A COLCHESTER charity has celebrated its own jubilee after 25 years of outstanding service to the community.

Colchester Gateway celebrated its silver jubilee as a charity.

The charity was previously part of Essex County Council before becoming its own entity.

The charity provides a plethora of activities for Colchester residents with learning disabilities and their carers.

Colchester Gateway has been offering vibrant clubs, from quiz nights, to bingo, to weekly discos.

Though many of its users live independently, the charity provides vital support to people across Colchester.

The charity offers step by step guidance, supporting people with learning disabilities through every stage of the benefits and housing processes.

The non-complicated referral process means the charity rarely turns people away, allowing them to make plenty of referrals for those in crisis, who are in need support.

Victoria Gamble, the charity’s referrals advocate said: “It’s a wonderful charity that does so much good, for so many people.

"Pre-Covid, we had over 500 people on our books, our clubs on Friday nights more than 200 atendees. Thankfully things are picking up again.

“Covid really impacted a lot people with learning disabilities, in many cases they can’t understand what’s going on.

"We carried on working during Covid, with a hard working core group of staff, delivering food and ensuring our service users had their vaccinations.

“We do so much for the community, we don’t stop and we won’t stop.”

Mandy Hudson, charity manager, has been with the charity since the beginning. She said: “We had lots of plans to celebrate our silver jubilee including a May Ball, a photographic exhibition and reception, a cream tea, and a Dress to Impress Ball.” 

Lockdown had a big impact, closing all of Gateway’s social clubs at the time and affecting the lives of many service users.

A core team of four members, supported by trustees, adapted and improvised to continue supporting people with learning disabilities and their families.

After the lifting of all restrictions, Gateway now runs three social clubs each week, including a weekly Ukulele Club, plus regular Saturday evening discos.