Gateway Family Services

23/07/2025

At GFS, we believe real change starts with the right support—and Jack and Margaret are living proof. 💚

In their early 60s, they found themselves stuck in a cycle of low energy, health worries, and processed meals. But with a little encouragement and our 12-week healthy eating and lifestyle course, they turned things around together.

16/07/2025

☀️ Summer's finally here! ☀️

Our Early Help Edgbaston & Northfield latest newsletter is packed with brilliant summer activities perfect for the whole family! Whether you're after something to keep the little ones busy during the holidays or looking for fun ways to get everyone together, we've got loads of ideas that won't break the bank.

From outdoor adventures to rainy day crafts, there's something for everyone - and the best bit? Most of these activities are right on your doorstep!

Pop over to our newsletter to see what's on offer this summer. Trust us, you'll want to bookmark this one!

There’s so much happening in and around your local community this summer – from free theatre and beach days to coding clubs and inclusive discos. Whether you’re looking for something active, creative or relaxing, we’ve got something here for everyone.

14/07/2025

🌟 Community in Action – ENNS Open House Success! 🌟

Last week, our Edgbaston Neighbourhood Network Scheme hosted a fantastic Open House event – and what a brilliant turnout it was!

We welcomed representatives from all 10 NNS teams across Birmingham, as well as partners from BVSC and Birmingham City Council, coming together to share learning, make new connections, and celebrate the incredible community work happening across the city.

A big thank you to Oasis Church, Harborne, for welcoming us into their beautiful space – we’re excited to use the venue for more community events and steering groups in the future!

Highlights included a calming taster session from BEAT IT PERCUSSION CIC, and an inspiring talk from Angela Bhandari on the compassion-led work at Love Compassion. It was a real joy to reconnect with familiar faces and forge new relationships with others passionate about improving lives in our neighbourhoods.

✨ Together, we’re creating stronger, more connected communities.

09/07/2025

We are currently experiencing issues with our phone system.

If you are trying to reach one of the Gateway Service please be aware that we are currently not receiving any incoming calls.

We apologise for the inconvenience and will have the system fixed as soon as possible.

09/07/2025

📢 HSF Hardship Grant Community Fund Update 📢

Heads up, everyone! Our Hardship Grant Community Fund is currently paused for new enquiries while we work through the existing waiting list. 🙏

✅ The fund will remain open until 31 March 2026, so there’s plenty of time for eligible residents to apply once we reopen.
✅ If you submitted a successful enquiry since 23 June 2025, you’re on the waiting list and will be contacted within the next four weeks to complete your full application.
📞 Please make sure your voicemail is turned on and that your phone accepts withheld/private numbers—our team may need to leave you a message.

🔜 New enquiries will reopen in late July 2025. If you’re not yet on the waiting list, or it’s been 12 months since your last grant payment, you’ll be able to submit a fresh enquiry then.

Thank you for your patience as we process everyone on the list. We’re here to help—hang tight! 💙

08/07/2025

It’s all happening here! 🎉

People are popping in, the kettle’s on, and there’s a great buzz in the room — and we’d love to see you too!

We’re joined by Councillor Martin Brooks OBE, and the team’s ready for a chat, support, or just a friendly hello 👋

🕒 We’re here until 1400 — come say hi!

08/07/2025

👋 Hey everyone! Just a heads-up — our drop-in session is starting soon!
No need to book, just pop in and say hi 😊

Whether you’ve got questions, need support, or just fancy a chat — we’re here for you.
Come by and see what we’re up to! 💬☕

📍Gateway Family Services, 343 High Street, Harborne, B17 9QL
🕒 11:00-14:00

04/07/2025

🚨 Service Alert: On Monday 7th July, Gateway Family Services will be upgrading our telephone system. We may be offline for calls during the day, but we’re still here for you via email!

📧 General enquiries: info@gatewayfs.org
🏠 Early Help: edgbastonearlyhelp@gatewayfs.org / northfieldearlyhelp@gatewayfs.org
💷 Household Support Fund: householdsupportfund@gatewayfs.org
🌿 Social Prescribing: info@gatewayfs.org
🏃 Solihull Lifestyle: lighten.up@nhs.net
📞 Urgent Call: 07724 700155

If you’re an existing customer, please reach out to your Link Worker or Support Worker directly. New to Gateway? Drop us an email and we’ll be in touch ASAP.

