In October, our day centre charity in Gateshead, Teams and Bensham Community Care, received some fantastic news.
They were awarded £940 from the McCarthy Stone Foundation after applying for a Christmas Connections Grant 2023. The funds meant the charity could provide a festive programme of activities throughout December.
The day centre charity provides three lunch clubs, and two men's groups every week at their warm, welcoming centre on Bolam Street, Teams. Each group is a great opportunity to spend time with others, enjoy a hot two course meal and take part in a wide range of activities. To make it easy to get to and from the centre, the charity provides door to door minibus transport in the area too!
With the funding, Teams and Bensham Community Care were able to purchase craft supplies to deliver daily Christmas crafts, quizzes, games and other activities, purchase festive room decorations, and for their three Christmas party days, they were able to provide special two-course meals free of charge, and have live entertainment too!
The seasonal programme of activities help bring people together in the weeks leading up to Christmas, a time when some people can feel particularly lonely.
The lunch club and men's group attendees have shared with us the positive difference this has made. They said how the lead up to Christmas has been full of fun, happiness and they have thoroughly enjoyed the activities with their friends at the groups.
Family members noticed positive changes too...
“You make my mam so happy. It’s the highlight of her week. Keep on doing what you are all brilliant at.” (Daughter of a lunch club attendee)
The Teams and Bensham Community Care team told us:
"We love to celebrate whenever we can here at our centre, and this Christmas 2023 was extra special thanks to the funding received from the McCarthy Stone Foundation."
If you or someone you know would like more information about the Teams and Bensham Community Care groups, we're always happy to answer any questions, arrange a home visit or to help in any other way we can. Call our team on 0191 4600297.
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