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2026-03-31-accounts

GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

(A registered Charity)

CHARITY NUMBER 1198034

TRUSTEES REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2026

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: Liz Holmes (Chair)
Rosemary Theobalds
Joyce Winder
Paul White (Treasurer)
Sheelagh Craven (appointed 6thAugust 2025)
Rachel Smith (appointed 15thOctober 2025)
Catherine Mousette (resigned 6thJune 2025)
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 2026

Introduction

The Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.

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 was 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.

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. 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 2026.

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.

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GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

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.

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.

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GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

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 has yet again been an extremely busy and full-packed year. And upon reflection it is hard to believe how we have managed to fit everything in. The Den, our building, purchased in April 2024 continues to provide the foundation upon which we create and develop all our activities, projects, services and activities that we deliver throughout the year. We have continued to invest in our building with more refurbishments in the bathrooms, kitchens and creating our accessible entrance.

We are pleased to report that we achieved the Silver Accreditation with Investors in the Environment which included implementing waste management systems, travel management plans, monitoring energy use and implementing our Environmental Policy all to help us reduce our carbon emissions.

I’m thrilled that we are included in the cohort for the next round of funding with Northumberland Community Energy Ltd for the installation of Solar Panels. I’m pleased to say that we have been successful with planning which means that we are ready to go. We are also thrilled to report that we achieved a 5 star rating with the Food Hygiene Agency which shows that we are complying with legislation around the storage, preparation and cooking of food. This was our very first inspection, so this was quite an achievement.

Individual Support and Day Service

Throughout the year we have increased our services, Individual Support Service and Day Service.

We are now delivering every week:

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GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

Every day is different and no two members receive the same service. Our services are bespoke and designed solely around the individual needs of our members. We involve our members in every step of the planning of their services to enable them to achieve their dreams and goals and really reach their full potential.

Through our contracted services our members have accessed a wide range of activities and opportunities to help develop skills, confidence and independence. These include:

Health and Wellbeing:

Skills Development:

Leisure in the Community:

Grant funded projects, groups and activities

Our grant funded groups projects and activities continue to play a large role in the opportunities we provide for our members.

48% of our members access only our grant funded work. This highlights how valuable these activities are and why it is essential that we continue to raise funding to deliver them. Our weekly grant funded groups and general activities are:

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Morning Coffee
Morning		 Newburn
sports		 NUFC
Football		 Bowling
Afternoon Sports Salvation
Army		 Wellness
Wednesday		 Lunch club
Singing
group		 Bowling
Garden
group

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GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

Evening Social
Group
The
Riddler’s
Performing
Arts group		 Lads group Wednesday
Social group		 Sparkles
Golden
Girls		 Funky
Fridays

Our social and specialist interest groups are where our members build valuable long lasting friendships. These groups belong to our members, they are set up after gaining feedback around what our members need and want, and they play a big part in the delivery of activities each week.

These groups help our members to feel valued and part of their community, they provide a place to go to where they meet their friends, have fun and take part in a wide range of activities.

Social Enterprise:

We have continued to develop our Social Enterprise throughout the year, with a steady supply of recycled pallets from local businesses our members have helped to build our stock of kindling for the Autumn and wooden items ready for sale for the upcoming local markets. Our members are involved in helping design and make all our wooden crafts items which continue to be ever popular with the local and wider community.

Working Together:

We value all our partnerships with local and further afield organisations, groups and people. All of whom help enhance the services, projects, groups and activities we deliver. This has always been a strength of ours since we started in 1998. We have seen the huge benefits of this and continue to value this way of working in West Northumberland. We have worked alongside, Natural Ability, FilmAble, The Hextol Foundation, The Tynedale Centre, Tynedale Horticultural Services and Hexham Priory School. We have worked on joint projects with, Newcastle United Foundation, Hexham Community Partnership, Hexham Forum Cinema, The Queens Hall and Wentworth Leisure Centre, The Salvation Army and Queen Elizabeth High School, Bikeability Annual Triathlon, Tynedale Lions.

We have a successful Well-being project that provides weekly sessions around health and wellbeing, we run yoga, Pilates and boot camps.

We have also supported our members to take part in Reason To Disability Triathlon, this involves working with Triathletes and Wentworth Leisure Centre. This is an amazing opportunity and our members who took part felt a great sense of achievement in completing a triathlon and gaining a medal.

Through these partnerships we have delivered sports groups, taken part in community events, activities and coffee mornings.

