Hello Everyone,
Up next in our member's #Dignity stories is a lovely piece by Gateway Member Mary.
Mary: The Warm Welcome
I was in a bad ‘aul place. I felt disconnected and alone. Not knowing where to turn, someone suggested gateway, a community project which was something different, and definitely something new for me.
As I got off the 16 bus and headed for Mount Drummond I was feeling nervous and excited at the same time. Excited that this might be a place for me and also nervous that I mightn’t fit in.
Making my way through the gates and past the trees [I could see a colourful sign for gateway in a window on the ground floor.Looking in I could see people laughing and chatting around a big table. Filled suddenly with anxiety, I turned to leave.
I didn’t get far however before one of the project workers came out to ask my name. Her welcoming approach put me at ease and I relaxed enough to follow her in for a cup of tea, where much to my relief everybody was just as kind and friendly.
Five years on I’m proud to say that I’m still a member of Gateway. It’s my second home, a place where I can relax and be myself.
Wouldn’t it be great if there were warm welcomes like this everywhere?
