Issue 8 - Catch up with PCP, projects and services

Hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in-person for the first time in two years, the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) is delighted to shine a light on its achievements and outline future ambitions.

Carol Gaskarth, Chief Executive of PCP, said: “The AGM saw us reflect on the Pioneering Care Centre reopening in 2021. Much of PCP’s work is about engaging with people, so I am thrilled to see people come together once again to review a prosperous year for our dedicated staff and volunteers.

“We have 422 volunteers at PCP supporting projects and services across the North East. In 2021-22, our volunteers gave 5,536 hours of support, which is absolutely incredible! We can’t thank our team of volunteers enough for all that they do to make a difference.”

Achievements throughout last year saw PCP:

Launch a befriending group in County Durham Contracted to support Primrose Lodge in Chester-le-Street Awarded new Healthwatch contract for Stockton-on-Tees Community Garden achieve Northumbria in Bloom Royal Horticultural Society award Deliver leading COVID recovery project in Stockton-on-Tees Community COVID team crowned champions at Catalyst Awards Pioneering Care Centre Christmas Fair raise over £2,100 Healthwatch South Tees celebrate STAR Awards

Cllr Ken Robson Mayor of Great Aycliffe and Mayoress Elaine Robson were in attendance. Cllr Ken Robson, said: “PCP is an award-winning charity and I’m sure you can all appreciate why, there is no definition of the work that goes on here, its varied and community widespread, and most of the people I am in contact with know about PCP and the work that they do.”

A charity at the heart of communities – PCP reflects on a rewarding year

A warm welcome back –PCP's Social Club returns to Aycliffe

There were smiles all around as a member-led service for adults with learning and physical disabilities relaunched its popular evening social club!

Celebrated with a fun-filled summer party, the Pioneering Care Partnership’s (PCP) Social Club welcomed new and returning members, with special guests including Cllr Ken Robson, Mayor of Great Aycliffe, along with his wife Elaine, the Mayoress.

Hosted at the Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe, the relaunch was nothing short of sweet, with fresh fruit meringues, activities and much more on offer.

Carol Gaskarth, Chief Executive of PCP, said: “Our Social Club has been dearly missed following a two-year hiatus. It’s good to be back to provide adults with learning and physical disabilities the opportunity to have fun, relax and unwind, make new friends and take part in a wide range of activities.

“I would like to thank the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) and the local Councillors who continue to support the Social Club with funding, without which we would not be able to run this popular social evening.”

The Social Club takes place every Thursday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and is only £4.00 per session, with funds contributing to weekly activities, resources and staffing.

If you would like to find out more about PCP’s Options service visit our webpage or contact options@pcp.uk.net

Discover financial wellbeing support in County Durham

The cost of living crisis is impacting the whole nation, with County Durham being in the five most impacted areas in the UK, according to a study by charity ‘Friends of the Earth’, with the locality also being labelled as an ‘energy crisis hotspot’. This is impacting many lives in County Durham, but support is available.

Throughout the pandemic, many people have struggled financially, and may not have recovered to where they were pre-COVID. With the added stress of the energy price cap increasing, people need support more than ever.

What services can support me with my financial wellbeing?

The County Durham COVID-19 Resilience Service is a community-based service that promotes emotional resilience to individuals and families, living or working in County Durham who have been emotionally impacted by COVID-19.

The service works with a number of organisations to provide the best support possible to County Durham residents. The routes the service use for supporting clients is providing food parcels and energy vouchers, along with debt and benefit advice referrals to East Durham Trust

Other organisations such as the Welfare Assistance Scheme at Durham County Council can support the most vulnerable with immediate needs, including food parcels, emergency payment vouchers for heating and lighting, travel expenses and clothing.

Home group work with people to give advice and support on saving money, benefit support and wellbeing advice to help you save money on your energy this winter.

If you are worrying about the cost of living crisis following on from the financial impacts that the pandemic had on you, do not hesitate to contact the County Durham COVID-19 Resilience Team - they can support you.

You can refer a client for support from the service, simply get in touch via PCP reception on 01325 321234, email covidresilience@pcp.uk.net, or visit our referral page.

