This issue is filled with updates from a busy summer, along with some key highlightsaswelookaheadtowinter.We hopeyouenjoyreadingit!
As we move into the colder months, we ’ re proud to share a snapshot of what’s been happening at Charlotte Straker House both within our home and across our wider charitablework
At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to providingoutstandingcare.Thishasincludedwelcomingnew residents, supporting families through respite care, and continuing to build the warm, inclusive environment that makesourhomesospecial
We were delighted to recently receive £20,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund towards our community respite bed, an essential service that gives carers a break and individuals a safe place to recover or rest This recognition, and the support from lottery players, will help us continuethisimportantworkintheyearahead
Lookingforward,wecontinuetofacerisingcostsacrosstheboardfromstaffingtoday-today operations and the need to fundraise remains as vital as ever Every raffle ticket bought,donationmade,orhourvolunteeredhelpsusbridgethegrowinggapbetweenthe costofcareandthefundingavailable
Thank you for being part of our journey whether you ' re a family member, supporter, donororvolunteer Wecouldn’tdoitwithoutyou
We’ve welcomed some fantastic new faces to our care, domestic, office, and kitchen teams and we ’ re looking forward to supporting our newest colleagues as they grow and thrive here at CharlotteStrakerHouse Whetherprovidinghands-oncare,keepingourhomespotless,preparing delicious meals, or supporting behind the scenes every team member plays a vital role in the workwedo Toallournewstaff welcome!We’resopleasedtohaveyouwithus
Karen Cadwallader Office Manager
TeamUpdate:BoardofTrustees
Berenice brings strong leadership and a deep commitment to our community. As Chair, she provides invaluable guidance and inspires the team to deliver our mission with passion and purpose.
Gavin draws on a wealth of experience from the commercial and financial sectors. As Vice Chair, he plays a key role in guiding our strategic decisions and supporting the charity’s continued growth
We’re delighted to welcome David Chesser to the Board David is a retired chartered accountant who has lived in Corbridge for over 30 years He held senior roles in both public and private sectors, including Deputy Vice Chancellor at Northumbria University and Chief Operating Officer at York St John University In retirement, he enjoys life in the North East, cycling,tennis,andvisitingfamily especiallyhisgrandchildreninSydney.
Barrie Dowdeswell also joins us with a wealth of NHS experience, including serving as Chief Executive of the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. A trained economist and published author on healthcare investment and integration, Barrie recently retired from advisory work acrossEurope.Hisinsightwillbeavaluableassettoourcharityaswelooktothefuture.
Therespitebedprovidesessentialsupportforthoserecovering fromillnessorinjury,givingfamilycarersamuch-needed break,andhelpingtopreventavoidablehospitaladmissions It iscurrentlytheonlyfreerespitebedavailableinTynedale,and evenaccesstopaidrespitecareisextremelylimited making thisserviceparticularlyvaluableforlocalfamiliesinneed
At Charlotte Straker House, some of the most meaningful moments come from the unexpected connections formed between our residents and volunteers. One recent meeting reminded us just how powerful those connections can be and how shared experiences can bridge generations andbackgrounds
Bill,oneofourdedicatedvolunteers,spenttimewithGeorge,aresidentatCharlotteStrakerHouse, and the two quickly discovered a strong bond: both had served in the Royal Air Force. What startedasacasualchatsoonturnedintoaheartfeltexchangeofmemories,stories,andlaughter fromtheirtimeinuniform
Bill brought up old service photos on his phone, sparking vivid memories for George “It’s unbelievable to see the photos on the phone,” George said. “Amazing to be able to go through them all.” Their conversation was filled with recognition, respect, and a sense of shared history. It wasaspecialmomentnotjustforGeorge,butforBillaswell
This friendship is a wonderful example of how volunteering isn’t just about giving time it’s about building relationships You don’t need a medical background or specialist skills to make a difference.Sometimes,asharedinterestoralisteningearisallittakestobrightensomeone’sday.
Looking to give back, meet new people, and make a real difference right here in Corbridge? We’re inviting people to become part of our Volunteer Community at Charlotte Straker House Volunteering with us is flexible, rewarding, and open to all ages and backgrounds Whether youhaveanhouraweekorafewhoursamonth,yourtimecanhavea meaningfulimpactonthelivesofourresidents.
We’reexcitedtoannouncethelaunchofourbrand-newChristmas cards,featuringabeautifulbespokeillustrationofCharlotteStraker House Thecardscomeinpacksof10andareperfectforspreading festivecheertofriendsandfamilythisholidayseason.
We are very grateful to have recently received a generous £1,000 grant from St Hilda’s Trust to support our activities schedule here at Charlotte Straker House This funding will help us continue to offer a wide range of engaging and enjoyable activities that bring joy, stimulation, and connection to our residents’ daily lives. Thank you to St Hilda’s Trust for their kindness and support your generosity truly makes a differencetoeveryoneatthehome
SupportTheCharlotteStrakerProject
The Charlotte Straker Project is a registered charity dedicated to providing high-quality residential, nursing,andrespitecaretoolderpeopleinCorbridgeandthesurroundingarea Asanot-for-profit organisation, we reinvest every penny back into improving the lives of our residents and supporting local families. Being a charity means we rely on the generosity of donors, fundraisers, and volunteers to go beyond the basics enhancing our care, upgrading facilities, and offering vital communityservices
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If you are a UK taxpayer your donation could be worth an extra 25% to us at no cost to you. Please note we can only accept gift aid on personal donations. With a Gift Aid declaration, The Charlotte Straker Project can claim tax back on all eligible donations. For every £1 donated, we could claim an additional 25p, at no extra cost.
Yes, I am a UK taxpayer and would like to claim Gift Aid. I understand I must pay enough tax and/or capital gains each year to cover the amount of Gift Aid that all charities claim on my donations in that tax year, and I am responsible for paying any difference. Signed
Gift Aid is reclaimed from the current tax year. Your address is needed to identify you as a UK taxpayer. Please contact the Charlotte Straker Project if you would like to cancel this declaration, change your address or notify us that you no longer pay sufficient tax. Gift Aid will apply to this donation and future donations. Would you like to receive news and updates on the activities, news and fundraising projects at Charlotte Straker House?
Please pick your preferred method of communication Phone ( ) Email ( ) Post ( ) Communication preferences can be changed when requested by the individual. The Charlotte Straker Project will always hold all personal data securely and will not share it with any other third parties. You are always in control of the information we hold. Should you wish us to stop using your information or stop contacting you for any reason, please contact us via office@charlottestraker.org.uk
