In the late 1980’s, local GP Margaret Sherratt noticed that older people were becoming increasingly affected by isolation and loneliness. This was caused by housing redevelopment in the Teams area which saw lots of family sized homes demolished. Families were relocated, leaving older relatives behind without close relatives living nearby.

 

To improve the health and wellbeing of older people in the community, Margaret, along with Reverend Brian Howell (who were both members of the Kelvin Grove Christian Fellowship at this time) began looking at ways to bring older people together to build social and support networks.

 

Father Tony Battle (from Holy Rosary), along with Sisters Pat Devlin and Bernadette McAvoy (both from Little Sisters of the Poor), as well as Brian and Margaret, played a significant role in numerous community projects in the Teams area. Together with Holy Rosary parishioners, who were among our first employees, they established Teams and Bensham Community Care. This ecumenical approach and the strong and lasting friendships across the Roman Catholic, Free Church and Anglican Church, has led to a lasting legacy in our community through our charity and many other community services. Both Brian and Margaret remain dedicated trustees of our charity today.

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The Christian ethos has been running through our charity ever since, and we continue to work closely alongside the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, the Holy Rosary and local churches and faith based organisations. Many of our trustees, employees and volunteers are Christians from the Anglican and Roman Catholic church and our work and decision making is guided by our faith.

 

Our mission continues to encompass Christian values and the importance of community wellbeing, compassion, serving with integrity to benefit those who are marginalised and vulnerable, giving hope and fostering a sense of community and spiritual support.

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"The most religious thing we can do, is to help people" (Rev. Brian Howell, Trustee)

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If any beneficiaries or their loved ones would like Christian spiritual guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.