A HEXHAM charity is preparing to celebrate 20 years of providing support to the residents of Tynedale.

Gateway into the Community turns 20 next month, and will celebrate with two parties on Friday, May 4.

The charity, set up by Fiona MacDonald to support people with special needs to have better lives, moved into new premises on St Mary’s Chare this year, and is flourishing as it expands.

Development manager Joanne Robinson said: “We’re going to have a tea party here at the office for those who aren’t so keen on loud noise, and then a disco at the Torch Centre in the evening.

“Fiona started the organisation herself 20 years ago. We’ve built up slowly; originally we were just going to be a befriending group for 10 people, and now we’ve grown to this.

“We offer support to people from 14 to infinity basically; we’ve got over 200 members. Some attend lots of groups, some just one or two.”

The move to new premises has seen the charity expand rapidly, but the group has been careful not to bite off any more than it can chew, and wants to ensure that the expansion does not affect services.

Joanne continued: “When we moved in we took on a lot more members –we’re suddenly a lot bigger. Parents want that bespoke service.

“We don’t want to get too big too quickly. We want people who are here now to keep doing the things they’re doing.

“We can be the little push people need to go out into the community.”

Co-ordinator and founder Fiona MacDonald added: “We’re here helping everyone reach their potential.

“It’s somewhere to come if you’re having a difficult time. That’s what we believe in.”

Services provided by the charity include individual support, a day service, social and leisure activities and learning opportunities.