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GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

Funding and Support:

We are extremely grateful for all the support we receive from our funders and the local community. Grant funding and donations provide essential funding to enable us to provide opportunities for many of our members who do not receive funding elsewhere and greatly enhances the opportunities we can provide.

Organisational Development:

Our Chief Executive Julia Ferguson provides leadership for the organisation and is supported by the Senior Management Team, Development Manager Jo Robinson and Day Services Manager Sharyn Castelow, Finance Manager Louise Humble and Administrator Clare Woodley. Julia is supported by the Chair and the Board of Trustees.

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 we provide.

Staff:

We have a strong diverse staff team who contribute greatly to the success of providing bespoke person-centred services and activities. We thank each and everyone, all of whom bring a wide range of strengths, skills and experiences. Without our dedicated staff team we would not be able to deliver and provide the wide range of activities we do. We support our staff with training opportunities that support CPD as well as mandatory training to ensure our members and staff are all kept safe. We access our training through Peninsula, CPD Online College and

Future Development:

We have developed our building and facilities over the years, and this has enabled us to grow and provide more bespoke opportunities for people with learning disabilities. Our building has been fundamental in helping us to build a community where our members feel a real sense of belonging helping to promote independence and grow in confidence. The accessible entrance has been created and has improved our front entrance. We are thrilled that everybody who enters the Den, enters now using the same entrance, this was extremely important to us and I’m so pleased that it has now been completed. We have also been successful with our planning application for the installation of Solar Panels and are looking forward to having these installed in the coming year. We also have a planning application submitted for the replacement of our first floor Timber, single glazed windows with UPVC double glazed windows. This supports our mission to become more energy efficient and sustainable in reducing our Carbon Footprint. The future is very exciting for our members.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

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

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GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

This review covers the 12 month period to 31[st] March 2026.

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 2026 was £842,560 (2025: £852,228). The charity received less grant income in this financial year, with two grants received in the year totalling £14,000 (2025: 99,931). However, income from Individual Support and Day Income continued to increase to £760,484 (2025: £710,683).

Grant income in the year comprised £10,000 from James Knott Trust, and £4,000 from Tyneside Lions.

The charity continued to maintain careful control over all expenditure. Total costs in the financial year were £721,984 (2025: £718,751), As a result, the charity once again generated a surplus for the year of £120,576 (2025: £133,477 surplus). Payroll costs, which represent the significant part of the charity’s costs, increased over the year to £607,005 (2025: £548,993) equalling 84% of total expenditure (2025: 76%).

Total funds at 31 March 2026 were £754,916, of which £453,080 was held in bank and cash balances. Of the total funds at 31 March 2026, £607,378, related to unrestricted funds (2025: £531,906).

At the end of the period ended 31 March 2024, 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. During the year, the charity Trustees made a decision to apply some of the Charity’s cash reserves to reduce the loan on the freehold property. In March 2026 a capital repayment of £120,000 was made against this loan. The balance of the loan at 31 March 2026 was £262,523, and at current repayment rates, it is now anticipated that the loan will be fully repaid by September 2031.

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 2026 free unrestricted reserves held amounted to approximately 6 months’ operating costs, and therefore this policy was met.

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GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY 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 which underpin the provision of service to members. The Trustees regularly review the level of unrestricted ￿SeNeS at Management Committee meetings with the aim of ensuring that a temporary shortfall in grant funding does not have an immediate impact on services for members. Funding is sought against individual projects to enable the charty to fulfil its aims and objectives without a disproportionately high drawdown of unrestricted reserves., the Trustees authorise a new project only when sufficient funds have been obtained. Statsment of Trustses, Responsibilitles Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs ofthe 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 consi5tently', make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is not appropriate to assume that the charity 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. Ra8pon8ibilitles of the Tru8t••s Trustees who served during the year and up lo the date of this report are set out under Legal and Administrative Information. In accordance with charty law, as the charty's Trustees, we certify that: so far as we are aware, there is no relevant infomation of which the charity's examiner is unaware; and as Trustees we have taken all the steps that we ought to 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 the Trustees on 15th July 2026 and s￿ned on their behalf by.. Liz Holmes, Chair

GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNT INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT ON THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMEKrs TO THE TRUSTEES OF GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY (the 'Charlty'). I report to Charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above Charity for the year ended 31 March 2026, which are set out on pages 10 to 19. Re8POGtlve and ba•18 of report The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Chartties Act 2011 (the .2011 Acf). Having satisfied myself that the acu)unts of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for iThJependent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charivs accounts as carTied out under Section 145 of the charit￿s Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under se(lion 145(5)(b) of the 2011 ACL Indepndent examln•rf8 8tst•ment 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 confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. which is one of the listed b<xlies. I have completed my examination. I confinn that no matsrial matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. . the accounting records were not kept in accordance with seGtion 130 of the Charities Act; or . the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or . the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the fomi and content of accounts set out in tha Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a Irue arKI fairf view which 18 not a matter considered as part of an indeperKl8nt examination. I have no concems and have c(xne across no matter3 in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. Richard Alsept Chartered Accountsnt 16 Burlington Terrace Cardiff CF5 1GG 15th Juty 2026

GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2026

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

£
32,260
-
760,617
11,190
804,067
643,025
643,025
161,042
-
161,042
531,906
692,948		 Restricted
Funds
£

15,205

14,000

9,288

-
38,493

78,959
78,959
(40,466)

-

(40,466)
102,434
**61,968 **		 Total
y/e 31
March
2026
£

47,465

14,000
769,905

11,190
842,560
721,984
721,984
120,576

-
120,576
634,340
754,916		 Total
y/e 31
March
2025
£
18,049
99,931
729,255
4,993
852,228
718,751
718,751
133,477
-
133,477
500,863
634,340

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

10

GATEWAY INfo THE COMMUNITY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 March 2026 March 2026 March 2025 Not•8 FIXED ASSETS 550,000 550,000 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 24,441 453,080 477,521 18,067 507,963 526,030 CURRENT LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within one year (51,842) (57,435) Net Current Assets 425,679 468,595 Creditor due after one year (220,763) {384,25g NET ASSETS 634 340 Restricted Funds Restricted Funds - capital Designated Funds Unrestricted General Funds 21,968 40,000 85,570 607,378 62,434 40,000 85,570 446,336 TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 11 754,918 634,34Q These financial stalements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 15th July 2026 and signed on sts behalf by.. Liz Holmes, Chair Paul INhite, Treasurer 11

GATEWAY INTO THE COMMUNITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2026

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.

12

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2026

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

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 2026

2. Tangible Fixed Assets

Cost
As at 1 April 2025
Additions
As at 31 March
2026
Depreciation
As at 1 April 2025
Charge for year
As at 31 March
2026
Net book value
At 31 March 2026
At 31 March 2025		 Fixtures,
Fittings &
Equipment
£
15,686
-
15,686
15,686
-
15,686
-
-		 Freehold
Property
£
550,000
-
550,000
-
-
-
550,000
550,000		 Total
£
565,686
-
565,686
15,686
-
15,686
550,000
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.

14

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2026

3.
Income
Activities,
Gifts and Donations
Activities
Gifts and Donations
Group fees
Charitable activities
Grants received / receivable:
Community Foundation:
County Durham
Kellett Fund
Northumberland Village Homes
D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
Hedley Foundation
Hexham Town Council
James Knott Trust
Tyneside Lions
Prime Fund (Sparkles)
Sport England
Fees and other income:
Individual support
Day Service
Other income (incl rent received)
Interest receivable
Bank interest receivable
Total		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total y/e
31 March
2026
Total y/e
31 March
2025
£
£
£
£
1,397
1,378
2,775
1,989
30,863
8,540
39,403
10,972
-
5,287
5,287
5,088
32,260
15,205
47,465
18,049
-
-
-
37,500
-
-
-
26,228
-
-
-
4,992
-
-
-
6,000
-
-
-
960
-
-
-
3,223
-
10,000
10,000
10,000
-
4,000
4,000
-
-
-
-
5,996
-
-
-
5,032
614,978
-
614,978
579,666
145,506
-
145,506
131,017
133
9,288
9,421
18,572
760,617
23,288
783,905
829,186
11,190
-
11,190
4,993
804,067
38,493
842,560
852,228

