Gloucestershire Gateway Trust

Chair appointed to lead ambitious Pride in Place programme in Matson and Robinswood

A familiar face from Gloucester’s community scene has been appointed to lead the government’s Pride in Place programme in Matson and Robinswood.

Jason Dunsford has been appointed following a recruitment process led by Alex McIntyre MP. Alex and Leader of the Council Jeremy Hilton were joined on the interview panel by members of the local community.

A photo of Jason Dunsford — Jason Dunsford

Jason has spent his career working in communities across the city and the wider county, specialising in work promoting community-focused employability and skills development. This includes the GEM Project that supported more than 2,000 people in Gloucestershire to move into and towards the world of work.

Since 2016, Jason has worked for Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, the community development charity at the heart of an innovative partnership with Westmorland, who operate the nationally renowned and loved Gloucester Services.

Jason said, “My connection to this neighbourhood runs deep. From playing football for Matson Youth Team, working at the hotel and then in various jobs and volunteering roles in the area throughout my career.

“As the CEO of Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, I want to remind people that the idea for Gloucester services, a business now recognised nationally and beyond, came from the residents of Matson. They had the vision, the ambition and the belief that it could happen.

“That is why I am so excited and honoured to have been offered the role of Chair for the Matson and Robinswood Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, to steer this exciting opportunity for this community.

“My commitment as Chair is to make sure that this investment is genuinely led and controlled by the people who live here, that it brings people together and draws in further funding and opportunities, and that our collective story continues to prove that when you put community in charge, anything is possible.”

Alex McIntyre, MP for Gloucester said, “The competition for this important role was fierce, and we had some fantastic interviewees who all brought different ideas and enthusiasm for the programme.

“Jason demonstrated really clearly that he understood that the community in Matson and Robinswood are the real leaders of this programme and the people who should be making the decisions about how the money is spent.

“I am really excited to have Jason on board and know that the programme is in excellent hands”.

Jeremy Hilton, Leader of Gloucester City Council said, “The panel had the opportunity to interview several impressive candidates for the chair of the Pride and Place project. Each individual demonstrated genuine insight into Matson and Robinswood, as well as a strong enthusiasm for embracing this responsibility.

“Ultimately, Jason Dunsford stood out as the exceptional choice, and I am delighted that he has agreed to lead the board overseeing the project. Jason brings a wealth of relevant experience and a clear vision, positioning him perfectly to guide the team and drive Pride and Place forward with optimism and purpose.”

Pride in Place is a UK government funded programme delivering a £20 million investment to 284 communities across the UK over the next 10 years.

GGT Fest brings families together for two fantastic family days

Gloucestershire Gateway Trust were delighted to welcome families from across the community to GGT Fest; a fantastic way to celebrate an incredible first year of delivering open access, community-led Children and Family Centre services, and managing the Youth Support Services contract for Gloucester and the Forest of Dean.

Across two fun-filled, free events – held in Lydney at River Children & Family Centre on Wednesday 8th April, and at King’s School in Gloucester on Friday 10th April, over 1,300 people joined us to celebrate.

Families enjoyed a wide range of activities and entertainment, from face painting, glitter tattoos and henna, to inflatables, mini golf, a climbing wall, arts and crafts, sports, games, and even a smoothie bike; there was definitely something for everyone to enjoy.

There was no shortage of fun. Visitors also got involved in circus skills workshops, enjoyed live music and performances, and met some of their favourite characters throughout the day.

Young people aged 10+ also had access to an exclusive VIP Youth Zone, delivered in partnership with The Venture Community Hub in Gloucester and Forest Voluntary Action Forum in the Forest of Dean, providing a dedicated space just for them to relax, socialise and take part in activities.

It’s been wicked. I can’t believe it’s all been free to be honest with you, there’s so much for the kids to do and lots of entertainment.” GGT Fest visitor

Over the two days, we were proud to welcome a brilliant range of our partner organisations, who brought their energy, expertise and a wide selection of engaging activities that kept children and families entertained throughout the day.

A huge thank you to our partners in making our GGT Fests so special, including:

I’ve been partnering with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and other Gloucestershire charities for about five years now. When GGT launched the Children and Family Centres last year, we did a crazy 9-day tour of Gloucester and the Forest of Dean. That’s how I met them and it’s been a loving relationship ever since.” Maddie, Mad About Art

GGT Fest was a great celebration of community, bringing people together, creating connections, and showcasing the wide range of support available to children, young people and families in their communities.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us. Your presence made the days so vibrant, welcoming, and filled with hundreds of happy families.

