Charlotte Straker House Strengthens Community Respite with New Wellbeing and Family Support Initiatives

For over 100 years, Charlotte Straker House has been at the heart of the Corbridge community, providing care and support to older people and their families. As a not-for-profit charity, our focus has always been on improving the lives of those we care for, with every surplus reinvested back into our services and facilities.

One of the ways we proudly support our community is through our free respite care service, offering local people up to two weeks of respite each year. While these stays provide much-needed support and peace of mind for families, we know that the need for guidance, reassurance and practical help doesn’t end when someone returns home.

That’s why we’re delighted to announce the next stage in the development of our community respite service. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Tyne Trust Healthcare, Charlotte Straker House is expanding its respite offer to ensure families receive support that extends far beyond their stay with us.

At the heart of this development is our new Post-Respite Support Pack. Created for both respite guests and their family carers, the package brings together information about local organisations, support services and community groups that can help throughout the year. Our aim is to ensure that every family leaves Charlotte Straker House not only feeling rested and supported, but also better connected to the wealth of resources available across Northumberland.

We’re also introducing a new wellbeing initiative to make every respite stay feel even more welcoming. Thanks to Tyne Trust Healthcare’s sponsorship and in partnership with Northumberland artisan business Lilac & Thyme, each respite guest will receive a beautifully presented lavender welcome pack on arrival. Featuring handcrafted lavender products, the packs have been carefully chosen to encourage relaxation, comfort and a sense of calm from the moment guests walk through our doors.

Throughout every respite stay, our team will also spend time talking with guests and their families about the support available once they leave us. By signposting local services and community groups, we hope to empower carers and older people with the knowledge and confidence to access help whenever they need it, not just during their two-week stay, but throughout the other 50 weeks of the year.

Samantha Willis, Home Manager at Charlotte Straker House, said Respite care is about so much more than providing a short break. It’s about giving families reassurance, helping people regain confidence, and making sure they know they’re not facing things alone. We wanted to develop our service so that the support we provide doesn’t end when someone leaves our doors. By connecting people with local services and offering practical guidance, we can continue supporting both our respite guests and their loved ones throughout the year.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Tyne Trust Healthcare for believing in our vision and helping us make these developments possible. Their sponsorship has enabled us to introduce initiatives that enhance the experience for our respite guests while strengthening the support we can offer to families across our community.”

As a charity, Charlotte Straker House is committed to continually developing services that respond to the changing needs of our community. Every penny we generate is reinvested into our home and services, allowing us to create meaningful improvements that directly benefit older people and their families.

We would like to extend our thanks to Tyne Trust Healthcare for supporting this important project and helping us continue our mission of delivering compassionate, person-centred care that reaches beyond our walls.

If you would like to find out more about our charity community respite service or any of the support available through Charlotte Straker House, we’d love to hear from you.

Handmade Blanket Raffle Raises Over £1,500 for Charlotte Straker House

The Charlotte Straker Project is delighted to announce that an incredible £1,554 has been raised through a special crochet blanket raffle, held in memory of much-loved former resident Mary.

The beautiful handmade blanket, lovingly created and donated by Mary’s granddaughter, Bex Campin, was raffled to raise funds for The Charlotte Straker Project’s Development Fund, supporting enriching activities, experiences and opportunities for residents at Charlotte Straker House.

The winning ticket was drawn by one of our residents during a special afternoon at Charlotte Straker House, where Bex joined residents to share the story behind the blanket, her love of crochet, and the inspiration behind the fundraiser. It was a touching occasion that celebrated Mary’s memory and the lasting connections she made within the home.

Crochet held a special place in both Bex and Mary’s hearts. Over the years, Bex created a number of handmade gifts for her Nanny, including a personalised blanket and a small crochet elephant that Mary treasured. The blanket, measuring approximately 5ft by 5ft and fleece-lined for extra warmth, was created as a heartfelt tribute to Mary and the love they both shared for crochet.

The fundraising appeal received fantastic support from the local community, with hundreds of entries helping to raise an outstanding total of £1,554.

Berenice Groves, Chair of Trustees of The Charlotte Straker Project, said “This wonderful fundraiser is a perfect example of the special relationship Charlotte Straker House has with the families who become part of our community. Bex’s beautiful tribute to her Nanny has inspired an incredible show of generosity from so many people, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who took part. The £1,554 raised will make a real difference to the lives of our residents by helping us provide meaningful activities, new experiences and opportunities that bring joy and connection. It is a truly fitting legacy for Mary and a testament to the strength of our community spirit.”

Samantha Willis, Home Manager at Charlotte Straker House, added “It was so special to welcome Bex back to Charlotte Straker House to share the story behind the blanket with our residents before the draw took place. Having one of our residents draw the winning ticket made the occasion even more meaningful. We cannot thank Bex enough for her kindness and generosity, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this fundraiser.”

The Charlotte Straker Project would like to extend thanks to Bex for creating such a beautiful and meaningful gift, and to everyone who entered the raffle, donated and helped make the fundraiser such a remarkable success, and congratulations to our lucky winner, Gaby, who is now the proud owner of the beautiful blanket.

Pictured L/R: Steve Adams (CEO), Samantha Willis (Home Manager) and Bex Campin

Leeds Half Marathon Runner Raises Over £1,500 for Charlotte Straker Project in Memory of Grandmother

The team at the Charlotte Straker Project would like to extend our congratulations and thanks to Isaac, who recently completed the Leeds Half Marathon while raising an incredible £1,500 for The Charlotte Straker Project.

Earlier this year, Isaac chose to take on the challenge while studying at Leeds University. Inspired by the care his grandmother, Judy, was receiving at Charlotte Straker House following a terminal cancer diagnosis, Isaac chose to fundraise for the charity as a way of giving something back.

