Bournemouth Gateway Club is a friendly, established local charity providing day opportunities, social activities and community experiences for adults aged 18 and over with learning disabilities and related conditions, including autism.

Based at the Embassy Centre in Winton, Bournemouth, we offer a welcoming and inclusive environment where people can make friends, develop confidence, learn new skills and enjoy being part of their community.

We welcome referrals and enquiries from social workers, support coordinators, supported living providers, Shared Lives carers, education and transition teams, families and individuals themselves.

We are always happy to discuss whether Gateway might be a good fit for someone you support.

Who Can Attend?

Gateway welcomes adults aged 18 and over with learning disabilities or related conditions, including autism.

Our members have a wide range of ages, abilities, interests and support needs. We recognise that everyone is different and aim to provide a flexible environment where people can make their own choices and participate in activities that interest them.

There is no upper age limit.

We are wheelchair accessible and have an accessible toilet.

Support Arrangements

Our staff and volunteers provide general support, encouragement and assistance with activities.

However, Gateway is not a personal care service and we do not provide dedicated one-to-one support.

Anyone requiring personal care or individual support should attend with their own support worker or carer.

We encourage professionals to contact us to discuss individual circumstances and support requirements before arranging a placement.

Our Day Opportunities

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
10.30am–3pm
£38 per session

Our daytime sessions offer a varied programme of social, leisure, learning and wellbeing activities.

These may include:

Arts, crafts and creative activities

Cooking and independent living skills

Music, drama and entertainment

Games, quizzes and social activities

Health, fitness and wellbeing

Gardening and environmental activities

Community outings and local visits

Workshops, courses and opportunities to learn new skills

We encourage members to make choices about how they spend their day and regularly involve them in planning future activities.

Our sessions are relaxed and informal. Members can choose which activities to join, spend time socialising or enjoy quieter activities when they prefer.

Costs and Funding

Day opportunities cost £38 per session, including activities and refreshments. Members should bring a packed lunch.

Places are reserved and paid for monthly.

We can accommodate different funding arrangements, including:

Privately funded places

Direct payments

BCP Council-commissioned places

We are happy to discuss funding arrangements and provide information to support referrals and care planning.

Places are limited, so please contact us to check current availability.

Saturday Social Club

Every other Saturday
6pm–8pm
£5 per person, including drinks and a light supper

Our Saturday socials provide opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and related conditions to meet friends, socialise and enjoy an evening out.

Activities vary and might include discos, karaoke, games, quizzes, themed evenings and seasonal celebrations.

There are quieter areas available for anyone who prefers a more relaxed environment.

Saturday socials are open to adults aged 18 and over, with no upper age limit.

No referral or advance booking is required. New members are welcome to simply come along.

Anyone requiring personal care or one-to-one support should attend with their own carer or support worker.

Our Approach

At Gateway, we believe that everyone should have opportunities to enjoy life, make choices, develop friendships and participate in their community.

Our approach is based on:

Choice and independence
Encouraging members to make their own decisions and take part in activities that interest them.

Friendship and belonging
Providing a welcoming environment where people can build relationships and feel part of a community.

Confidence and personal development
Supporting members to try new experiences, develop skills and recognise their own abilities.

Inclusion and participation
Helping people access opportunities, activities and experiences within their local community.

Listening to our members
Involving members in decisions about activities and the future direction of Gateway.

We aim to provide a positive, enjoyable experience that complements the support people receive elsewhere in their lives.

Making a Referral

We aim to make joining Gateway as straightforward as possible.

Step 1 – Get in touch

Contact us by telephone, WhatsApp or email to discuss the person you support, their interests and any relevant support requirements.

We can explain our services, discuss suitability and advise on current availability.

Step 2 – Come and visit

We encourage prospective members, families, carers and professionals to visit Gateway, meet our team and see what happens during a typical session.

There is no obligation to join.

Step 3 – Arrange a free trial day

If Gateway seems suitable, we can arrange a complimentary trial day.

This gives the person an opportunity to experience the activities, meet other members and decide whether they would like to attend regularly.

Step 4 – Agree arrangements

If the person wishes to join, we can discuss suitable days, support arrangements, funding and the information needed before they start.

Our aim is to make the process welcoming, straightforward and centred on the individual.

Working With Other Professionals

We value our relationships with social workers, support providers, schools, colleges and other community organisations.

We welcome opportunities to work together to improve access to meaningful daytime activities, social opportunities and community participation for adults with learning disabilities.

We are also interested in hearing from professionals who have identified gaps in local provision or opportunities for partnership working.

If you would like to visit Gateway, discuss our services or explore potential collaboration, please get in touch.

Contact Us

Bournemouth Gateway Club

Embassy Centre
Brassey Road
Winton
Bournemouth
BH9 1PT

Telephone / WhatsApp: 07729 095913

Email: hello@bournemouthgateway.co.uk

Website: bournemouthgateway.co.uk

We welcome enquiries from professionals, families, carers and prospective members.

Whether you're looking for a suitable day opportunity, somewhere to make friends or simply want to find out more about Gateway, we'd be delighted to hear from you.