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2026

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
Interest on Property Loan
Rent
Equipment Hire
Maintenance and repairs
Property improvements
Fixtures and fittings
Sundry
Utilities
Volunteer Costs
Office Costs
Bank Charges
Licences and subscriptions
Bad Debts
Governance
Professional and other fees
Examination fees
Total		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total y/e
31 March
2026
Total y/e
31 March
2025
£
£
£
£
5,778
-
5,778
2,961
2,351
7,869
10,220
13,144
494,071
49,963
544,034
508,942
47,218
-
47,218
25,581
15,511
242
15,753
14,470
4,526
-
4,526
3,856
352
-
352
274
2,518
-
2,518
1,488
22,699
1,313
24,012
26,913
3,801
-
3,801
3,104
9,435
14,921
24,356
26,077
-
-
-
920
-
920
-
7,397
388
7,785
13,810
10,587
-
10,587
51,002
-
-
-
-
-
84
84
(88)
3,660
3,345
7,005
8,291
311
-
311
55
6,538
678
7,216
6,667
312
-
312
209
2,521
156
2,677
1,688
1,606
-
1,606
-
642,112
78,959
721,071
708,444
418
-
418
9,812
495
-
492
495
913
-
913
10,307
643,025
78,959
721,984
718,751

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 March 2026

5. Debtors

Trade Debtors
Prepayments
Total		 31
March
2026
£
24,441

-
24,441
 31
March
2025
£
18,067
-
18,067

6. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

PAYE and NIC
Creditors & accruals
Loan (see note 7)
Total		 31
March
2026
£
9,292
789
41,760
51,841		 31
March
2025
£
5,892
21,325
30,218
57,435

7. Creditors: amounts falling due after one year

Loan (note below)
Total		 31
March
2026
£
220,763

220,763
 31
March
2025
£
384,255
384,255

The loan of £440,000 was drawn in March 2024, and 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 September 2031. 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 2026

8. Staff costs and numbers

During the financial period the charity had an average of 34 (2025: 34) employees and their remuneration was made up as follows:

Salary and wages
National insurance costs
Employer pension costs
Total		 2026
£
543,959
47,293
15,753
607,005

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
369,983
(272,605)
607,378		 Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds

£
£

-
40,000

85,570
21,968

-
-
85,570
61,968		 Total

£

550,000

477,521
(272,605)
724,916

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 2026

11. Fund balances

Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
Restricted Fund - capital
Designated Funds		 Balance
1 April
2025
Incoming
Resources
Resources
Expended
Trfs
Balance
31 March
2026
£
£
£
£
£
446,336
804,067
643,025
-
607,378
62,434
38,493
78,959
-
21,968
40,000
-
-
-
40,000
85,570
-
-
-
85,570
634,340
842,560
721,984
-
754,916

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 2024/25 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

Annual Review 2025 - 2026

Gateway into the Community Everyone Deserves to reach their full potential

Chairs Report

It is a great privilege to write my first report as Chair of Gateway into the Community, and I do so with pride in what Gateway achieves every week, for our members.

During the past year, we have provided support for over 80 members every week. The numbers alone do not give the full picture of the 80 individual programmes provided. Some members come to us five days a week, others join us for one day through Individual Support or our Day Service, and some access just one grant funded group for two hours a week. Every member's needs are different, and Gateway exists to meet people where they are, not to fit them into one model, which is expressed in our slogan: ‘ Everyone deserves to achieve their potential’.

The Gateway Hub is, above all, a place of positivity and that is something you feel the moment you walk through the door. The entrance has recently been enhanced by three colourful sofas, bought thanks to a generous legacy from a much-loved Gateway supporter, Will, who sadly died recently. The multicoloured sofas seem to me to embody the spirit of Gateway perfectly: warm, welcoming and full of energy.

The range of activities on offer every week is genuinely impressive. Our Day Service provides a wide variety of activities, including health programmes and sessions aimed at increasing independence skills. Our social groups and clubs cater for every taste and need: from sport, to our Salvation Army lunch club, a healthy lunch and singing group, men's and women's groups, performing arts, and Friday groups. There really is something for everyone.

One of the highlights of the year was undoubtedly our Foscars awards ceremony in October, a wonderful celebration of our members' achievements. And a reminder, if ever we needed one, of just how much talent, character and sheer fun there is within our Gateway community. Seeing members take to the stage and be recognised for their achievements is always one of the proudest moments of the year. We also held an art exhibition in the Forum Cinema in February, showcasing the creativity of our members, giving them a platform to share their work and be celebrated for it. It was a joy to see such pride on display, both in the artwork itself and in the members who created it.

Our members’ wood craft items were sold at Hexham Christmas Market, on a stall outside the Abbey Cafe, as well as in the Hub. This provided a wonderful chance for the wider community to see first-hand what Gateway is all about and showcase the creativity in the products that members make.

