Family Gateway

Family Gateway works in the community with children, individuals and families to alleviate poverty, improve choice, enhance life aspirations and boost employability. The organisation operates from a community hub in Howdon, North Tyneside where a range of enrichment activities are provided and advice is offered.

Family Gateway received funding from the Hays Travel Foundation to fund a range of alternative activity sessions for young people within the local community. One of the sessions offered by Family Gateway is the ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ sessions, where participants are able to play the game of the same name. During the sessions, the participants are split into groups of four, and a member is responsible for organising the game, storytelling and refereeing.

Another session ran by Family Gateway is the ‘Ya Dig Meh Fossil Club’ where young people are able to make jewellery using fossils, create their own fossils using engravers and are also given the opportunity to examine stones and fossils up close using microscopes. 

Also, Family Gateway run the ‘Gardenauts’ gardening club which is where participants are able to assemble bird boxes, plant hanging baskets and grow fresh vegetables to enjoy within the hub and at home. 

All the three clubs have developed an excellent reputation in the local area due to the unique nature, as well as the passion, knowledge and the care of the staff that deliver them. The sessions have had a great impact on the children participating, and Family Gateway is planning to develop the sessions for more children to enjoy in the future.