Double the Difference: Thank You for Supporting Our Big Give Small Charity Week Campaign

We are thrilled to share the success of our Big Give Small Charity Week campaign!

From 12 noon on Monday 22 June to 5pm on Monday 29 June 2026, our amazing supporters came together to make double the difference for older people across central and inner west Gateshead.

Thanks to your incredible generosity, we raised £2,500, and every donation was matched pound for pound by our campaign champions, the Postcode Neighbourhood Trust. This meant every gift went twice as far, helping to raise £5,000 in total to support older people who rely on our services to stay connected, active and independent.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, shared our campaign and encouraged others to support us.

Supporting Older People to Live Well

The funds raised will enable us to continue providing the vital services that help reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing for older people in central and inner west Gateshead, including:

• Weekly lunch clubs where people can enjoy a nutritious meal and friendly conversation.

• Men's groups that offer hot food, companionship, shared interests and a welcoming place to connect.

• Freshly prepared hot meal deliveries

• Activities that encourage people to stay physically active, mentally stimulated and socially engaged at our lunch clubs and men's groups

• Community transport, helping older people attend our groups and remain connected to their local community.

  
  

Every Donation Helps Change Lives

Many of the older people we support are experiencing challenges that can make everyday life more difficult. Some are living with the grief of losing a partner or loved one, while others are coping with long-term illness, disability, reduced mobility, memory loss or the early stages of dementia. We also support older people who are neurodivergent and may find social situations more difficult without the right environment and encouragement.

For many, loneliness and isolation can have a profound impact on both physical and mental health. A lack of social contact can reduce confidence, affect wellbeing and make it harder to remain independent.

That's why your support matters so much.

The money raised through this campaign will help ensure that older people continue to have welcoming places where they can enjoy a hot meal, make new friends, try something new or revisit an old hobby they used to love, and feel part of their community. It helps people to maintain routines, build meaningful relationships and access support before early, preventing small challenges from becoming bigger barriers to overcome.

Thank You for Helping Us Make Double the Difference

We are incredibly grateful to our campaign champions, the Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, whose matched funding doubled the value of every donation made during the campaign.

To everyone who gave, shared our campaign or cheered us on throughout the week, thank you.

If you or someone you know would like to join our lunch clubs or men's groups, for lunch and activities, contact our team on 0191 4600297. There's a range of activities at each group, a freshly cooked two-course meal, refreshments and accessible minibus transport from home and back again in the local area.