Some of the men enjoyed a weekend away in Donington, a real highlight for those who took part, offering independence, friendship and a lot of fun away from home. Our singing group also performed twice at Dene Grange Residential Home for older people, bringing pleasure to their residents, and showing the confidence and talent our members have to share with the wider community.

I would also like to thank and congratulate Julia, our CEO, for achieving the Going Green Silver Award, a real achievement and a reflection of the wider commitment to sustainability within Gateway. Congratulations and thanks to Sharyn and her team for achieving Level 5 Food Hygiene, the highest rating possible, and a real credit to their hard work and high standards. None of the success and achievements of Gateway would be possible without our staff team and volunteers.

We are extremely fortunate to have a team of 40 committed staff, and 8 volunteers who give their time generously. Our staff team is diverse, bringing a broad range of skills, backgrounds and experience. I would like to thank each member of staff for everything they do to provide a high level of support to our Gateway members. Staff provide support with warmth, patience and commitment, always going the extra mile.

I am also pleased to report that from April 2026 we introduced Contractual Sick Pay for our staff. This was an important step in valuing the people who look after our members, and one I was pleased to support as a board decision this year. In August 2025, at Gateway AGM, Rosemary Theobald resigned as Chair of Trustees, after 27 years in the role. Everyone involved with Gateway is grateful to Rosemary for her years as Chair, and I would like to reiterate my thanks to her. Rosemary has remained as a trustee.

At the 2025 AGM, I was elected as Chair of Trustees. During the 11 months since then, I have been on a steep learning curve, getting to grips with the role and responsibilities. I have valued meeting with Julia on a monthly basis, to increase my knowledge of Gateway, and the running of the organisation, and I hope to provide support for Julia as her line manager. Julia and I plan to work together on the new business plan in the next few months.

I have also attended Tyne and Wear Community Foundation Chairs of Trustees Network, which I have found useful in hearing the experiences of other chairs, and to expand my knowledge of governance, and legal requirements.

Following advice of other chairs of charities, we have started to identify specific roles for trustees. Paul White has responsibility for the finances, Joyce Winder for HR issues, and Shelagh Cobb for fundraising. We also plan to establish a finance subgroup, to consider significant financial issues like remuneration, to formalise the process before it is ratified by the board. I have discussed with Julia holding a facilitated strategy day with trustees and the senior team to develop the role of the trustees, and collaboration between trustees and the senior staff team.

To increase the awareness of the Trustees with staff and members, in the entrance we now have photographs of each trustee, with names and roles, alongside photographs and names of staff members. I have also discussed with Julia, for me to attend the next staff training session to explain the role and responsibilities of the board of trustees in the organisation.

We have had a new trustee, Rachel Smith, join the Board of Trustees. Rachel attended our meeting in January 2026. Rachel works for a charity in Stockton, and brings the experience of her role, which strengthens the composition of the board.

I have attended the singing group in the Hub on Thursday afternoons. I can honestly say that it has been a delight to be part of the group. Every week it is a positive experience, to see the friendships between members and observe what a caring and supportive community it is

.

Singing Group 23 April 2026

Gateway is in the fortunate position of having a solid financial foundation, due to a combination of regular income from the Local Authority, grants, and gifts. Diligent financial management is provided by Louise Humble and our Treasurer Paul White.

Thanks to this we have been able to reduce our loan this year, which ensures our sustainability into the future. Thanks to the successful grant applications made by our administrator, Clare Woodley, the grants are able to fund our social activity groups.

Looking ahead, there are three people leaving Priory School and starting to attend Gateway this summer. The next few months at Gateway are busy: summer activities and visits, the Triathlon in September, Foscars in October, and preparing for Christmas activities. I would like to give my thanks and appreciation to our Senior Leadership Team: CEO Julia Ferguson, Development Manager Jo Armstrong, and Day Services Manager Sharyn Castelow, for their skilful and committed leadership of Gateway. My thanks and gratitude to our members, all staff, volunteers, funders and trustees for making Gateway into the amazing community it is.

Liz Holmes Chair of Trustees 04.07.26

Chief Executive

I can’t believe another year has passed so quickly. As I wrote this Annual review it was a truly humbling experience looking at events, celebrations and activities over the past year. The range of activities and opportunities that our members have taken part in is vast. I would like to thank our wonderful staff who play a huge part in making dreams happen and help our members to take part in activities that are meaningful to them.

