Teams and Bensham Community Care: Bringing Isolated Older People Together in Gateshead

For over three decades, Teams and Bensham Community Care has been a lifeline for older people in Gateshead, offering warm meals, friendship and a reason to leave the house. With support from The National Lottery Community Fund, we continue to provide vital services to those who need them most.

How it all began 📖

Our roots go back to the late 1980s, when we noticed a growing problem in the local area. As local housing developments were demolished and families relocated, older people were often left behind without relatives living nearby. Isolation and loneliness were taking a real toll on their health and wellbeing.

What Teams and Bensham Community Care does today 🏡

Based at our Day Centre at the Holy Rosary Parish House in the Teams area of Gateshead, Teams and Bensham Community Care runs a range of services four days a week for people aged 65 and over, including:

• Lunch clubs — a two-course meal, activities and the company of good friends at our welcoming centre.

• Men's groups — games, shared stories and a hot meal for local men.

• Hot meal delivery — freshly cooked two-course lunches delivered hot and ready to eat, straight to people's doors.

  
  

We also provide a minibus service to and from our centre, helping to ensure that transport is never a barrier to taking part.

Support from The National Lottery Community Fund 🙏

Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund, Teams and Bensham Community Care is able to keep these vital services running for older people across Gateshead. The funding helps us tackle isolation, build friendships and give people a reason to look forward to their week.

Colin, Driver Escort at Teams and Bensham Community Care, says:

"I'm so pleased The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised what we do in this way. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can continue to help older people in Gateshead experiencing loneliness. Our clubs are a lifeline for older people in our community, helping to reduce isolation and easing the daily challenge of preparing meals for some members who struggle with this. We also provide a freshly cooked two-course meal every day."

A Teams and Bensham Community Care Men's Group Member, says:

“I have Alzheimer’s, it’s really hard at home with everything, coming down here always helps me, I love this club. Thank you so much to the National Lottery players for your support.”

Get involved ✋

Whether you're interested in our lunch clubs, men's group or hot meal deliveries, or would like to volunteer your time, Teams and Bensham Community Care is always welcoming new faces.

You can reach the team on 0191 460 0297, visit our website or find us on Facebook.

To find out more about The National Lottery Community Fund, visit The National Lottery Community Fund website.