All our services give people the opportunity to develop new skills and talents and widen their social networks; generating greater opportunities for friendships and inclusion. The Gate is based on the belief that if you discover and nourish personal expression, interests and talents, people can gain the skills and self-confidence they need to live fulfilling lives in the community. Activities include:
- Video drama
- Music recording/editing
- Multimedia art
- Drama/music therapy
- Individual relaxation sessions with sensory lighting/music
- Guitar lessons
- Film club
- Literacy/numeracy sessions
- Art for people with complex needs
There are discussion groups such as the Sexuality and Relationship Group and Behind the Headlines explores and discusses current news items. There is also the opportunity to take part (and be paid) in a groundbreaking training programme with the Metropolitan police; training police officers in techniques for interviewing ‘vulnerable’ witnesses or victims of crime.
The Moment by Moment theatre group is based at The Gate. It has three plays to its credit and a film ‘Coping Strategies’, in which Bill Nighy (BAFTA award winner) makes a guest appearance. It has also staged fundraising concerts at the Tabernacle in North Kensington and the Arts Ed theatre in Chiswick, raising over £3,000 for international disaster aid.