Nialls family completed the Great North Run.

Partnerships

Many of these opportunities would not have been available had it not been for the strong partnerships we have with so many local and wider based partnerships. Newcastle United Foundation has been a close partner now for 15 years, Wentworth Leisure Centre since we started in 1998 . Queen Elizabeth High School , Suzi Southern, Graeme Armstrong and their Sports Leaders who support our sports groups. Barnability and Dr Spencer Boyle who we work with to deliver accessible health and well-being sessions in boot camp fitness and Pilates. We took part in a Triathlon at the David Lloyd Centre and took a minibus for our members who took part. This was an amazing experience, one which our members would love to take part in again. We support many young people at Priory Special School who are just entering into transition and adult services. This is a crucial time for many young people, and we feel that we are able to offer support that will help them to develop confidence for the future. We also run youth groups for

some younger pupils as we feel this will help them with progression in a few years time. Hexham, Forum Cinema have been amazing in opening the cinema exclusively at specific times for our members. This has been brilliant especially for those who struggle with larger groups and noise.

We share this activity with the Tynedale Centre and its lovely to for us all to meet up. I am thrilled that there are so many opportunities in Hexham and surrounding areas for people with learning disabilities not only provided by Gateway but also other fabulous charities and activities all of whom play their part in providing services, actives and opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

Our youth groups and social groups are the places where our members really develop their social interaction skills with their peers. This is real life learning in social situations that cannot be learnt elsewhere. The Den has created a space that is a real home for our members. It really is their space and they feel a real sense of ownership. This has helped our members to feel a real sense of self-worth.

Volunteers

Our volunteers all play a big part in our delivery and without whom, Gateway wouldn’t be what it is today. I would like to say a huge thank you for their commitment throughout the year, they really do make such a difference and each and every one brings something different. We welcome new volunteers and also cherish the volunteers we have had for years. Again, thank you to all our volunteers, you don’t realise what a difference you make and we are so grateful you are all part of the Gateway family.

Staff

We are delighted to have such a diverse fantastic range of staff men and women of such varying ages. Every single member of staff brings something unique with a variety of skills, expertise and interests. This is essentially how we are able to provide such a broad variety of exciting activities and opportunities for our members. Again, we say thank you to each and every member of staff for everything you do to ensure that the ethos of the organisation lives on through our work.

Funding and Support

Our grant with Lloyds Foundation has now come to an end and I have to say it has been an incredible journey with them. I do honestly feel that without the funding and additional support we received we might not be here today. Lloyds Foundation have proven to be a funder that wholly believes in strengthening local communities through supporting the infrastructure and development of charities who work in the heart of our communities. Although a nationwide funder, our support felt very local. Receiving support from a regional funding officer meant that the Foundation really got to know who we are and was able to tailor their support to meet our needs.

We are also thrilled with the support that we received from NorthStar Ventures who provided us with a Social Investment loan to purchase the Den. Not only did they provide the loan but also supported our application for Reach Funding to help us get investment ready. The Reach support funded our work with a consultant to get our business plan ready for the purchase. Along with the investment loan from NorthStar Ventures we were also able to apply for funding to help with our Social Enterprise project. We are thrilled that we were able to secure £37,500 with County Durham Community Foundation who are working in partnership with NorthStar Ventures. This was towards the refurbishment and development of our Hub to enable us to utilise this space for displaying our wooden crafts and also the kitchen area to enable our members to develop skills around independence, cooking and health and well being using produce from our garden.

We would also like to express our thanks for the continued support from both local, regional and nationwide businesses and funders.

Tynedale Lions – Held an Easter Bonnet competition for Gateway and Priory school. The entrants produced some beautiful bonnets, it was a special day where everyone came together.

Tesco – We value the support we receive from Tesco who have donated items towards our events and parties.

Vercellis – Provide work experience for Ryan Williams and donate £1 for every Ryan Brownie that has been sold.

Andrew Skelton – Who sponsors the Triathlon has donated tickets for us to take members to watch the Newcastle Eagles play basketball at the Eagles arena.

Multichem Ltd – Who made a generous donation towards the work of Gateway.

We are so grateful for all the support we have received over the year and this year we raised:

Thank you to all our Gateway friends, families and supporters.

Activities Throughout the Year

our biggest ever achievements, which is something when there have been so many over the years. However, it has not been our only achievement this year. We have successfully secured funding and met our funding obligations to deliver a wide range of activities and projects throughout the year. This is as well as the delivery of our weekly grant funded projects. Over the year we have held discos, coffee mornings, enjoyed celebrations, taken part in local projects such as Animation Hexham, The Foscars at the Hexham Forum and weekly football sessions at Wentworth Leisure Centre.

