Gatehouse is a local independent charity. Its mission is to serve the people of West Suffolk and surrounding area, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, by identifying and responding to needs unmet by other organisations. It campaigns with and for disadvantaged people; works with local communities to develop local sustainable support for disadvantaged families and individuals. It also offers a range of services to people with mental health issues and their carers.

Gatehouse provides services to increasing numbers of older people and their family carers in Suffolk, these services include: day centres, dementia support, lunch and social clubs and other community support. Gatehouse also provides a Furniture Reuse Service exclusively for people on low income and food parcels. Services provided enable people in Suffolk to stay independent and healthy and helps to prevent social isolation, poverty and depression, making a real difference to their lives.

Gatehouse enables frail and vulnerable older people to access advice and information allowing them to be better informed and to remain independent and less isolated. In 2011-12 support services were provided to over 100 older people in Bury St Edmunds. We provided approximately 12,500 hours of respite to family carers across West Suffolk. Over 3,500 people were helped in receiving furniture and food parcels, reusing 5,500 items and saving approximately 120 tonnes from landfill.