About us
Our Journey and Growth
Bournemouth Gateway Club began its journey in January 2010, initially operating just two hours per fortnight at the Winton Gateway Club. We later relocated to the Embassy Centre, moving from our original venue at Linwood School.
Over the years, we have expanded both our services and the support we provide to our members. In 2012, we became a registered charity and limited company, officially rebranding as Bournemouth Gateway Club. As local BCP day centres began closing, leaving many vulnerable individuals without essential activities, we stepped up by offering a full day of support each week.
In 2014, we were selected as a pilot online Gateway Award Centre for Mencap, which enabled us to expand further, increasing our provision to two days per week.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted by offering support online, over the phone, and through outdoor activities. Recognizing the ongoing challenges of the cost of living crisis, we provided free sessions for a period and introduced Wednesday sessions to reach even more members.
As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, Bournemouth Gateway Club continues to grow. We now offer a three-day-per-week day opportunity, an alternate Saturday evening social club, and regular off-site social events—ensuring our members have meaningful experiences, support, and a sense of community.
Our Leadership
We have been a registered charity since June 2012, charity number 1147598. We are a limited company number 793887 registered in February 2012. We publish our annual trustee report and account each year and these are available via the Chairty Commision website We are run by our board of charity trustees, some of whom have been with us from the beginning! All the trustees support us on a voluntary basis. The provision is overseen by our chair and service manager Anna Reeves.
We are affiliated to but not part of Mencap. This means we can access occasional support and advice, they do our DBS checks, they help us to access grants and projects etc but we do not receive any day to day financial or organisational backing.
We have 5 paid staff (part time) and many volunteers who share their time and talents with us. Thank you to all our staff and volunteers - you are an amazing bunch and we couldn't do any of it without you!
Our Philosophy
Everything we do is about valuing and supporting people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.
Our vision is a world where people with a learning disability are valued equally, listened to and included.
Quality and Safety
Amongst others we have policies in place for adult safeguarding, equality, equal opportunities and diversity, health and safety etc. Copies of these policies are available at Embassy Centre or on request.
We also subscribe to People First Forum's Bill Of Rights Charter
Office/correspondence address: 60 Leybourne Ave, Bournemouth BH10 6HF
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