We would also like to express our thanks and gratitude to our amazing volunteers who give so much of their time every week. The difference you make to Gateway and our members is immense.

The Den continues to play a major role in our delivery and has become a real home from home for our members. The location in the centre of Hexham has helped our members to develop their independence through accessing the local shops, cafes, leisure facilities, volunteering, work placements and public transport that are all within walking distance.

Our windows continue to provide the local and wider community with a glimpse of what Gateway is all about. Our members and staff enjoy creating new window displays as the seasons change and to celebrate special events. I really feel that Gateway helps to brighten up what would otherwise be a very quiet, dark corner in the town. Since we moved in, we have brought life to this area, we have made friends with the local businesses, the Den is a place we all call home.

As well as offering a presence in the town, the Den has also been installed with CCTV cameras which we feel not only helps to keep our members and staff safe, but also the local community. We have also achieved Silver accreditation with Investors in the Environment, again this was largely due to the fact that we now own the building and are able to implement systems and changes that directly benefit the environment. We have lots planned for the future that will help us continue with our aim to reduce our carbon emissions as much as possible.

Our Gateway into Nature project continues to grow and provides so many opportunities for our members to take part in activities in nature. It enables our members to immerse in nature and reap the benefits that this provides. Supporting mental and physical health and wellbeing.

I would like to say a huge thank you to Rosemary who has been our Chair since Gateway started and provided support and guidance to both Fiona, our previous CEO and to myself. I am thrilled that Rosemary continues to be a valued member of our Board, and equally thrilled that Liz has stepped up to the role of Chair. We have been very lucky to have had such a supportive Board over the years, thank you.

I would like to also say thank you to the fabulous team we have at Gateway, Louise Humble our Finance Manager, Sharyn Castelow: Day Service Manager, Jo Armstrong: Development Manager and Clare Woodley: Administrator.

I would also like to express my thanks to our amazing Community Support Staff, who each and every one contributes to our success bringing their individual skills and experience.

I hope you enjoy our Annual Review, this year I have included many photos, as I feel that photos really do tell our story and show the impact that Gateway makes to the lives of so many people with learning disabilities living in West Northumberland. I have included quotes from our members which again show the true impact Gateway has made to their lives.

Julia Ferguson Chief Executive

What Gateway into the Community means to our members:

It’s family (Rebecca) I love the Den

One of the happiest places I’ve ever been in (Chris)

It’s where I meet my friends

I like being in the Den, playing football. I like going bowling and the singing group (Alex)

Gateway is my family who support me

and I like to do different things (Rachel)

I feel I would be lost without Gateway (Carrie)

It’s like a Gateway family, everyone helps me (Carrie)

It’s a good place to be. People are friendly and it would be strange not to have Gateway (Stephen)

It’s Great (Mitchell)

I love the Discos (Becky) I met my best friend at Gateway (Becky)

I love Gateway, it makes me feel happy. If Gateway wasn’t here, I would feel sad. (Jess)

I love everything (Jasmine)

Without Gateway I would never have played

football at St James Park and score a goal (Chris)

Having Gateway here makes me happy,

It’s a chance to see everyone outside of school. I would just be at home with my chickens otherwise. (Meghan)

Our Services and Facilities

Throughout the year we have increased our services, Individual Support Service and Day Service.

We are now delivering every week:

Every day is different and no two members receive the same service. Our services are bespoke and designed solely around the individual needs of our members. We involve our members in every step of the planning of their services to enable them to achieve their dreams and goals and really reach their full potential.

Through our contracted services, our members have accessed a wide range of activities and opportunities to help develop skills, confidence and independence.

The Den is where we deliver most of our services and activities and continues to be invaluable in enabling us to achieve our aims and objectives. But more than that it has become a real home for all our members, it has provided a safe space where they can come together and thrive.

Our facilities include:

Ground Floor:

Office:

The Hub:

First Floor:

Second Floor:

A central lift provides access to all floors in the building.

Gateway into Nature:

Our Garden:

Our Grant funded projects, groups and activities

Our grant funded groups projects and activities continue to play a large role in the opportunities we provide for our members.

48% of our members access only our grant funded work. This highlights how valuable these activities are and why it is essential that we continue to raise funding to deliver them.

