Guide Bridge Theatre Ltd
People: Improving people’s mental wellbeing
We provide an accessible warm and welcoming community space for people to connect, eat, participate, and be entertained.
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About this cause
GBT’s vision statement is, the delivery of inclusive/collaborative performance arts, community participation (monthly café and singing for wellbeing), promotion of social interaction, and maximising the use of facilities that support inclusive community use. To date, GBT has self-funded, purchased, renovated, extended and maintained its premises from its own funds. Pre-Covid-19, GBT was an under-used asset that had no lockdown income. Post-Covid-19, GBT refocused its operating strategy to become a hiring and producing venue, and a community hub. This resulted in increased footfall from c.7000 in 2019 to c.16000 in 2023 – an increase of 129%. GBT is in the St Peters ward of Tameside and ranked 299/32844 nationally on the index of multiple deprivation (source ONS).
How this cause brings people in the community together
We aim to provide a Christmas event with seasonal fayre and entertainment, including providing guests with a gift of homemade chutney sourced from a local veteran’s charity. For some, this will be the only time to celebrate the season in company so it’s important to make this a special occasion and promote an improved feeling of community and wellbeing. Our client group feedback shows people favour a daytime event for fear of dark hours and this provides the opportunity for social engagement in a safe, secure and warm environment.