MEMBER-LED

ETHOS
Member involvement is
crucial to the long term
success of the project.
In fact, most of our
staff, such as our
Project Workers are
recruited,
a nd
trained, from our
membership.
BUILDING
CAPACITY
Key to Gateway is
building
the
capacity
of
its
membership,
by
encouraging
participation in its
o n g o i n g
development,
organisation
and
delivery. Members
sit on the Gateway
Advisory Committee
and Project Team
and hold regular
meetings to discuss
programme
and
p r o j e c t
development.
MEMBER
COMMENTS
In Gateway, we are
accepted for who we
are, what we are and
what we do
The group inspires
me with confidence
and self belief
Gateway is
somewhere to go
when life gets on top
of me
Its great to
experience such
friendly people and
to interact with
them in a relaxed
atmosphere
Its an optimistic
place

Gateway Mental
Health Association

What is Gateway?
Gateway is a member-led
social and peer support
community group for
people with self-experience
of mental ill health.

Members organise social

events and day trips, as
well as producing a monthly
newsletter for the project.

The project aims to support

the integration of people
into the social, cultural,
educational
and
commercial/working life of
the community. It works to
a d d r e s s t h e s o c ia l
e xc lus ion
a nd
disadvantage faced by
many
people
with
experiences of mental ill
health and to promote
positive mental health.

from decision-making during

members meetings, to
helping out with the day to
day running of the drop-in or
participating on the Advisory
Committee. We appreciate
and support members
commitment.

Training Opportunities
We also provide periodic
opportunities for training
with a view to developing
skills and confidence among
members.
Options are
varied and range from
personal development-type
courses (focusing on
Gateway is about peer support
wellbeing) to IT training
and solidarity...
Support
Our newest information covering basic computer
We provide a drop-in leaflet (ask at reception) skills, internet, blogging and
centre where people call in was recently designed and MS publisher courses.
for a coffee, a chat and can produced by membership.
We also provide links to
get involved with a range of
Participation
local training initiatives and
developmental, creative
Members are encouraged employment supports in the
and health promotional
to get involved with their community.
activities as people wish.
project as much as possible
Empowerment

Background
The Gateway Project opened in January 2004 as a pilot
initiative between the Rathmines Community Partnership
and Vergemount Mental Health Services. It is now an
established community resource and was highlighted as an
example of good practice in the recent National Economic
Social Forum Report on Mental Health and Social Inclusion.
The Project is supported by an Advisory Committee, including
representation from membership, the HSE (Mental Health
Services Vergemount and the Rehabilitation, Training and
Guidance Services), SHINE, Dublin City Council and the
Disability Federation of Ireland.
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG

www.projectgateway.blogspot.com

ASK RECEPTION FOR

OUR INFO LEAFLET
Gateway Project
Unit 1, 2 Parker Hill,
Rathmines,
Dublin 6
Gateway Co-ordinator:
Fionn Fitzpatrick
Phone: 0857521220 or
01 497 7005
Email:
info@gatewaymha.com