GATEOPENER – Presentation by Kathie Butcher on 23/11/12 
Providing free information for disabled people and their carers across Suffolk and East Cambridgeshire
GATEOPENER IS A REGISTERED CHARITY (No 1078219) that provides free information and support to disabled people, their carers and relatives and also professionals working in this field, who live or work in Suffolk and East Cambridgeshire. This service has been provided for over 12 years.
GATEOPENER will look into any question relating to any disability for people of all ages.
Using a comprehensive database which lists thousands of national and local organisations the information you need can be provided. Also advice can be given to individuals looking for financial help by identifying charitable trusts and organisations who can be approached for assistance with funding to meet almost any need. E.g. holidays, equipment, computers, etc.
GATEOPENER was originally set up in November 1994 and was called “Newmarket & District Gateopener Project” This was part of a Scope initiative, to offer free and confidential information and support to disabled people, their families and carers. In November 1999, the organisation became an independent registered charity as “Newmarket & District Gateopener”. In 2002 it changed it changed its name to GATEOPENER. The service has been expanded to cover the whole of Suffolk and parts of East Cambridgeshire.
Many of the Charity’s Trustees are either local disabled people or have a close connection to someone with a disability who understand how important information can be and how it can sometimes make a real difference to people’s lives.
Proving information on:-
Local and National Support Groups, Family Support Services, Communication Aids, Equipment, education, funding, mobility and transport, accessible holidays and more …
A software application is also available to individuals and their advisors looking for financial help and can identify those charitable trusts and foundations that could assist them.
An Outreach Worker is able to attend various support groups, clubs and schools and can liaise with other organisations, not only to present GATEOPENER’s services but to obtain information about any new service that may be available and could benefit others.
GATEOPENER is dedicated to ensuring that parents and carers of children with disabilities and special needs, have access to as much information as they need to support their children.
Publications – Parent Information Packs cover a wide range of straightforward guidance on the different services that children with disabilities and special needs may be entitled to receive, with details of how the services may be accessed.
If you need information or advice and are not sure which way to turn then please contact us, we will save you time, money and worry because GATEOPENER do all the investigating! enquiry@gateopener.or.ukor ring on 01638 510462. Address: 20A Hampstead Avenue, Mildenhall, Suffolk IP28 7AS