Gateshead College Artist Shines a Light on Our Men’s Groups

We’re delighted to share that Wade Scott, a talented Fine Art student from Gateshead College, has chosen Teams and Bensham Community Care's Men's Groups as the inspiration for his end-of-term project in a heartfelt piece titled “The Lonely Gentlemen, Find Their Voice.”

Wade’s work captures the spirit of what our Men’s Groups aim to alleviate: loneliness for older gentlemen in Gateshead. Our groups bring older men together each week to share stories, laughter, and friendship in a warm, inclusive space. Wade's painting reflects the loneliness that can significantly affect older men, and how the power of connection brings hope that grows when people are seen, valued, and supported.

For this piece, I chose to represent the members of the Teams and Bensham Men’s Group. This charity matters because it’s one of the few accessible services in the community bringing older people together to stay active, connected, and supported, which is vital for health and wellbeing. I’ve seen first hand the warm, inclusive atmosphere they’ve created and the positive impact it has on those who attend.”

Through his painting, Wade captures the balance of light and shadow, a powerful metaphor for the challenges of isolation and the strength found in companionship.

“The main theme of the piece is hope for a better way of life, with the imagery of the light shining on the two men's heads as they talk. The deep black (loneliness) still surrounds them, but it does not consume them.”

We are incredibly moved by Wade’s thoughtful portrayal and his recognition of the impact that local community groups can have on older people’s lives. As he beautifully puts it:

“I think this piece celebrates the difference that we can make for older people’s lives in our community.”

At Teams and Bensham Community Care, our Men’s Groups are about connection and a place where older men can come together, share experiences, and find friendship. We’re proud to see this spirit represented through art, reminding us that creativity and compassion truly go hand in hand.

Thank you, Wade, for choosing to highlight our work and for bringing such sensitivity and heart to your project.

If you or someone you know would like to join us at one or more of our lunch clubs (held mid-morning to mid-afternoons on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays) or one or both of our men's groups (held mid-morning to mid-afternoon on Mondays and Thursdays), 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.