To find out more about our Children and Family Centres in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean visit www.glosfamilycentres.org.uk

To find out more about Youth Services in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean visit our Youth Services page.

Reaching deeper: £2 million grant could change lives for a generation of Gloucestershire children

A new initiative to create better access to children and family services for families who may be hidden by social or geographical isolation across four districts of Gloucestershire will begin this Autumn, through a project funded by Summerfield Charitable Trust.

The new Family Hubs Catalyst Programme will create a network of community-based support for families with young children that reaches beyond buildings and deeper into neighbourhoods to connect with families and children. These improved social connections will support wellbeing, assisting and encouraging residents to take action to improve their lives.

The Oaks Children’s Centre, Tuffley, Gloucester

Eight new Neighbourhood Connector roles have been created thanks to the £2 million grant that has been awarded by Summerfield Charitable Trust. The roles will be managed by local community organisations across Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, and the Forest of Dean. The Neighbourhood Connectors will be responsible for building local networks, brokering relationships between families and relevant services and supporting individuals and organisations to pursue opportunities which benefit children and families. In addition, they will undertake research to determine what really matters to, and is needed by, the hardest to reach families.

The programme will be overseen by the Gloucestershire Gateway Partnership, a group of local organisations who came together in April 2025 to support Gloucestershire Gateway Trust with their successful bid to manage Children and Family Hubs in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean.

Jane Bee, Chair of the Gloucestershire Gateway Partnership said: “The new Neighbourhood Connector roles fit beautifully with what we aim to achieve through the Children and Family Hubs. We have always understood that individual communities themselves know what they need and that this is often different for each community. The Hubs and the Neighbourhood Connectors will complement each other by listening to local people and building local community networks for all families.”

A county-wide approach

To ensure a wide approach that will complement the service delivery at the 14 family and children’s centres now managed by Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and the Aspire Foundation, Neighbourhood Connectors will be based at organisations across Gloucestershire including The Venture, Fair Shares, Aspire Foundation, Move More, the Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF), Fresh Hope and Artshape.

Maud McLouglin, Children and Family Centres Strategic Lead for Cheltenham said:

“Aspire Foundation are delighted to be a part of this project and look forward building on existing connections and forging new relationships with families in the communities we work in.”

Families enjoy a pop-up play day at The Oaks Children’s Centre, Tuffley, Gloucester

The Summerfield Charitable Trust has been working with the Gloucestershire Voluntary Community Sector Alliance (GVCSA) to support the development of co-produced proposals from local communities and their partners.

David Owen, Chair of Summerfield Charitable Trust said: “As we researched our new strategy to transform the way in which the Summerfield philanthropic model works, one of the initial findings was that it came as no surprise to discover was that experiencing poverty at the start of life and in early childhood can be highly damaging. This can have potentially profound effects on children’s long-term well-being and opportunities. The proposal which GVCSA co-produced with providers demonstrated how our investment could play a part in reversing this trend”.

“Gloucestershire Gateway Trust puts children and families at the heart of its work and by listening to local people and responding to what communities say they need, GGT creates safe, supportive spaces where children and families can grow in confidence, wellbeing, and opportunity. The Trust could see that this wasn’t just about providing activities, but about building stronger communities where children feel they belong and can thrive. Through close partnerships with schools, charities and health providers, GGT ensures every pound goes further, reaching children who might otherwise miss out. Summerfield’s funding helps give these children not only services for today, but stronger foundations for the future”.

David Owen of The Summerfield Trust, and Mark Gale of Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, pictured at Oaks Children’s Centre, Tuffley, Gloucester

Chief Executive of the VCS Alliance added: “The Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance is proud to be working in partnership with The Summerfield Charitable Trust to help identify and support projects that address some of the county’s most pressing strategic challenges. At the heart of this collaboration is a commitment to co-production, truly listening to communities and shaping services around what people say they need.”

Founder of Gloucestershire Gateway Trust Mark Gale concluded: “This is a landmark investment by the Summerfield Charitable Trust. It will enable residents to connect with lots more people, have more influence over local services and more opportunities to create the events, facilities and the provision they want.”

GGT appoints Jason Dunsford as Chief Executive

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jason Dunsford to Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Gateway Trust from 1^st October 2025.

Jason has been with the Trust for nine years where his roles have included Head of Education and Skills, Project Manager for the GEM Project, and most recently Deputy Chief Executive.

