Gate developed out of a shared concern for the numbers of young people that were hanging around the streets, with nothing specific to do. At a meeting of the Galashiels Fellowship of Churches similar concerns were expressed as had been by the councilors, press and police.

From this meeting it was proposed that we do something proactive as a fellowship and find out what the young people wanted to do.

A survey form was designed and a small group of people willing to go out and about on the streets and speak to the young people there, see if they would fill out a survey form and chat to them about what they felt about the publicity and what they wanted to do.

This happened during the spring and summer of 1992. It soon became obvious that they wanted a place of their own to meet in that they would help run and plan. Over the 6 months some good relationships were made and when the report was presented to the Fellowship of Churches, a group of volunteers were willing to carry on working with a core group of young people to look for a neutral space for them to meet. Money was raised to pay rent and buy some equipment, a committee of adults was formed to oversee the work and apply for charitable status and a committee of young people to plan and help run the project on a day to day basis.

Gate has never looked back since then. Over the years different groups of young people have strongly identified with the volunteers and staff and have used the relationship to support them on their journey through their teenage years.

Have a look at our Annual Report for more info: GATE Annual Report