📞 We plan to be back online on Tuesday 8th July—thanks for your patience!

02/07/2025

🎙️ NEW PODCAST EPISODE! 🎙️

We’re proud to launch Time to Talk — a brand-new podcast from our Edgbaston Neighbourhood Network Scheme , spotlighting the inspiring people and partnerships building wellbeing in our communities.

✨ In our very first episode, we sit down with Angela from Love Compassion, who’s delivering life-changing wellbeing and self-compassion courses for South Asian LGBTQIA+ individuals — thanks to support through ENNS.

Angela shares her powerful story of navigating identity, culture, and healing — and how she’s now creating safe, inclusive spaces for others to do the same. 💜

🎧 Don’t miss this moving conversation about:
✅ Belonging & cultural healing
✅ Tackling isolation with compassion
✅ Building safe spaces for those often overlooked

🔗 Listen now on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/edgbaston-nns/episodes/Time-To-Talk---Angela-Bhandari-from-Love-Compassion-e34oi5a
📲 Visit lovecompassion.co.uk or OutSavvy to join one of Angela’s sessions.


Follow us to stay in the loop for future episodes!

30/06/2025

🚨 Funding Alert for South Birmingham!
Do you have a bold idea to tackle smoking, mental health, heart health or support older adults?

The Fairer Futures Fund (South Locality) is now open for Expressions of Interest! 💡
Led by Age UK Birmingham, Gateway Family Services & Northfield Community Partnership, this is your chance to deliver real change for over 208,000 residents.

✅ Funding available
✅ Support with partnership building
✅ Focused on local health priorities

📅 Deadline: 20th July 2025

👉 Apply now: https://gatewayfs.org/a-new-chapter-for-south-birminghams-health-and-you-could-help-write-it/

Something’s been shifting in South Birmingham. Walk through the streets of Northfield or Edgbaston and you’ll find vibrant, resilient communities—families helping neighbours, carers supporting loved ones, young people with big dreams. But behind the strength and smiles, we also see the struggl...

27/06/2025

Need a bit of support or just fancy a chat?

Pop along to our friendly Drop-In event on Tuesday 8th July, 11am–2pm at Gateway Family Services, 343 High Street, Harborne, B17 9QL.

💬 Meet local service providers
🧠 Get advice on mental health, housing, finances & more
🫶 Hosted by our lovely Social Prescribing Team
☕ Enjoy refreshments and maybe even win a prize!

Everyone’s welcome – no appointment needed. Just drop in and see what’s available for you in your community.

📍 Tag a friend or neighbour who might want to come along!

23/06/2025

The Household Support Fund – Round 7 is now OPEN for enquiries and applications!

This fund is here to support eligible Birmingham households facing hardship – with grants available for essential costs such as groceries, energy bills, and basic supplies.

🗓️ Applications accepted from 23rd June 2025 until 31st March 2026 (or until funds run out).

💷 This Hardship Grant Community Fund is completely FREE to apply for. No fees, no text requests for bank details. Please stay alert to scams!

📌 Already submitted an enquiry since 23rd June?
✅ You’re on the Waiting List – a local team member will contact you within 3–4 weeks.

🔍 Important reminders:

Completing the enquiry form doesn’t guarantee a grant – your eligibility will be checked first.

You may need to provide documents before any grant is awarded.

Receiving a grant will not affect any benefits you currently receive.

🔗 For more information, visit:

Birmingham City Council’s Cost of Living Support page

The Help for Households campaign

Or use the Government’s Benefits Calculator to check what else you might be entitled to.

📢 Please share this with anyone you know who may be struggling. Let’s make sure support reaches those who need it most. 💙

Cost of living support HouseholdSupport Fund LATEST UPDATE:23rd June 2025 Household Support Fund – Round 7 The Hardship Grant Community Fund scheme is currently open for enquiries and applications. The scheme is expected to support eligible households with grant award payments through to the end o...