Jason Dunsford and Mark Gale pictured outside Gloucester Services

Jason said: “I’m incredibly proud to be stepping into the role of CEO at Gloucestershire Gateway Trust. My connection to GGT and our community runs deep—from playing for Matson youth team and getting changed at The Redwell Centre, to my first job after university with the White City Community Project, to supporting the planning process and initial recruitment at the special Gloucester Services and finally joining the charity to show what partnerships can achieve through the exceptional GEM Project. I’ve had the privilege of knowing and learning from Mark throughout my career, and I have limitless admiration for his visionary leadership. I’m committed to ensuring that the values and vision he has built remain at the heart of everything we do as we move into this exciting new chapter.”

As part of a planned succession, Mark Gale, who set up Gloucestershire Gateway Trust in 2007 to lead the development of Gloucester Services, will take up the role of Founder. Mark will work part-time but will stay actively and closely involved with a number of the Trust’s projects and partners.

Jason and Mark with the leadership team from Westmorland and community partners cutting the sod at the site for Gloucester Services Northbound in March 2013

Mark said: “The 18 years since I cofounded the Trust and the vision for Gloucester Services have been an amazing journey. Against the odds, together with our wonderful partners, our Trust has delivered so much more than we ever promised or hoped for including millions of pounds for local community organisations, hundreds of local jobs and opportunities for local businesses to grow.

Our Trust has never been stronger and it is ready for the next stage of its journey helping residents to be more in control of their communities and their destinies. With these foundations in place it is the right time to pass the mantle of leadership onto the next generation.

I have absolute confidence in Jason and our GGT leadership team. I am certain they will continue our Trust’s important work of helping to develop welcoming communities with families and young people at their heart.”

Chair of Gloucestershire Gateway Trust Stephen Pallister said of Mark’s retirement as chief executive and the new appointments:

“On behalf of the GGT Board of Trustees, staff and everyone involved with GGT, we cannot thank Mark enough for everything that he and the team, along with partners and residents, have achieved in the communities we work alongside under his inspirational leadership. What a truly amazing Chief Executive of GGT he has been since we first began our GGT journey in 2007.

Mark has always brought a passion, enthusiasm, welcoming personality and collaborative approach to every facet of his work. I cannot myself think of a kinder and nicer man to have worked with all these years.

Mark has built innovative cross-sector partnerships that have enabled the creation of fantastic community assets including Gloucester Services, and more recently, the Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub. He has championed the community ownership of services, demonstrated so amazingly in the Gloucestershire County Council youth services and children and family centres’ contracts which GGT is now delivering so well.

Mark pictured with community partners at the celebration event marking 10 years of Gloucester Services

It truly is the end of an era in Mark stepping down as Chief Executive.

We are delighted though that Mark is very much going to remain involved with GGT. He will continue to have an active role in the newly created position of Founder, and he will get involved in a number of our projects. We would not want or ask for anything different!

Jason now takes over from Mark in the position of Chief Executive. Jason has already played an important role for us. He has a long history of involvement with our partners. He led the GEM Project to be the exemplar of its kind that it was. More recently he has played a pivotal role with the youth services and children and family centres’ contracts .

I am sure that Jason will enable us to continue with the very best of all that we have achieved so far alongside in due course taking us forward into new areas. That spirit and willingness to go into new areas has been the essence of GGT as a body and which Mark has so encapsulated.

I have no doubt too that Jason will strive to maintain and develop our values as an organisation.

In an era when so many communities in our society face the enormous challenges they do, through Mark, GGT has been a beacon of empowerment for the communities it works for. The work he has led for us in GGT has been to facilitate and enable community-led transformation. It has not been through top-down government dictate or simply throwing money at projects. It has been real social entrepreneurship. Mark has been the community alter ego of a Richard Branson in the business world. But entrepreneurship which encourages, nurtures, facilitates community development through mutual respect and collaboration. What better model.”

Minister’s visit shines a light on youth work

Youth work in Gloucester and across the county had a moment in the spotlight last Thursday as Stephanie Peacock MP, Government Minister for Sport, Civil Society and Youth heard how things are changing for young people in the area and launched a brand-new youth night.

It came as part of a visit by the Minister to Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, who began delivery of universal open access youth services in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean last October, working in partnership with The Venture Community Hub and the Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF).

At Gloucester Services the Minister and colleagues enjoyed a tour of Gloucester Services and an overview of the Trust’s partnership with Westmorland, and how the ripple effect of the growth of Gloucester Services over the last ten years enabled the Trust to bid for the youth services contract last year.