Full staff meeting at Bowburn Hall Hotel

PCP's annual full staff meeting was hosted at Bowburn Hall Hotel, with a range of wellbeing inspired activities on offer. For those who missed out...

The event kicked off with presentations from Carol Gaskarth, and members of the Senior Management Team, who shared delight at the goals achieved throughout the last year, and aspirations for the coming year.

A staff satisfaction survey was conducted to highlight the importance of health and wellbeing, a mocktail tasting session from Wellbeing For Life, a herbal tea tasting and a 'speed networking' session for staff old and new who may have never met one another.

Special thanks was given to members of staff who will be leaving the organisation, once again we would like to say thank you to those who will be leaving and best of luck in your future endeavours!

Become a Community Garden volunteer and see your skills blossom!

The Pioneering Care Centre (PCC) is appealing for Community Garden volunteers to support its glorious green space.

Volunteers can benefit from gardening too! Being out in the fresh air coupled with physical exercise releases endorphins to the brain, which reduces stress and boosts your mental wellbeing.

Volunteers will be able to see plants from a small seed to fully grown, in a relaxed environment with like-minded folk.

PCP Lead Community Garden Volunteer, David Cockburn said: "Gardening isn’t just about planting seeds, it’s a chance to get out the house, get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors.

“When you volunteer at the Community Garden it brings about a communal spirit, everyone being together and embracing the fantastic facilities that we have to offer.”

You will help a flourishing garden bloom all year round, with its variety of plants, flowers, herbs, vegetables, fruit and much more.

On top of that, it is an opportunity to meet new people and make friends, and you don’t have to have any experience of gardening prior - it’s a brilliant learning experience!

The Community Garden welcomes all ages and abilities, with no prior experience necessary, contact the PCC for an informal chat to find out more.

Contact enquiries@pcp.uk.net or call 01325 321234. For general information, visit www.pcp.uk.net

Introducing new Community Champions for Healthwatch South Tees

Healthwatch South Tees' Volunteer and Engagement Officer, Vicky Jackson, has continued to strengthen their network by recruiting fantastic volunteers over the last month.

These new champions will feedback to the project from the people they work with (many of whom are from seldom heard communities), so they can get a wider perspective on local health and social care issues and experiences.

If you'd like to find out more about the role of a Community Champion, including how to become one, please click here.

Let's talk organ donation with Healthwatch Sunderland

The Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) is proud to deliver Healthwatch to the people of Sunderland to give communities a voice on health and social care. As part of Healthwatch Sunderland's campaigning, the project recently encouraged people to talk to their loved ones about organ donation and the importance of having open conversations.

The subject of organ donation is familiar to PCP's team at Healthwatch Sunderland, as Jemma, the team's Social Media Officer, received a kidney donation in 2021.

To make a difference and to encourage people in Sunderland to talk about organ donation, the team hosted an Organ Donation Event on Wednesday 7th September. Th event invited

members of the local community to come along and find out why these conversations are so important.

The event has led to attendees stating that they will ensure they speak to their loved ones about their wishes around organ donation. One person said, after listing to the speakers, they would like to learn more about the altruistic donor process, they said: “I would like to learn more about becoming an non-directed donor –how to start the process.”

To find out more about Healthwatch Sunderland and discover future events, contact

PCP 'Befriender' Jean shortlisted at North East Charity Awards

The Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) would like to congratulate Jean Griffiths on being shortlisted as Charity Champion at the North East Charity Awards. The recognition is well deserved and Jean is already a winner in our eyes!

Jean volunteers for PCP's Befriending Services and leads the Befriending Group at the Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe. The Befriending Group has an established attendance of around 16 people, with all enjoying activities Jean provides including a quiz and more! The group offers an opportunity for people of all ages to connect, build on confidence and make friends.

Carol Gaskarth, PCP Chief Executive, will be attending the North East Charity Awards with Jean on Wednesday 19 October. We've got our fingers crossed for you Jean!

Find out more about Jean's story as a PCP 'Befriender' on our website.

Catch up with Together 21

Our Together 21 'Tiddlypeeps' have returned to enjoying their term-time sessions with lots of fun and learning underway.

Together 21 need your help!