Sadly, during his training, Judy passed away. Determined to continue, Isaac completed the half marathon in her memory, turning a personal fundraising challenge into a special tribute.

On race day, Isaac completed the 13.1-mile course in an impressive 1 hour and 35 minutes, finishing 509th out of more than 9,000 participants. While this was a fantastic achievement in itself, the real success was the incredible support he received from family, friends and donors, helping him raise more than six times his original fundraising target of £250.

The funds raised will support The Charlotte Straker Project’s Development Fund, helping us continue to enhance the lives of residents through improved facilities, meaningful activities and special experiences that make Charlotte Straker House feel like home.

Isaac’s story is a wonderful example of the generosity and community spirit that helps charities like ours thrive. What began as a way of thanking those who cared for his grandmother became a lasting tribute to her memory and a gift that will benefit residents and families for years to come.

We would like to thank Isaac for his dedication, determination and kindness, and everyone who supported him along the way. Raising more than £1,500 is a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly grateful for the difference it will make.

From all of us at Charlotte Straker House, thank you, Isaac. We are so proud of what you have accomplished and honoured that you chose to support our charity in memory of Judy.

Pictured L/R: Samantha Willis, Home Manager with Isaac Prentice.

Remembering David Thompson at the Charlotte Straker Project

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of David Thompson, a long-standing volunteer and dedicated supporter of The Charlotte Straker Project.

David served on the Charlotte Straker Fundraising Committee from 2006 until 2023, giving an extraordinary 17 years of dedicated voluntary service to our organisation and the wider community. Throughout that time, he brought energy, wisdom, humour and unwavering commitment to the development of Charlotte Straker and the welfare of our residents.

A resident of Corbridge and former Head Teacher of Haydon Bridge High School, David was known and respected by many across the region. At Charlotte Straker House, he quickly became an invaluable member of the fundraising team, always willing to roll up his sleeves and help wherever needed.

In the early years of his involvement, David worked with the team to organise a Hadrian Wall Walk in 2007, before taking the lead on the ambitious Namibia Trek in 2008 through the Ugab Valley. Those who took part still fondly remember moments of laughter amid the challenge, including a memorable game of bowls played with dried elephant dung and attempts to cool off in a small puddle with four others in the Namibian heat. Alongside the camaraderie and adventure, both events raised significant funds to support The Charlotte Straker Project.

David also played an important role in strengthening community support for the organisation. He contributed greatly to the success of the Friends initiative launched in 2013, helping to recruit many loyal supporters committed to regular giving. His ideas and vision also helped shape the creation of the Charlotte Straker Development Fund, providing a clearer focus for fundraising efforts and helping the community better understand how donations directly supported the development of buildings, equipment and facilities for residents.

Beyond formal meetings and fundraising campaigns, David was a familiar and enthusiastic presence at community events, regularly leading and playing for the Charlotte Straker cricket team during the annual Family Fun Day and Charity Shield competition.

Those who worked alongside David speak warmly of his thoughtful contributions, calm judgement and ability to help find a way forward whenever challenges arose. He combined practical wisdom with kindness and good humour, and his friendship and support meant a great deal to many people connected with the organisation.

David’s contribution leaves a lasting legacy. We are deeply grateful for the time, care and commitment he gave over so many years, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

Corbridge Charity Fashion Show Raises Over £3,700 for Local Causes

A hugely successful evening of style, community spirit, and generosity saw the Corbridge Charity Fashion Show raise an impressive £3,717.08, to be shared equally between The Charlotte Straker Project and Corbridge Youth Initiative.

Held on Thursday 23rd April 2026, the event brought together residents, local businesses, and supporters for a vibrant celebration of fashion and fundraising. With the sun shining, guests arrived to a warm welcome and a glass of fizz, enjoying time to browse stalls before the show began.

The evening featured fashion walks showcasing collections from a range of Corbridge’s independent retailers, highlighting the very best of local style and creativity.

The organising team are grateful to the participating businesses including Croft and Graves Optometrists, Vintage at the Tower, Jessie Juniper, Finale Shoes and Accessories, Chapter 38, and Shorts of Corbridge, whose energy and collaboration helped make the event such a success.

Appreciation is also extended to the volunteers who walked the catwalk or worked behind the scenes, and to everyone who attended and supported the evening. Special thanks are given to the volunteers from Corbridge Cricket Club for providing the bar, the Scout Hut Management Committee for allowing use of the Scout Hut for model changing, and the staff at the Parish Hall for their warm welcome and support throughout the event.

Further thanks go to Ian Wylie for producing a professional film and photographic display of the evening, and to Jake Smurthwaite and the Waltons Cook shop for providing all sound and lighting equipment, helping to create a truly polished and memorable experience.

A particular highlight was the raffle, which included an array of generous prizes such as designer sunglasses, a Yorkshire cottage stay, retail vouchers, and a one-of-a-kind hand-woven shawl. The organisers would like to recognise the many individuals and businesses who contributed prizes, adding to the success of the fundraising effort.

Berenice Groves, Chair of The Charlotte Straker Project, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of the fashion show. It was a wonderful evening that truly reflected the generosity of our community. Every ticket purchased and raffle entry will directly support the vital work we do, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who played a part.”

Chris Nevis, Trustee of Corbridge Youth Initiative, added: “This event was a fantastic example of what can be achieved when a community comes together. The funds raised will make a real difference to young people in Corbridge, and we cannot thank our supporters, volunteers, and local businesses enough for their contributions.”

The funds raised will support both charities’ ongoing work in the local community, helping to provide essential services and opportunities for residents of all ages.

Following the success of this year’s event, organisers hope to build on the momentum and continue bringing the community together in the future. A video highlight reel of the evening can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/-cxuohDc0Sk