Tag: charity

Grace House runner Steven truly is Great!

By on 4th January 2019in charity
Photo from left to right: Matt Wylie MBE and Steven Garrigan

People take part in the Great North Run for a number of different reasons; to get fit, to challenge yourself or to remember someone special. In 2018 Steven Garrigan ran the Great North Run in memory of his Niece Grace Jones, who was the inspiration for Grace House and sadly passed away in September 2017.

Steven wanted to do something for Grace House and his daughter Alisha persuaded him to run the Great North Run to honour the memory of Grace. Along with Alisha and his friend Ian, they signed up and set themselves a target of £1,250, little did they know that they would go on to smash this! Steven raised over £2,300 in the lead up to the event and between the three of them they raised a total of £3,247! Steven admitted he did struggle to find time to train as he works away from home however, he did fit in some last-minute training while he was on holiday in Fuerteventura! This paid off as he completed the run in 2 hours and 15 minutes, crossing the finish line as the Red Arrows flew over South Shields.

To acknowledge this amazing achievement Grace House awarded Steven with a trophy for best fundraiser which was presented to him at Grace House by Matt Wylie MBE.

Victoria Brown, Chief Executive at Grace House said “Steven should be immensely proud of what he has achieved in the name of his Niece Grace. His story is inspiring, and Grace House is extremely grateful for his amazing effort in raising such a fantastic amount of money. Local charities like ourselves rely so much on the passion and commitment of our supporters and we cannot thank Steven and his family enough”

Steven said “Completing the Great North Run I felt a huge amount of emotion, pride and sense of achievement. I couldn’t of done this without all the fantastic support from my family, friends and work colleagues donating such a large amount to such a worthy cause in Grace House, making the whole day and memory of it stay with me forever.”

Entries for the 2019 Simplyhealth Great North Run are now open and if Steven’s story has inspired you, you can sign up and join #TeamGraceHouse now at the link below or email lf@gracehouse.co.uk. https://members.gracehouse.co.uk/events/simplyhealth-great-north-run-2019

North East PR agency joins High Tide wave

By on 1st November 2018in charity
High Tide Wave organisation

North East PR, social media and content marketing agency, Harvey & Hugo, is the latest company to pledge its support to young people in Teesside by becoming a member of local charity, the High Tide Foundation.

Headquartered in Darlington, Harvey & Hugo has been developing and promoting brands across the North East and beyond for over nine years. Through this new membership, the company will offer work placements and industry insights to young people across the Tees Valley.

Charlotte Nichols, owner and managing director of Harvey & Hugo said: “I’m really passionate about developing and retaining talent here in the North East. We have an exceptional range of industries and it’s important that young people get a taste of the opportunities available before they commit to long term studies and qualifications.

“The Tees Valley is well known for its port, manufacturing and engineering but there is so much more here, too. The Pack and I are excited to join the fantastic member businesses in offering an insight into just how much there is.”

As members, Harvey & Hugo will also support High Tide through fundraising activities and raising awareness with its varied customer base.

Lauren Bywater, general manager at High Tide Foundation, said: “It’s great to add Harvey & Hugo as our latest members to the list. Six years ago, we started off with only the local port users and it’s great to now see just how much we have grown to have members from many different industries including the creative media and digital sector.

“I feel so proud to be part of Tees Valley with our fantastic young people we support and also the great businesses that are so keen to help out. We started our journey in Redcar and Cleveland and have expanded into Middlesbrough, Stockton and Hartlepool. Our next hope is to become more engaged with the Darlington area and through teaming up with an amazing Darlington-based company such as Harvey & Hugo, this really gives us a great place to start. I’m very much looking forward to seeing what the team bring to our new Creative Media Sector Week.”

Harvey & Hugo will be working with High Tide Foundation for strategy development and to provide PR and content marketing support, to help the charity continue developing awareness of its work and share its successes.

High Tide Foundation works to connect education and industry in the Tees Valley, delivering a wide range of industry-led programmes to as many young people as possible. From accountancy and automotive to media and manufacturing, its business members are in a unique position to inspire, influence and shape their future workforce.

