Gateway into the Community expands its Hexham home

Gateway into the Community, which supports people who have learning disabilities to take part in leisure and learning opportunities, moved into its current premises on St Mary's Wynd in 2017.

And as of last month, they have also now taken over the space next door which was formerly home to role play centre My Little Place.

"When it came up in the market again, we thought 'right, we're in a position now that we can really go for this'," said Julia Ferguson, the charity's chief executive.

"Our upstairs rooms are all for individual support and our day service, and this gives us a much more flexible space.

"It looks like a cafe but it's a place where our members can feel safe and confident.

"They can come and practice their skills - for example we're going to set up a tea and coffee station."

Gateway into the Community's new space (Image: Hexham Courant)

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She added: "We'll open the space at certain times for members that we aren't reaching at the moment.

"Especially with the cost-of-living crisis, we'd like to develop it as a warm space so people can come and have a hot drink and some soup."

Various workshops, including wreath-making and table decoration, have also been held in the new space.

The hub also includes a 'cosy corner' with sofas, and Julia hopes members can read a book or play games and relax there.

"We wanted to make a really comfortable place where people feel that they belong," she said.

The expansion will allow the charity, which supports more than 200 members every year, to "meet all the changing needs of members", Julia added.

"We're so excited about it."

Gateway into the Community is famous for its colourful window displays, and the purchase of the new space has allowed members to create even more designs.

Gateway into the Community's Christmas 2022 window (Image: Hexham Courant)

Gateway into the Community relies heavily on grants to be able to provide its dedicated day service, individual support and special interest groups.

The charity received funding from Tynedale Lions for the tables in the new space, and other grants and donations they have received will help them finish furnishing the hub.