Our weekly groups and activities:

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Morning Coffee
Morning		 Newburn
sports		 RacketBall NUFC
Football		 Bowling
Afternoon Sports Group
QEHS		 Salvation
Army		 Wellness
Wednesday		 Lunch club
Singing
group		 Bowling
Garden
group
Evening Social Group
The Riddler’s
Performing
Arts group		 Lads group Wednesday
Social group		 Sparkles
Golden Girls		 Funky
Fridays

Our social and specialist interest groups are where our members build valuable longlasting friendships. These groups belong to our members, they are set up after gaining feedback around what our members need and want, and they play a big part in the delivery of activities each week.

These groups help our members to feel valued and part of their community, they provide a place to go to where they meet their friends, have fun and take part in a wide range of activities.

Celebrations and Events

Over the year we have taken part in lots of celebrations and events. These have included:

Celebrations and Events 44 1945 l•

Celebrations and Events NHS

Achievements

Going Green Together

We are thrilled to announce that this year we have been awarded the Silver Accreditation with Investors in the Environment. This has involved developing:

We have also been successful with planning approval for the installation of Solar Panels on our roof.

Food Hygiene rating 5

The Installation of CCTV cameras to help keep our members, staff and local community safe. Thank you to Derek Kennedy who provided the funding for this extremely worthwhile project.

Newsletter:

We are also thrilled that Rowan Simpson writes and produces our quarterly Newsletter. This is very successful and highlights events and activities at Gateway. There is always a copy in the reception for everyone to read.

Individual Support

This has been a very busy year for our Individual Support Service with our members accessing lots of different activities, helping members develop new skills as well as maintain existing skills. We have established some exciting partnerships that have opened even more opportunities for our members:

Our members have accessed lots of activities and facilities in their own community which has helped to create a real sense of belonging.

Individual Support has supported our members into many volunteering opportunities within the local community, and we would like to thank:

Members have also accessed weekly activities at our garden and workshop. We have built bird boxes, wooden craft items and kindling. We grow and harvest vegetables to use in our healthy cooking sessions and nurture our free-range rescue hens.

Through Individual Support our members have accessed a wide range of activities and opportunities to help develop skills, confidence and independence. These have included:

Health and Wellbeing:

Skills Development:

Leisure in the Community:

Where friendships are made

Jo Armstrong: Development Manager

Day Service

Our Day Service has grown over the year and provides a bespoke opportunity for members to access a service within a group setting. Over the year our Day Service members have taken part in many activities which have helped develop confidence and health and well-being.

It is invaluable in providing a place where members are part of a group, accessing activities that they have chosen. Activities they have taken part in over the year have included:

Our Day Service members supported by our very talented staff have designed and produced the most magnificent window displays.

Our windows continue to provide the area with fun, colour and excitement, often depicting the changing seasons. They have brought such fun and colour for the local community in what would otherwise be an extremely dark corner of Hexham. We are so proud of our windows.

Sharyn Castelow: Day Service Manager

Funding and Support

We were deeply saddened to hear of the news that one of our biggest supporters had passed away. William Bell who was a big supporter of Gateway and attended our lunch club at the Salvation Army left a donation to Gateway on his passing. We wanted to do something that would remind us every day of his kindness.

In his memory we have bought some beautiful colourful sofas for our entrance office, they have brightened up the space and bring a smile to everyone who enters the Den. I’m sure he would be touched and thrilled.

We were thrilled to have been one of the chosen charities for this year’s Tynedale Beer Festival. Some of our members volunteered on the Thursday evening helping with admissions and serving drinks.

We would like to especially thank all our supporters throughout the year who have donated and organised fundraising events.

Kubrick Investment

Tynedale Lions

Hexham Golf Club

Hexham in Bloom

HGE Ltd

St Marys Guild

Haltwhistle Lodge No 5090

The Grapes Pub

This year we have raised:

Regular Standing Orders: £4,495

Donations: £34,757

Family and friends fundraising: £190 Social Enterprise: £1,380

Easyfundraising: £91.26

Friends and Family Fundraisers and Donations

Harry Ross David McNally Margaret Rogerson Catharine Williams Rosemary Theobalds Sharyn Castelow Mr & Mrs Simpson Fiona McDonald C & W Frazer Margaret Dawes Jonathan Hill E Anderson E Wood

Our Funders

D’Oyly Carte

Hedley Foundation

Point North Community Foundation

Sir James Knott Trust

Sport England’s Movement Fund

and through the following funds at the Community Foundation North East:

Kellett Fund

Prime Fund

Northumberland Village Homes Trust