Communities taking ownership

The Minister then heard how the community ownership model introduced by Gloucestershire Gateway Trust is having an impact locally.

Dawn Barnes, Chief Executive of The Venture Community Hub said: ‘The approach that we have taken to delivering the Youth Contract has shown what’s possible when commissioning is rooted in trust and community ownership. Smaller organisations like ours often face barriers in traditional commissioning models, but by taking a partnership-led approach, we’ve proven that local networks can deliver real results.

We’ve already seen the difference this makes — from thriving youth activities across the city to young people shaping their own futures. Our ambition is bold: youth provision in every community, a unified youth voice strategy, investment in training, and a pathway for youth work to become a valued career. This is just the beginning.”

Four young people who had also been working with The Venture and Gloucestershire Gateway Trust over the summer to decide how a Summer Youth Fund was spent also had the opportunity to talk to the Minister. They shared how good it felt to be part of decision making for services they use and other things that affect them. Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre also asked the young people if there was one change they’d like to see for young people in Gloucester.

Bonnie, who attends Blackbridge Youth Club said: “I heard in Denmark that there are empathy classes and that’s what we need here, because a lot of people now are thinking about what they need and will do anything to get it, but we need to be thinking what we need and working together to get it.”

Prioritising investment in youth work

The Minister then visited the Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub in Podsmead, where Gloucestershire Gateway Trust are supporting the future of youth work through £100,000 of funding per year for the next four years.

After a tour of the facility, which opened in late April, the Minister met some of the young people that attend the weekly youth clubs at the hub, run by the Blackbridge CCBS Youth Work Team, as well as other key funders.

Nick Temple, CEO for Social Investment Business said: “It’s wonderful to see Podsmead’s young people thriving and enjoying the benefits of the inspiring new Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub, all made possible by a £2.5 million Youth Investment Fund grant. It’s a shining example of quality youth work and co-production; with young people’s voices shaping its design and service offer. It’s a space that young people can truly identify with.”

“The Youth Investment Fund is a vote of confidence in young people and youth work, transforming young people’s opportunities and giving them access to trusted youth workers, in safe and modern spaces in the heart of communities that need it most.”

To conclude the visit, the Minister was invited to launch a brand-new youth night – Fit Friday – which includes bookable sessions for local young people to use the new sports pitches, as well as other facilities at the hub. A new youth café will also launch on the same evening and complements the Tuesday and Thursday youth clubs already running at the Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub.

Debbie Etheridge, Head of Youth Provision, Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub said:

“We were delighted and proud — as an organisation, as a youth team, and on behalf of all the young people who benefit from using the Community and Sports Hub in Podsmead — to showcase what we’ve achieved together. It’s undoubtedly something to be proud of and having Stephanie Peacock MP and our supporters and stakeholders who have helped us on our journey here with us was the cherry on the cake.

As the new home of the dedicated Podsmead Youth Work Team, we’re proud to offer safe spaces, trusted relationships, and meaningful opportunities — helping young people build brighter futures, right here in their own community.”

Summarising the visit Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth Stephanie Peacock said:

“Gloucestershire Gateway Trust is transforming youth provision in the area through their community-led approach. The launch of Fit Fridays at Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub perfectly demonstrates what we can achieve when we invest in young people and give them the facilities and opportunities they deserve.

As part of our Plan for Change, this Government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity for all young people. Projects like this, which combine sport, community engagement and youth work, are exactly what we need to help young people thrive and build the skills and confidence that will serve them throughout their lives.”

A visit from Kentucky

Written by Emily Spencer, Senior Extension Associate, University of Kentucky

“Last month, as a group of researchers and educators from the University of Kentucky, we travelled to England to learn more about the local food system and the ways that organizations and businesses are creatively supporting local farmers and food producers. As part of this tour, we had the absolute pleasure of learning more about Gloucester Services and the Gloucestershire Gateway Trust.

We began our tour at Southbound Gloucester Services, learning about the history of the establishment and the incredible number of local food producers that the Services support through their multiple locations.

The relationship between the Services, GGT, community organizations, and food producers is unlike anything we have seen in the United States. It truly feels very innovative in terms of creating a sustainable model for supporting a thriving local food system.

After learning more about the operations we thankfully had some time to look around the Services and purchase some treats for ourselves – though we truly could have spent all afternoon at this location alone!

After learning more about the partnership between Gloucester Services and the Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, we set out to visit with some of the food and beverage producers, as well as the community organizations that are supported through the Services and GGT. Our first visit was to Stroud Brewery – a sustainable microbrewery in Stroud. We got to meet with Greg Pilley, founder of the brewery, who has worked for the last 19 years to create a more ethical, sustainably produced beer.

