Charity marks 40th anniversary with funding plea

A charity that has supported thousands of people for decades has launched a programme of events to mark its anniversary and to help it survive.

Gatehouse, in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk has provided a foodbank, furniture reuse project, community cafe, social supermarket and wellbeing services since 1986.

It helps about 3,500 people a year across the county, including in Mildenhall, Sudbury, Stowmarket and Newmarket, as well as Thetford, in Norfolk.

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the charity is trying to raise £40,000 after it said it was facing "one of the most challenging periods in recent years".

Amanda Bloomfield, chief executive, said: "Charities are finding it really difficult at the moment and the need for our services has grown.

"It is a perfect storm, but we are trying everything we can to continue our much-needed services."

One thing the charity has done is launch its "40 for 40" pub quiz fundraising campaign, encouraging 40 businesses to raise money by holding a quiz.

The events can take place wherever their organisers choose to hold them, be it at their local pub, restaurant, cafe or in an office.

Other events the charity will host to mark its anniversary include a garden party, singing service, and a celebration party for service users.

It will also launch a year-long social media storytelling campaign called 40 Stories for 40 Years, sharing the charity's journey so far.

"Lots of businesses look to offer their help and we thought the quiz campaign would unite this kindness over the course of the next year," added Bloomfield.

"One quiz a week across the year could make a real difference to the people we support."

Gatehouse was founded by Sister Helena Moss and initially focused on supporting young, isolated mothers and caring for older or lonely people.

Its offering has grown and it now supports thousands of people every year.

Alan Reynolds, charity chairman, said: "Gatehouse has never stood still. We have always adapted to people's needs, to remain relevant.

"The public purse has shrunk significantly over recent years - grants are few and far between.

"We have had to find new ways to at least cover our costs."

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