In 2019, the charity is increasing its already established sector weeks, covering industries such as finance, law, engineering, digital, creative and media. This is supported in part by corporate sponsorship and fundraising activities such as its 2018 golf day which raised £2,800. Based on this success there will be another golf day in 2019/

For more information on Harvey & Hugo see www.harveyandhugo.com

For more information on High Tide Foundation see www.hightidefoundation.co.uk

Diamond Group tees off for charity

By on 19th October 2018in charity, Local Biz

North East-based technology solutions provider, Diamond Group, used its recent corporate golf day to raise money for local charity and client, Age UK Northumberland.

Diamond Group, which announced a three-year partnership with the charity earlier this year that will save it around £90,000, recently welcomed the charity’s service users to its offices for a home-cooked lunch, bingo and entertainment, and wanted to raise money to support its work.

John Burns, managing director of Diamond Group, said: “It’s a charity doing fantastic work, something I really believe in. It feels natural for me and the Company to support Age UK Northumberland and I’m grateful so many people joined us for our golf day.

“I, and all the directors at Diamond would like to thank everyone who took part in the event for their generous support and donations, with a special thanks to Pam and Donna from Diamond and Rachel from Age UK Northumberland.  We look forward to seeing everyone at the event next year!”

The event was held at Wearside Golf Club and after networking and a bacon sandwich, golfers headed out to the course. The undeniable victors were the Henderson team; winning best team, with their player Rob Briggs scooping longest drive and best individual score. Nearest the pin was awarded to Graeme Haswell of the Bluebell Care team.

Following the game, players enjoyed a delicious two-course lunch in the club house, followed by a raffle. Prizes had been donated generously by local businesses and included a bottle of Moet & Chandon, beauty treatment vouchers and a meal for two at Aspers Casino.

Rachel Todd, head of income generation and marketing at Age UK Northumberland, said: “We’re a small independent charity and we need support like this to sustain our services; Diamond Group has made a real difference to our charity. The work that the Company has done to support us and the additional activities, welcoming our service users and raising money, is hugely appreciated.

“Loneliness in older people is a real issue in Northumberland and all of the services we provide work in some way to reduce social isolation and loneliness. The fundraising by Diamond Group will really help us to continue this work.”

The golf day raised £1200 in total which will be used to help older people across Northumberland. The Company is continuing its commitment by sponsoring a table at the Age UK Northumberland Annual Dinner, to be held in October.

For more information on Diamond Group, see http://www.diamond-group.net/ or follow @DiamondGroupNE on Twitter.

North East Company Backs Local Causes

By on 18th October 2018in charity, Local Biz

North East document destruction and confidential waste expert, The Shred Centre, is building on its support of the local community with sponsorship and a charity initiative.

The family-run company has sponsored Heighington AFC under 14s’ new 2018/2019 home kit as well as a fundraising campaign to support local charity, Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust.

Company Director, Natalie Stephens said: “We have a personal connection with Heighington AFC and when the club approached us for support, we were glad to get involved.

“It’s great to keep the younger generation in sport and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to help make a contribution to our local community.”

The company has also launched a campaign where individuals can drop off their personal confidential waste free for secure disposal in return for a donation to its chosen charity, the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust.

The charity and its work supporting cancer sufferers and their families in the local area is something that is personally important to the company’s owners.

Patrick Stephens, company director said, “Not only is the charity is based in the Spennymoor area, we’ve heard a lot about Mark Solan and the work he has done to help families with cancer – it’s fantastic.

“Natalie and I have a personal connection to the issues the charity addresses and we are aware that more support is needed to help people get through those tough times. Raising money for a cause we believe in so strongly seemed like a natural thing to do.”

The shredding service does not need to be booked in advance and will be available to individuals who visit the destruction centre throughout the month of November at Merrington Lane Industrial Estate, Spennymoor, between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday.

To find out more about The Shred Centre, visit https://www.theshredcentre.com/ or call 01388 328019.

North East charity welcomes Duchess as Patron

By on 11th October 2018in Local Biz
Wag & Company

North East-based charity, Wag & Company North East Friendship Dogs, has welcomed Her Grace, The Duchess of Northumberland as Patron.