“Gloucester Services entirely reinvented the concept of a highway rest area in a way that puts a spotlight on local producers. In Gloucester, they can learn about local foods, see what the region has to offer, and support local businesses.

Since the road-trip and car culture is integral to American identity, we might benefit from understanding ways to put local (or state-based) farm products, businesses, and culture at the center of travel experiences.”

Jairus Rossi, Research Professor at the University of Kentucky

Then we ventured to Godsells Cheese to meet with Liz and Bryan Godsell – another place we could have spent an entire afternoon. We enjoyed a picnic lunch with items from the Services, while nestled in between a barn and the cheese making rooms. We shared sandwiches, soda, and chips and learned all about the story behind Godsells Cheese.

Liz and Bryan both repeatedly told us that they “don’t do marketing well,” though throughout our visit, we heard some of the best storytelling around local food that I have heard. The story behind why and how each cheese is made is accompanied by a clever name that ties the cheeses to the histories and stories of Gloucester. Sampling the cheese here is an experience I will never forget.

“At the Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, vendors showed an incredible level of hospitality and pride. These visits highlighted the value of collective innovation and how thoughtful partnerships can make local food systems thrive.”

Kelsi Felts, Administrative Support Associate, University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics

Lastly, we made our way to The Friendship Café, where we got to meet with Shakera – a samosa producer for the Farmshop, as well as Reyaz, a time broker with Fair Shares Community Timebanks.

We learned that Shakera went from making a few dozen samosa a week to making so many that she now currently employees three people to assist her – and all of this business has come from her involvement with the Gloucester Services Farmshop.

This stop was perhaps the most full-circle moment; where we were able to see how a food producer was connected to the Services through the Trust and is now running a very successful business that employs other people. This relationship really demonstrated the power in this model- providing small, local food producers with a steady market through which they can sell their products can help them grow into something that sustains livelihoods.

Overall, we feel very lucky to have been able to spend a full day touring the incredible network of food producers and community-oriented services that Gloucester Services and GGT support through their unique partnership and work. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the GGT team for spending the time to take us through, in detail, the work that is being done to support local food producers and people in Gloucester and beyond.”

From scrap to sustainable products

Introducing producers and makers from the community to Gloucester Services is really important to us, so we’re delighted to have a new, sustainable product in the Farmshops.

Introducing producers and makers from the community to Gloucester Services is really important to us, so we’re delighted to have a new, sustainable product in the Farmshops now which is perfect for the holiday season!

Created by our friends at the Gloucester Resource Centre (GRC), the Travel Bear and Curly the Glove Puppet are perfect gifts and holiday makes – we love that the Travel Bear even comes with its own travel diary!

Beth Cleaver, CEO of GRC said: “Our ‘Make Your Own’ Sparrow craft packs idea came from visiting Gloucester Services and seeing an opportunity to create something bespoke, which includes everything needed for
a small project with children. They are perfect to do on holiday, while travelling, or as a gift to take when visiting family or friends.

“Our packs have been carefully put together by our group of amazing
volunteers here in Gloucester, using materials and offcuts reclaimed from
businesses across the county. We already work with Gloucester Services and some of their food suppliers to collect and re-use items that would otherwise go to waste.

We’re incredibly grateful to have support and funding from Gloucestershire Gateway Trust to get our first two products up and running.”

“Volunteering at GRC gives me the opportunity to get out of the house and spend time with like-minded people. Cutting and processing the materials is really therapeutic and I feel I’m doing something worthwhile that supports the community
on my doorstep. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and I can meet with other creative people in a safe space.”

Gayle, GRC volunteer

Welcoming Families, Connecting Communities

It’s an exciting time at Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, as from the 1 April 2025 we have become the new services provider for Children and Family Centres for Gloucester and the Forest of Dean.

We were delighted to be joined by the whole team at The Friendship Cafe in Gloucester on the first day of our new contract, where we welcomed them all to the GGT family, and talked about what our future service provision will look like.

The Children and Family Centres Gloucester and Forest of Dean pictured at The Friendship Cafe in Gloucester

Back in 2024 GGT put forward a community-led bid by bringing together a powerful consortium of local schools, community organisations and statutory and specialist partners in every area where the centres operate, called the Gloucestershire Gateway Partnership, promising a ‘whole neighbourhood approach’ to ensure a sustainable, innovative and inclusive community-led service is provided to children and families across these two districts.

