As God loves us, we are called to love others.
One of the ways in which we do this, is through our Gatehouse initiative, as we aim to be the first responders to the social, physical and emotional needs in our town. Our aim is to prevent and alleviate isolation and marginalisation in the BCP area and beyond.
What is Gatehouse?
Come and join us at one of our Gatehouse Hubs
In June 2022 we launched our first Gatehouse Hub at our 502 Ashley Road site. This involved us opening up the building every Thursday and Friday, 10am-1pm (term time only) to members of the wider public, offering free hot drinks and cake and various activities. We are now a registered Warm Space offering the same relational connection, support and fun and the work has grown so that we often welcome over 70 visitors on a Thursday morning with slightly fewer on Fridays.
There are groups and activities running such as Golden Generations, arts & crafts, board games, a toddler area, Oasis confidence sessions and a work space. If you'd like to know more about us, or want to get involved and help out in some way, please email Paul (paul.horsley@gatewaychurch.me).
We are now running a second Gatehouse Hub at our Alder Road site every Wednesday morning,10am-12pm (term time only) which offers the same great hospitality. To learn more about what’s happening there or if you would like to be involved, please contact Donna (donna.ashton@gatewaychurch.me)
Please also click below to view our 'Resource page', which is full of key contacts for social issues and scenarios that may arise or to view our weekly schedule.
Our Gatehouse Partner Initatives
GATEHOUSE TOTS
Gatehouse Tots is a group for parents/carers who have children aged 3 and below. We have a safe, fun space for tots to play, giving their adults an opportunity for socialising and seeking advice and support from one another. We want to foster a strong sense of community whilst enjoying coffee and a slice of cake!
Gatehouse Tots runs term time only every Thursday,
9.30-11.00am at our Alder Road site.
Contact Donna for more information.
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TRUTH BE TOLD
Truth Be Told (TBT) is a project that brings joy and life into residential care homes for the benefit of 0-4s, their parents and residents. This set of storytelling sessions for intergenerational groups puts a short tale of hope at the centre of some songs, a treasure trove of props and a multitude of imaginative interactions then a reminder that 'I am loved' or 'I am special' or 'I am safe' relating to the theme of the story. With a cup of tea and treats afterwards, there is time to chat, play, build relationships and community together. TBT has had remarkable success at engaging and benefiting people of all ages. It is launching new local groups and encouraging other churches across the country to do the same. If you are interested in starting or joining a group, please contact Gemma below:
OASIS
Oasis is a group of men and women from Gateway who serve victims of domestic violence and abuse. It is a chilling fact that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence, yet for many, this remains a silent, painful epidemic with little hope of respite. That's why Oasis exists to bring some level of healing and hope to men, women and children who have survived this trauma.
Oasis help empower, equip and show love and kindness to all the survivors that we meet. We hope to befriend as many women, men and children as we can in the refuge so we can help each person feel listened to, loved and capable again. We run pizza, pamper and craft evenings, walk/ jog coffee catch ups, building confidence sessions, day trips and lunches out. We also source things by request and provide clothes, furniture, homeware and toys.
Our mission is to show kindness and mercy to those who haven't known it. There are a number of practical ways that you can serve Oasis. If you are interested in serving this ministry, please contact Hayley at:
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