Best known for redeveloping The Alnwick Garden, the Duchess of Northumberland is a British businesswoman and has served as Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland since 2009.  An avid dog lover, the Duchess has been integral in developing the Elderberries Programme at Alnwick, a social project bringing people together to socialise and build friendships; part of her commitment to helping Northumberland address loneliness and be a great place to grow older.

Diane Morton, charity director, said: “We’re honoured that the Duchess has agreed to become Patron of Wag & Company.

“By putting her faith in us and lending her support, we are hopeful that more and more people across our region with their special dogs will become aware of the difference they could make to our elderly neighbours with just an hour or two most weeks.”

Launched in 2016, Wag & Company operates across the whole of the North East bringing friendship and the company of a dog to older people in their own homes – unique to Wag & Company – or in care or medical establishments.

The charity now has 222 professionally assessed volunteers who, with their special dogs, are making people smile across the region; another 54 are currently going through the charity’s assessments process. To date, nearly 30,000 friend visits have been made and over 1,400 vulnerable North East people are benefitting.

The Duchess of Northumberland said; “Being a lover of dogs, I understand and appreciate how they can enhance life for their owners and elderly friends. Loneliness is a killer and if dogs can help to address this scourge of the 21st century then I am fully supportive and am honoured to be a Patron of such a worthy initiative.”

For more information on Wag & Company see https://www.wagandcompany.co.uk

Darlington Building Society Supports North East Homeless Charity

By on 5th January 2017in In & Around

Darlington Building Society in Stockton is helping to tackle youth homelessness in Teesside after giving its support to a local charity.

The Stockton High Street branch of the Society has supported the Youth Homeless North East (YHNE) charity, by making a donation from its community fund to allow the charity to purchase important items including hygiene products and warm clothing.

Working in collaboration with partners throughout the region to bring about change, YHNE has the ultimate aim of eradicating homelessness amongst young people through the promotion of best practice, influencing policy and strategy, and working with young people to help them overcome barriers to housing.

Linda Masterman, Customer Service Consultant at Darlington Building Society, said: “When the branch heard about the work that Youth Homeless North East does with youngsters in Tees Valley, we wanted to help and put it forward to receive a donation from our community fund.

“It does fantastic work helping to keep young people safe and off the streets, so we’re pleased to be able to give them our support.”

Kieran Platts of Youth Homeless North East said: “We’d like to thank Darlington Building Society for its support. It’s important for us to have the backing of organisations, like the Society, which have a passion for giving back to the community.”

North Shields Culture Hub Gains Charitable Status

By on 9th December 2016in Events

A NEW cultural arts destination in North Tyneside has been awarded charitable status by the Charity Commission after a 3-month bid assisted by Jesmond-based accountants Robson Laidler.

The Exchange North Tyneside Limited, housed within a stunning grade II listed building on Howard Street, offers space and networking opportunities for the arts and cultural sector.

As a result of the new charitable status The Exchange can now claim tax back on donations towards its future development, as well as able to apply for various charitable rate reliefs, gift aid and charitable grants.

The charity can now deliver even more projects alongside already successful events such as, theatre performances, monthly art exhibitions, youth drama and musical theatre clubs, baby and toddler story adventure groups, live music, poetry readings and open mic sessions.

Artistic director at The Exchange Karen Knox said: “Thanks to Robson Laidler, we now have the ability to make donations go further, either by getting tax relief on them or claiming it back through gift aid. Now that we have been granted a charitable status we can improve facilities, equipment and funding to support and benefit creativity in North Tyneside.

“Our vision is to support arts, culture and creativity by delivering an inspirational environment  where skills and knowledge can grow. We actively engage with companies and individuals to help them develop personally and professionally and stay connected.”

Robson Laidler director Michael Moran, who assisted with the bid said: “Here at Robson Laidler we work closely with over 50 local charities and the not-for-profit sector. We were delighted to assist The Exchange with their charitable registration process.

“The Exchange can now benefit financially and the local community can benefit from a growing creative outlet. It is a valuable service for the people of North Tyneside and we are delighted that the Charity Commission has concurred with our view on this.”

The Exchange has already been host to a number of charity events such as an art exhibition in aid of Save the Children, the Musicians Against Homelessness live music event in aid of Crisis, the North Shields Fishermen’s Heritage Project and Age UK’s Age Takes Centre Stage charitable tea dance.

