Sector Spotlight: Gateway Hub

Since 2020, The Gateway Hub (GWH) has become an essential pillar of support for the Fishersgate community. We aim to be a place of hope and support for everyone.

Built on a foundation of compassionate and barrier-free assistance, we recognise that a “one-size-fits-all” approach simply doesn’t work. Our mission is to deliver tailored support that addresses not just immediate need, but also the underlying issues of isolation, mental health, and financial hardship.

Our person-centred approach includes a strong focus on overcoming barriers to engagement. We ensure that our support is truly accessible, even to those who feel the most isolated.

Core Services: Addressing Needs with Dignity

At the heart of GWH’s services is our commitment to providing essential resources with dignity. We ensure that practical support is available to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Our core assistance includes access to our Food Bank and community shop, which offers essential groceries, including Halal options. We also run a dedicated Clothing and Uniforms bank to ease the financial pressure on families. Beyond material aid, we provide practical help, such as assistance with welfare forms and applications.

For those needing mental respite, we offer ‘My Space,’ a comfortable, space specifically designed for you to find peace, calm, and a space to rest from the chaos of modern life.

Community Connection and Holistic Support

The Gateway Hub is more than a service provider; we are a vibrant social space dedicated to fostering connection and enhancing well-being through numerous activities.

For Social and Community building, we host Stay and Play Sessions for parents and children, Open Social Sessions, and Crafts. We are also soon adding Family Games and Film Nights.

Our Targeted Support includes running Dedicated Social Spaces and specific Men’s groups that focus on shared projects and social outings to combat isolation. We also manage Allotment sessions that promote community growing and well-being.

Reaching Our Neighbours

Our success lies in our broad and inclusive reach, catering to a diverse range of people struggling with various challenges:

• We support Families and Parents, including isolated parents, families with children on EHCPs, and those struggling with their mental health.
• We are proud to provide a welcoming space and targeted support for specific communities, including the Ukrainian and Muslim communities.
• We assist Vulnerable Individuals such as people struggling with their mental health, those with a history of addiction, and isolated or marginalised members of the community.
• We offer essential services to people facing Financial Hardship, including the unemployed, those experiencing food insecurity, and those struggling financially overall.

What challenges do you face?

Funding is always a challenge and we are so grateful for all funding we receive. We are also very thankful to Shoreham Port and Hyde Housing for their ongoing support.

Our current building is also a challenge, it is an aging property which could do with updating.

Any exciting plans for the future?

We have put in an expression of interest to take over the running of the Eastbrook Manor Community Centre which would provide us with a larger, more modern better equipped space to operate from. We are keeping everything crossed that we are successful.

Where can we find out more?

Website: thegatewayhub.org