A Hexham charity has secured over half a million in investment to purchase a building at the heart of a community.

Northstar Ventures has invested £440,000 into Gateway Into The Community (GITC), via the North East Social Investment Fund (NESIF). 

Additional grants of £37,500 from the County Durham Community Foundation, and £40,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation, have also been awarded.

The funds grant the ability to purchase The Den, a crucial building in Hexham town centre due for transformation to serve individuals with learning difficulties in the West Northumberland area.

Since 1998, GITC has been a pillar of community support for people with learning disabilities.

With an extensive collection of services from personalised care to youth groups, the charity assists over 150 people weekly, focusing on health, well-being, and greater independence.

The Den, once an unused space has been transformed by GITC to serve as a vibrant hub. 

The central location of it offers opportunities for social development and benefiting both the local and wider community.

Chief executive of Gateway Into The Community, Julia Ferguson, said: "We are thrilled to secure a loan with Northstar Ventures and grants from County Durham Community Foundation & Garfield Weston Foundation to purchase The Den in Hexham, a building we have helped empower so many people in.

"Through Northstar Ventures we were able to get support from the REACH programme which put us on a pathway to become investment ready. This has been an incredible achievement for us.

"Our members and their families are thrilled as this will provide sustainability and a real future for not only our existing members but members in the future."

Naomi Allen-Seales, investment manager at Northstar Ventures, said: "When we first encountered Gateway Into The Community, we could immediately see the impact they had on their community.

"We are proud to support them and to see the hard work of such a dedicated team pay off."

Echoing these sentiments, Michelle Cooper, chief executive of grant-making organisation County Durham Community Foundation, referred to GITC as the "beating heart of the communities they serve." and that they're "tackling important issues, supporting local people and enriching lives every day.”