Family Gateway

At the heart of our work is a model we refer to as the ‘Barefoot Professional’. This means that our team is made up of people who are from the communities we serve and possess a resource of lived experience. Over the years we have found that working this way, essentially growing our own talent, we achieve a closer connection with those we support and crucially, more lasting impact. In this way we ensure that our people remain our most valuable asset. They lead by example, work with integrity and serve as great role models. Our services include family support, youth provision, health and wellbeing coaches, and training and employability programmes. The charity runs from Howdon Community Hub which we are responsible for running, which includes a community cafe, gym, multi use games area and several rooms that we can hire out. We have some key partners based within the hub including Newcastle United Foundation, Fit Mind Boxing Warriors and True Colours. One of our main aims is to reduce anti social behaviour within the area by taking a 'whole family approach' when working with people at risk of offending. We take referrals directly from Northumbria police, as well as local probation services. Our family workers support families when social services is involved with the family, or at risk of being involved with the family. This includes when a parent is involved in the criminal justice system/in prison.