The Exchange continues to develop from strength to strength and has already gained its first funding from Northstar Ventures Fresh Ideas Fund which will go towards developing the theatre space, investing in equipment and improving services.

Washington Wetland Centre Welcome Newborn Otter Cubs

By on 23rd March 2016in Uncategorised

The excitement has quadrupled for the WWT Washington Wetland Centre family as four Asian short-clawed otter cubs arrived safe and sound…

The new arrivals were born on 3 March to Mimi and Musa, the award-winning wetland centre’s popular otter pair. The quadruplets arrive just 10 month after the pairs first otter cub ‘Squeak’ was born last May.

WWT Washington’s aviculture and captive animal manager Kristian Purchase said: “Our staff and volunteers are very excited to announce the safe arrival of 4 otter cubs.

“It’s still early days for them – they currently weigh 140g on average, have no teeth and won’t open their eyes until they reach about 40 days old so it will be a few weeks before Musa and Mimi bring them outside. Once again, they’re proving to be fantastic parents so we will be as hands-off as possible to let them bond and grow as a family.

“It’s been fantastic to see Musa and Squeak taking care of Mimi, bringing her food and bedding. We’ve even witnessed Musa collecting water to pass to Mimi in what looks like a ‘kissing’ action – something I’ve never heard of in Asian short-clawed otters which is incredible. Musa has also been teaching Squeak how to be a brilliant big sister and she’s certainly stepped up to the mark.

“Our wardens are closely monitoring all four cubs and visitors can hear all about their progress and what their arrival means for our team during the daily talks at 11.30am and 3pm.”

This is the second litter for Mimi and Musa who were first introduced at WWT Washington on Valentine’s Day 2013.

Musa was born at WWT Martin Mere in Lancashire on 3 October 2009, while Mimi began life at Chessington World of Adventures on 20 July 2011.

WWT Washington’s centre manager Gill Pipes said: “This is another fantastic conservation in action success story for both the WWT Washington team and of course, Mimi and Musa.

“Asian short-clawed otters are a vulnerable species on the IUCN red list and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) works alongside the IUCN otter working group to maintain a healthy captive reserve of bloodlines.

“WWT’s international work includes projects in areas that are home to wild Asian short-clawed otters such as That Luang Marsh in Laos and the Cambodian Lower Mekong Wetlands.

“We’d also like to thank our members and visitors for their valuable support.  This allows us to carry out such vital conservation work, as well as keeping our own otters well looked after and healthy – and as a result they have gone on to successfully breed for a second time.”

Asian short-clawed otters form a bond for life and can have two litters of up to six young per year, with gestation lasting about 60 days. In the wild they live in extended family groups, with only the alpha pair breeding. Older offspring help raise their younger siblings and will stay with their parents for a long time.

Kristian added: “Asian short-clawed otters are very sociable and often play group games, while helping younger generations to develop hunting and swimming skills. The young cubs will learn a lot from big sister Squeak and we know she’ll be excited to have some playmates at her first birthday party in May!

“Our visitors and members will get some fantastic opportunities to witness this incredible behavior up close in the coming weeks once the family is out in the enclosure, with great views from our accessible platform.  For now, the holt itself will be temporarily cordoned off, to give them the privacy and quiet time that they need.

“We look forward to sharing the cubs’ story in the coming months and can’t wait for you to meet them.  In the mean time, please join us in congratulating Mimi and Musa on their new arrivals!”

Did you know?

  • Otters are part of the mustelid family, which roughly translates as ‘smelly animal’.
  • Asian short-clawed otters are the smallest of all 13 otter species, weighing less than 5kg.
  • They are found in the mangrove swamps and freshwater wetlands of Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, southern China, Taiwan, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
  • Their most distinctive feature is their claws, which don’t extend beyond the fleshy end pads of their partially webbed fingers and toes – hence their name!
  • Their sensitive finger pads mean they’re very dexterous and use their paws, rather than their mouths, to hunt prey including molluscs, crabs and other small aquatic animals.
  • They communicate through at least 12 different calls.
  • Their life span is anywhere from 11-16 years.
  • The main threats to their survival are habitat destruction, pollution and direct persecution from hunting and trapping.

