The Gatehouse Logo

Gatehouse History

The Gatehouse was started by Oxford City Churches as a winter daytime shelter in 1988, but soon began providing a wider range of services. In 1991 the organisation was registered as a charitable trust (registered charity number 1002741), under the name “Homeless People and the Oxford Churches (Gatehouse)”, which reflects its client-centred vision and Christian origins.

In practice, support comes from across the local community as a whole and the project is entirely inclusive and non-proselytising. In fact, the most striking feature of the Gatehouse is its accepting and non-judgemental attitude towards those who visit, many of whom have an immense amount of strength and resilience and also live with multiple barriers and challenging life circumstances.

The project is largely volunteer led, by adults of all ages who are supported by an experienced team of staff including the Gatehouse CEO. There is also a board of trustees, a management committee which links the charity and operational aspects of the organisation, and a group of volunteer co-ordinators who manage the community centre sessions.

Timeline

1988
The Gatehouse opens its doors at St Giles Church for the first time as a winter daytime shelter, although not operating under that name as yet.
1991
Registration as a charity under the name “Homeless People and the Oxford Churches (Gatehouse)”. The Gatehouse acquires a license from the City Council to start operating out of the basement of the Northgate Hall in St Michael’s Street which lasts for over 20 years.
2004
The book ‘Oxford: One City, Many Voices’ is published and The Gatehouse participates in the Oxford Literary Festival. In the book a combination of professional authors (including Colin Dexter, Mark Haddon and Philip Pullman) and amateur writers from Oxford’s homeless community contribute their stories and memories to provide a very personal perspective on life in this city.
2011
The launch of a ‘Moving Home’ appeal is set up to raise £175,000 to enable the organisation to move back into a fully renovated building at St Giles Parish Rooms in Woodstock Road. This target is achieved in less than a year and the Gatehouse moves and acquires a licence to start operating from St Giles Rooms in 2012, with final works on the garden area following shortly afterwards.
2014
The redevelopment of the garden area takes place to ensure a high quality, therapeutic environment for Guests and their dogs. Alongside a new approach with how the Gatehouse works and Guest involvement this leads to a 100% decrease in anti-social behaviour complaints.
2015
The development of the Literary Forum which includes creative reading and writing groups, one to one work and regular theatre trips.
2015
2015/2017 The Gatehouse receives two food hygiene ratings of 5 from the Environmental Health even though it is a volunteer led organisation.
2017
The introduction of a One to One Project Worker who offers continuity for Guest needing on-going support with housing, medical services, welfare benefits and lots more.
30th Anniversary celebration Cup Cakes
30th Anniversary celebration Guests
30th Anniversary celebration - Cake Decoration
2018
The Gatehouse celebrates its 30th anniversary and starts an internal and external review of the service to try and better meet guests’ needs and develop a five-year strategic plan.
2019
The One to One Project Worker role is increased from one staff member to a Casework Team of four, to meet rising levels of need.
An exhibition celebrating the arts at the Gatehouse called ‘Wherever I lay my hat’ is put on at The North Wall, involving the art group and literary group, with an opening concert given by our Street Choir.
2020

The Covid-19 pandemic hits and the Gatehouse regularly adapts its provision over the following two years to adhere to Government regulations and guidance as highlighted in both the 2020 Impact Report and 2021 Impact Report.

The introduction of the Gatehouse Counselling Service, delivered by a fully registered BACP Counsellor which supports Guests mental health and wellbeing.

The introduction of the Lived Experience Advisory Forum (LEAF) in partnership with Aspire and the Oxfordshire Homeless Movement. The aim of LEAF is to ensure that the valuable input of Experts Through Experience is included across Oxfordshire within commissioning, service planning, policy change, decision-making and service evaluation.

2019 Art Exhibition
Baby, the Gatehouse's mascot
Dogs at the Gatehouse exhibition
2021
A photographic exhibition called ‘Dogs at the Gatehouse’ takes place in the grounds of St Giles Church. The exhibition highlights the importance of the relationships between many of our guests and their dogs, both providing support for each other. Among the many dogs featured was Baby, the mascot of the Gatehouse, shown above.

The introduction of the Women’s Hub. A confidential, safe space where women can gain bespoke practical and emotional support.

The High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Amanda Ponsonby, gives the Gatehouse an award ‘for great and valuable services to the community’ followed by the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Mark Lygo, awarding a certificate in recognition of ‘outstanding service to the community.

LEAF are presented with the ‘Stronger Voice’ Award at the Homeless Link 2021 Excellence Awards ceremony.
2022

Post–pandemic recovery for the whole organisation. Further major improvements to the service offer and management of the organisation are planned for in the Gatehouse Strategic Plan 2023-27 which has been developed with input from the whole Gatehouse Community of guests, staff, volunteers and trustees.