Mark Gale, Chief Executive of GGT said: “GGT is continually working towards creating stronger, more resilient and welcoming communities. Our aim is to support, encourage and strengthen neighbourhoods, by raising people’s aspirations and better connecting them with their local area, to ensure that everyone is valued and has the opportunity to influence decisions that impact their lives whilst creating lasting solutions to local challenges.”

“This is an exceptionally positive transition towards the Family Hubs model in Gloucestershire, creating exciting future opportunities and prospects for our children, young people and neighbourhoods.” Mark Gale

We have also developed a strong partnership with Aspire Foundation – a local registered charity with over 20 years of experience – which will support the delivery of Targeted Family Support as part of the contract. This includes early help to identify issues children and families face and offer support to enable families to have a more positive future.

ICONic visit

Last week GGT were honoured to be visited by Baroness Hilary Armstrong and some of the fantastic team at ICON – the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods. The visit followed on from our event at the House of Commons last year, and we were delighted to introduce the group to some of our community partners and the neighbourhoods we work alongside.

First stop was Poets Pantry in Podsmead where Volunteer Manager Terry gave an insight to the food club managed by the pantry and some of the local challenges with food poverty. Podsmead Big Local members also talked about critical importance of the planned regeneration to the area.

Baroness Hilary Armstrong and the team from the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods visit Poets Pantry in Podsmead

We then visited the site of the new Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub in Podsmead, which will be the legacy of Podsmead Big Local and will bring a huge boost for health and wellbeing and youth work in the area, supported by GGT.

After a brief tour of Gloucester Services and an overview of our partnership with Westmorland Family, in which we both have a stake in the business at Gloucester Services and how it is run, we began a roundtable discussion with some of our community partners on some of the challenges and opportunities facing our neighbourhoods.

The team from the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods and Baroness Hilary Armstrong pictured with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust's Community Manager Clare Skivington at the bread table inside the Gloucester Services Farmshop.

Dawn from The Venture Community Hub talked about some of the years of turbulence in White City when new builds came as part of regeneration and how that impacted the community, but the community spirit remained strong.

An insightful quote from the conversation was: “If you don’t think about people, you can’t affect regeneration. People will feel trusted and enthusiastic if we get communities right”.

All were in agreement about how things don’t happen over night and it was the trust that communities build that really make a difference, and community spaces are increasingly more important and used by groups of multi-generational residents – and so form a really vital consideration in any regeneration plans.

It also shone through in the discussion how much community partners believe in people and their imagination to power new regeneration ideas that affect their communities, but sometimes feeling they are gatekept.

The conversations also talked about opportunities within communities, and GGT reinforced what is a fundamental principle of our organisation and partnerships – the importance of empowering and enabling people to follow through on their aspirations and creative ideas to make positive lasting change.

Baroness Hilary Armstrong and the team from ICON - the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods - visited Gloucestershire Gateway Trust in February 2025, pictured outside Gloucester Services southbound.

Reflecting on the visit Baroness Hilary Armstrong said: “I was delighted to see first hand the positive impact Gloucestershire Gateway Trust has on local residents. I look forward to taking the experiences and voices of local residents into the work of the Commission as we make the case for how we can do more support people to improve their local neighbourhoods.”

Looking ahead to an exciting future

By Ben Morris, Director of Play, Play Gloucestershire

“Last week we joined other community partners, funders, MP’s, special local guests and a government Minister to celebrate 10 years of the Gloucestershire Gateway Trust partnership at the House of Commons in London.

It is such remarkable milestone, and the event provided Play Gloucestershire with visibility on a platform we’ve never been on before. The opportunity to connect with GGT partners, members of parliament and others in the room who are linked to larger organisations was invaluable. It allowed me to discuss strategic plans and explore potential collaborations that could strengthen and grow our work.

I am always immensely proud and happy to tell my friends, family, and quite frankly anyone that mentions the services, that I was there at the first dig and that Play Gloucestershire is a charity partner.

Something one of the other community partners said to me (whilst we were enjoying the delicious ‘taste of Gloucestershire’ food), and I am paraphrasing here, but hopefully the intent of the message comes across: she said she was inspired and excited about the future with young people (she was looking at me at this point and also pointed out Dawn from The Venture, Kelly from Blackbridge and Chris from FVAF) taking up the work her and others started. Telling us she was happy knowing it was being passed on and the good work will continue.

I think conversations like this only happen at events like yesterday. The chance to celebrate past achievements and milestones and at the same time look ahead to an exciting future.”