Emma, one of Together 21's Life Skills members has been shortlisted in an international photography competition run by the Down's Syndrome Association.

The competition is called 'My Perspective' and since 2010 has shortlisted the most outstanding images by photographers from around the globe, celebrating and enabling people who have Down's syndrome to show the world, how they see the world.

Emma's entry titled 'On Observatory Hill' and describes her feelings of isolation during the pandemic as she writes in her description of her piece, she felt "just a shadow of myself". It is a powerful image and Together 21 is so proud of her!

You can support Emma and Together 21 and vote for Emma's photography entry at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TTWN6DC

PCP is shortlisted at North East of England Chamber of Commerce Business Awards!

The Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) has been shortlisted as Most Inspiring Employer (Medium organisation) at the North East of England Chamber of Commerce Business Awards!

This year's business awards is themed on celebrating 'Inspiring Females' and PCP is proud to be shortlisted amongst leading organisations in the region.

Catch up with Options!

Our Option's members had their first pub lunch in a couple of years and it went down a treat!

Staff and members would like to thank Cobblers Hall staff - the food was delicious and it was lovely to get together and try something new.

Save the date! A spooktacular event is coming to the Pioneering Care Centre, as Options members will stay the night and enjoy Halloween festivities!

Wellbeing for Life release video for World Suicide Prevention Day

To recognise World Suicide Prevention Day, Wellbeing for Life created a video to support the concept of 'Creating Hope Through Action'. The aim of the video is to view every day as World Suicide Prevention Day, and build a world where less people die from suicide.

You can watch the video on Wellbeing for Life's YouTube channel.

PCP Cancer Awareness Team recognised at PENNA

Nominated through Northern Cancer Alliance as part of the 'Busting Cancer Myths in the Community' team, our PCP Cancer Awareness Team were over the moon to be a finalist at the Patient Experience Network National Awards.

The Patient Experience Network National Awards is the first and only awards to recognise best practice in patient experience across all facets of health and social care in the UK. They met other innovative and hardworking healthcare teams and organisations from across the country and our congratulations go to all of the winners and finalists, you are all doing an amazing job!

Behind the scenes with Stockton-on-Tees Community and Wellbeing Champions, Healthwatch Stockton-onTees and Community Connect

Three of our Stockton-on-Tees based projects have been engaging with the local community at a recent Age UK Teesside event. If you want to find out what events the projects are visiting next contact:

Stockton-on-Tees Community and Wellbeing Champions - sccc@pcp.uk.net

Healthwatch Stockton-on-Teeshealthwatchstocktonontees@pcp.uk.net

Community Connectcommunityconnectston@pcp.uk.net

Catch up with Primrose Lodge!

Staff and patients at Primrose Lodge in Chester-le-Street have enjoyed a Macmillan Coffee Morning - with both delicious sweet and savoury treats!

For the cherry on top of the bakeeveryone enjoyed a cake themed quiz and a raffle - raising an amazing £124.42p for Macmillan Cancer Support!

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Not a soggy bottom in sight –PCP raises £23 with Macmillan Coffee Morning

Coffee and cakes were the order of the day, as North East charity, the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP), hosted a staff star baker competition to support a worthy cause!

With a selection of delicious cakes and hot drinks, the fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support offered a chance to discover local services from the PCP Cancer Awareness Team, Wellbeing for Life, the County Durham COVID-19 Resilience Team and Macmillan Joining the Dots.

PCP Executive Lead, Lynsey Todd, said: “It was wonderful to see the community come together to raise awareness for such a worthy cause, have a ‘cuppa’ and a chat, and enjoy a sweet treat or two!

“We would like to thank everyone who attended and donated to support Macmillan Cancer Support – and of course, congratulations to our PCP Star Baker, Luke Liddell.”

The competition was fierce with an array of cakes, cheesecake and traybakes on offer –but champion Luke, took home the crown and ‘PCP Bake Off Champion’ apron (Paul Hollywood would be proud).

To find out about more upcoming events visit, the Pioneering Care Centre's events page.

For general information contact enquiries@pcp.uk.net or call 01325 321234.

Thank you everyone who entered our PCP Star Baker Competition!

Winner Luke Liddell!