MFC Foundation Introduce New Transition Project For Teesside Schools

By on 18th March 2016in In & Around

Last October, Head of Ofsted Sir Michael Wilshaw said that the importance of a good start to secondary school “cannot be overstated”…

And now, a new schools project on Teesside is set to give children their best chance yet when making the step up from primary to secondary education.

Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation is teaming up with Middlesbrough Council to roll out the schools transition project, with more than 300 children to receive support from ‘transition coaches’ from the later years of primary education through to their first years at secondary school.

Delivered by qualified staff from MFC Foundation, the official charitable arm of Middlesbrough Football Club, the pull of the Boro badge will be used to engage with the young pupils. As well as leading classroom activities to prepare youngsters for the step up, the transition coaches will provide a consistent point of contact for the children throughout the process.

The £100,000 scheme, which includes £70,000 of funding from Middlesbrough Council, will be piloted in three Teesside secondary schools and their 12 feeder primary schools from May.

Recent government research has suggested that the culture shift from primary to secondary school is one of the most critical periods of a child’s education. Published by Ofsted in September 2015, a report entitled ‘Key Stage 3: The Wasted Years’ concluded that “the rate of pupils’ progress and achievement [in Key Stage 3] were not good enough”.

It is hoped that the project will provide a positive catalyst to improve Key Stage 3 for children in the Tees Valley.

MFC Foundation is currently advertising three staff positions to work on the transition project. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 22 March. Please visit www.mfcfoundation.co.uk for more details.

Stewart Smith, MFC Foundation’s Chair of Trustees, said: “Raising aspirations through education is a huge part of MFC Foundation’s vision for the Teesside community.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with Middlesbrough Council to target and improve a crucial part of the school experience for our young people.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “We are committed to improving outcomes for all young people, and the transition from primary to secondary is one of the most important periods in a great many young lives.

“Through this important scheme Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation is creating a unique opportunity to engage children in our disadvantaged communities and help them improve their self-belief, life skills, employment prospects and health.

“It is a fresh approach which has the potential to change lives for the better, and we are pleased to be able to support it.”

North East Housebuilder Collects Easter Eggs For Charity

By on 7th March 2016in In & Around

MILLER Homes North East is looking to bring smiles to the faces of disadvantaged and poorly children across the region with the launch of the Miller Homes Easter Egg Drop this March…

The leading housebuilder is collecting chocolate Easter eggs to donate to local children’s charities which will help to provide a special surprise to youngsters who may not otherwise receive a treat this Easter.

Easter egg donations from members of the public, as well as a donation from Miller Homes, will be shared between the Sunshine Fund in Newcastle, Action for Children in Bedlington and Home Start in Teesside, to be distributed to children who benefit from the services of these charities.

Donations of chocolate Easter eggs can be dropped off at any of Miller Homes’ sales centres in the North East until 5:30pm on Monday 21 March 2016.

Andrew Somerville, regional sales manager at Miller Homes North East, said: “We are committed to supporting the local communities which surround our developments and we’re excited to be launching the Miller Homes Easter Egg Drop in support of the Sunshine Fund, Action for Children and Home Start.

“To help our campaign, we’d very much appreciate if local members of the community would be so kind as to buy just one extra Easter egg which we will donate to these great causes, who do fantastic work in the North East.”

Easter egg donations can be dropped off at the sales centres at any of Miller Homes’ North East developments. Sales centres are open Mondays from 12:30pm to 5:30pm and Thursdays to Sundays from 10:30am to 5:30pm. All donations must be made by 5:30pm on Monday 21 March 2016.

With prices starting from £95,960, Miller Homes’ North East developments include Park View in Gateshead, Heritage Green in Backworth, The Acres in Bedlington, Wheatfields in Seaton Delaval, Portland Wynd in Blyth, The Meadows in Framwellgate Moor, Wheatlands Chase in Redcar, Acklam Woods in Acklam and Clairville Grange in Middlesbrough, and also coming soon, Scholars Gate, in Sunderland, in spring 2016.

For more information on Miller Homes and its North East developments call 0808 250 6426 or visit www.millerhomes.co.uk.

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