We have also enjoyed trips to Beamish, the Beach, Derwent Reservoir, National Trust houses such as Wallington, Cragside, Derwent Reservoir, Talkin Tarn and many more local walks and Nature Spots.

Facilities

As well as trips out, we also have the Den where many activities take place. Our Den is situated over 3 floors and currently provides:

Within our sitting rooms, social rooms and the Hub we have 6 Interactive Smart Boards, laptops for IT skills development, games, arts and crafts materials, pool table, play stations and kitchens where our members are able to develop a wide range of skills supporting them into the future by building confidence, self esteem and independence.

Gateway into Nature

Our Gateway into Nature Project is based at a farm located just 2 miles out of Hexham. This is a valuable project that enables our members to take part in activities in nature and benefit being in the outdoors. Our garden measures ½ acre and consists of:

Our services projects, groups and activities

Throughout the year we delivered an Individual Support Service, a Day Service and many weekly social groups and specialist interest groups for our members. Over 100 people attend our services, projects, groups and activities. A large proportion of our members (around 63%) attend only our weekly grant funded groups and activities. This highlight’s their importance and our urgency to continue to secure funding to deliver these. For some of our members our groups are the only social activity they might take part in all week.

Individual Day Groups and activities
Support Service
Service
Monday 8:00 – 6:00 9:30 – 3:30 • Monday morning coffee morning
• Sports Group
• The Twilight Group
• Riddlers Youth Group
• Performing Arts
Tuesday 8:00 – 6:00 9:30 – 3:30 • Lads Group
Wednesday 8:00 – 6:00 9:30 – 3:30 • Social afternoon Priory school
• Wed Social Group
Thursday 8:00 – 6:00 9:30 – 3:30 • Football with NUFC Foundation
• Sparkles Youth Group
• Golden Girls Women’s Group
Friday 8:00 – 6:30 9:30 – 3:30 • Gardening Group
• Funky Friday Social Group
• Movie Night once a month
• Disco nights every 2 months
Saturday - - • Participation football league: Gateway
Gladiators

Julia Ferguson

Chief Executive

Individual Support Report

We have had another fantastic year here at Gateway, our members have achieved so much. Our Gateway Garden has continued to thrive, our hens are still happy in the old stable and roam freely around the farm. We have decided to utilise the space where they used to be housed and are in the process of dismantling the enclosure to create a designated safe space to position a stove. We will also place the modular seating that we purchased last year, in this area. This will provide a safe area for people to sit and enjoy toasted marshmallows.

We are also delighted with how well our woodwork projects are coming along. We are continuing to collect pallets from local businesses such as Fourstones Paper Mill and Rickerby. Our members have been making some fabulous items such as wooden hearts, clocks and planters. The Christmas Fair was very successful, and our members worked very hard making wooden trees, hearts and cheese boards. We feel incredibly lucky to have such an amazing space to be able to develop and learn new skills.

Last summer we were able to use some funding that we had allocated for our garden project and Northumberland Joinery built us another cabin specifically for woodwork projects.

In June,

seven of

our members took part in the Reason To – Disability Triathlon, it was hosted at the David Lloyd Centre in Newcastle It was a glorious day,

Competitors completed a swim in the pool, then they chose either the exercise bikes or a pedal bike before running around the park. Each year different charities are chosen to be one of the beneficiaries for money raised at the event. Our members also received sponsor money, and this has been put towards wellbeing sessions that we hold on two Wednesdays each month. We invite Joanna Shallcross, one of the organisers from the Triathlon to deliver a boot camp session and Spencer Boyle holds a body mobility session. We are super excited this year as the event is going to be held in Hexham at the Wentworth Leisure Centre. This is brilliant as it means we can enter a larger team and all members will be given the chance to participate if they wish.

Through our contact with Jo Shallcross from the Disability Triathlon we have been introduced to one of their main sponsors, Andrew Skelton, from SOS group. He is passionate about inclusion and very kindly offered us some tickets to go and see Newcastle Eagles women’s basketball team at the arena. This was such an amazing opportunity for some of our members who love sport but may not have had the chance to go to such an event. Andrew came to visit us at Gateway, and he got a real insight into the work we do, and he was delighted to meet lots of our members.

