Charlotte Straker House recently brought staff and residents together for a special staff awards ceremony, held as part of Skills for Care’s national Celebrating Social Care campaign, which ran throughout April.
The event recognised team members from across the organisation, including care, catering, domestic, and admin staff, for their contributions to daily life at the home. In a special twist, residents themselves voted for the winners of each award category, making the event a true reflection of the relationships build within the home.
Award categories included light-hearted titles such as “Most Talkative” and “Team Player,” with enthusiastic support and cheers for the winners during the presentations.
Wendy Adams, Locality Manager for Skills for Care, attended the event to present an award and speak about the essential role all staff play in delivering high-quality care. Wendy explained “Every team member, whatever their role, helps create a positive environment for residents. Events like this highlight how much that work is appreciated,”.
Chair of Trustees, Berenice Groves, also commented on the dedication shown by each member of staff daily “The commitment shown by our staff every day is clear to see, and this was a fantastic way to say thank you and celebrate everything they do.”
To round off the afternoon, all staff received a “Make Your Own Cookies” jar as a fun and thoughtful thank-you gift. The event was a great opportunity to pause, reflect, and recognise the people who help make Charlotte Straker House the high-quality home it is.
Pictured: Steve Adams, CEO, Wendy Adams (Skills for Care) and Samantha Willis, Home Manager at Charlotte Straker House.
The team at Charlotte Straker House are pleased to announce the recent installation of a new Automated External Defibrillator, providing potentially life-saving support not only for residents and staff but also for the wider Corbridge community.
The installation of the defibrillator marks a significant milestone in Charlotte Straker House’s continued commitment to both high-quality care and active involvement in the local community. The device is accessible to the public and registered with emergency services, ensuring it can be located and used in times of need.
The defibrillator was partially funded thanks to the incredible efforts of five dedicated runners from the Charlotte Straker House team, who took part in last year’s Great North Run and raised over £1,200. Their commitment, along with generous donations from supporters, made a real difference in helping the charity secure this vital piece of equipment.
Steve Adams, CEO of Charlotte Straker House, explained “This defibrillator is more than just a medical device, it’s a symbol of our ongoing dedication to the people of Corbridge. We’re incredibly proud of our fundraisers and grateful to everyone who contributed. This is a resource that could one day save a life.”
Berenice Groves, Chair of Trustees, agreed that the defibrillator is a valuable community asset, explaining: ‘Charlotte Straker House has always been an integral part of the Corbridge community. This new defibrillator not only enhances safety for our residents and staff but also demonstrates our commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of everyone in our local area.’”
The defibrillator is located in a clearly marked cabinet outside Charlotte Straker House on Cookson Close and is available 24/7 for community use in an emergency.
The ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the defibrillator will be funded through charitable giving, including donations from our incredible supporters. To contribute to The Charlotte Straker Project, please visit: charlottestraker.org.uk/donate
Pictured: Berenice Groves (Chair of Trustees), Steve Adams (CEO), and Megan and Abbie, who raised funds through the Great North Run.
We are delighted to announce that the fundraising concert held on Thursday 6th February 2025 was a resounding success, raising an amazing £1200. The event, hosted at the Corbridge Community Hub, featured a lively performance from the talented Charlie’s Choir, who brought their musical energy with a wonderful selection of songs from a range of genres including classical, pop and jazz.
The concert offered a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with attendees treated to tea, coffee, and some delicious home baked cakes. The choir, along with friends, provided a heartwarming show that captivated the audience and created a sense of community spirit.
The funds raised will directly benefit the residents of Charlotte Straker House, ensuring that the care home can continue providing high-quality care and support.
“We are so thankful to Charlie’s Choir and all the wonderful individuals who made this event possible,” said Berenice Groves, Chair of Trustees at Charlotte Straker House. “This is a perfect example of how the community can come together to make a real difference. The money raised will go a long way in supporting our residents and enhancing the services we provide.”
Charlotte Straker House offers a safe, comfortable, and caring environment for its residents. Events like this are vital in helping us maintain the highest standards of care for both our residents and those who use our Community Respite Service.
For more information on how to support Charlotte Straker House or for details on upcoming events, please visit www.charlottestraker.org.uk.
Charlies Choir are a friendly local group, rehearsing weekly. If you would like to join the fun, pop along to one of their sessions on Thursdays 10.30am-12.30pm at Corbridge Parish Hall.
Our very popular Ceilidh will be held on Saturday 1st February 2025 at the Corbridge Parish Hall. Join us to celebrate a proper Burns Night: with music, a pie and pea supper and ceilidh dancing to the Northern Lights Ceilidh Band!
Only £15 per person, with all proceeds towards The Charlotte Straker Project and the Chrysalis Club, the ticket includes home made pie and peas, a licensed bar plus the traditional address to the haggis.
To book your tickets please contact Bill Cunningham on william.cunningham@charlottestraker.org.uk or 07890998827, or email info@chrysalisclub.org.uk
Dear all
As we step into January, we want to take a moment to wish all our residents, staff, friends and families a very Happy New Year and to thank you for being part of our Charlotte Straker family. Your ongoing support means the world to us and you, our residents, really are the inspiration behind everything we do.
Charlotte Straker truly has a very special place in my heart, and it was therefore a huge privilege for me to step into the CEO role last November. This is a remarkable charity with a unique local heritage, and I’m delighted to be leading our amazing team.
As I reflect on 2024, it’s clear that the past year has not been without its challenges. We know that many of our residents, staff and families have felt the pressure of these uncertain times as well. My team and I have taken these challenges as an opportunity to reflect on what truly matters to us, which is, of course, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do.
We also had some very special moments in 2024, and sadly said goodbye to some of our special friends. We have a great team who work extremely hard throughout the year to collectively create a working culture which represents Charlotte Straker values.
We look forward to your continued support throughout 2025.
We know that there will certainly be challenges ahead for all the care sector in 2025 and as always, there is uncertainty about what the new year will bring. However, whatever comes, we promise to always put our residents first and we intend to carry on providing great care, friendly faces, and the support you expect from us.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and wonderful New Year.
Steve Adams
Chief Executive Officer
The Charlotte Straker Project
The Charlotte Straker Project
Charlotte Straker, Cookson Close
Corbridge, NE45 5HB
01434 633999
office@charlottestraker.org.uk
