October in BITMO's Gate

Here is some information about events and activities in BITMO’s GATE and around Belle Isle for October and beyond!.

I have attached the BITMO’s GATE October programme below with full details of the opening times and all the regular sessions, plus:

• free food four times a week
• drop-in employment and training advice five times this month
• Tuesday morning carer and support groups three times a month

I have also attached the October Half Term programme, with free family activities and food on three days, and three Belle Isle groups for parent/carers and pre-school children. There’s the long-running Tot’s Group on Thursdays and the fantastic Manorfield Hall on Newhall Road and the Tuesday pre-school group and Thursday baby group run by the Children’s Centre from BITMO’s GATE.

Cost of Living Support

As you know, many Belle Isle households are struggling due to the cost of living crisis. BITMO has brought in a number of measures to help with this including:

• A £70,000 Community Fund that can pay for household goods

• Free food at BITMO’s GATE 4 times a week

• Free family food and activities three days a week during all 13 weeks of school holidays

• A Winter Warmth package of items like blankets, hot water bottles and other goods

• Running a second-hand winter coat and school uniform project

BITMO have also employed Amelia Ward as their Cost of Living Support Officer. Her first priorities are to support BITMO families affected by the two-child benefit cap. She can also help with benefit checks and debt (basic advice and then referrals to specialists). She is promoting the low cost meals at Manorfield Hall and The Welcome Centre and the foodbank and pantry at Manorfield Hall and Cranmore & Raylands.