Quite a few of our members volunteer at various shops/business and these opportunities are vital to ensure our members gain confidence and self-worth within their local community. We have volunteers working in the local Co-op in the West End of Hexham and various charity shops and it is wonderful to see our members develop working relationships with all the staff. They play a big role in helping our members unlock their potential. Thanks to Jade, a member of staff from the Co-op, Tom scans items on the till for customers and Dan checks the dates on perishable items with Finn and then puts reduced price stickers on anything that has reached its use by date. Niall helps complete an inventory of the items donated to the charity shop. We are so lucky that the kindness of staff from these businesses has enabled our members to thrive and feel valued members of their community.

We were approached by Cycling Minds last year and they asked if we had any budding cyclists who might be interested in joining them for sessions using their e-bikes. We jumped at the chance, Pete and I thought Tom and Richard would like this opportunity as both are confident cyclists. They buddy up on a Tuesday along with Doris and Pete, from Gateway, and cycling mind volunteers. This takes place up till the Autumn and then it will restart again in the spring.

It has been such a busy year, so many trips out and exciting places to visit, we feel incredibly proud of the opportunities that we are abe to offer our members. Gateway is a happy place full of smiles and laughter, please enjoy the pictures below that really show everything that Gateway into the Community represents.

Joanne Armstrong

Development Management

Day Service Annual Report

What a busy year. It’s all been going on up in Day Service. We have had some amazing experiences, and everyone continues to be happy and thrive. Lots of people achieving amazing things both big and smaller daily achievements. We have 2 new Day Service members who are enjoying their days here, we have several members who have increased their days also. We continue to receive enquiries from parent’s carers and social workers for new members to attend. It’s great to know our services are favoured and well sort after.

Lots of our members are continuing to access their work experience placements and doing well in their chosen fields. With over 10 weekly placements taking place, its great walking around the town and seeing our members out there making such a positive, constructive contribution to the local community.

Everyone’s been busy in the kitchen cooking and improving their kitchen experiences lots of good wholesome meals using veg from the garden, amazing one pot dishes and of course our amazing cakes and bakes.

The crafty art group have again excelled themselves with brilliant artwork, amazing displays and of course our amazing windows, The Kings Coronation and the Christmas Elf extravaganza are two of my particular favourites. I will have a few sleepless nights trying to top those.

A great deal of our time this year has been spent hosting events and parties. We had our 25[th] birthday party which was fantastic it was lovely to reminisce with old friends and celebrate the huge success that is Gateway. The King’s coronation was another highlight of the year and was celebrated in great style with our party hats, streamers and wonderful cakes, we were supported by family, friends and The Mayor, who is becoming a regular presence at our parties.

We’ve had a hen party, numerous birthday parties and even a Double baby shower, it’s been great to have all the extra space for our members to enjoy.

Day Service members have hosted 2 fundraisers, one was our annual MacMillian Cancer Support coffee morning, and the other was to celebrate Down Syndrome awareness week proceeds with all going directly to Down syndrome North East, who have supported many of our members in the past. Our members raised just short of £600 for the 2 charity’s. Both events were supported by the local community. As well as parents and carers.

Stephen and Ryan have been fundraising for Gateway. Ryan raised over £1000 with his famous Vercelli Brownies and Stehen raised over £300 with his daredevil zipwire over the Tyne. Well done and thank you lads!

2 evenings a week the Day Service room and top floor are occupied by after school groups attended by Priory School students. They are such vibrant happy sessions and there’s never a dull moment. We have had an overwhelming demand for places with parents contacting us for places. Both groups are at capacity and working well.

The Riddler’s and Sparkles groups enjoying themselves.

Here’s some more photos of our lovely experiences in Day Service.

Sharyn Castelow

Day Service Manager

Our Funders

Access Reach Fund Baily Thomas Charitable Fund Barbour Foundation David Solomon Charitable Trust Garfield Weston Haltwhistle Lodge No. 5090 Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales National Lottery Awards for All Sir James Knott The Ballinger Charitable Trust Tesco

And through the following funds at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland:

Blackett Family Community Fund Northumberland Village Homes Trust Prime Fund Ringtons Fund Prime Fund The 1989 Willian Charitable Trust Thornton Family Grassroots Fund

Thank you to everyone who gave personal donations of money, time and goods and to those who took part in sponsored events to raise money for Gateway. We would like to thank the Gateway Members who took part in the Reason To – Disability Triathlon, Stephen and Sarah who zip wired over the Tyne, Team Robinson who ran The Great North Run and Cathy Mousette who did a 12 hour bikeathon, supported by members, staff and friends, in The Hub.

We really appreciate all your help and support.