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Tyne Trust Healthcare Charity Partnership

Charity of the Year Partnership with Tyne Trust Healthcare

The Charlotte Straker Project is delighted to announce a new Charity of the Year partnership with Tyne Trust Healthcare.

As part of the partnership, Tyne Trust Healthcare has pledged sponsorship support to help fund key fundraising events, staff wellbeing initiatives, and the continued development of the charity’s community respite services.

Tyne Trust Healthcare provides community healthcare support services across the North East, with a shared commitment to wellbeing, dignity, and high quality care.

The partnership builds on an existing relationship between the two organisations, with Tyne Trust Healthcare continuing to support Charlotte Straker House with the provision of trusted agency staffing support during periods of staff absence.

Recently, Iki Youssaf from Tyne Trust Healthcare visited Charlotte Straker House in Corbridge to meet with CEO Steve Adams and Chair of Trustees Berenice Groves to learn more about the charity’s work and the impact of its services on residents, families, and family carers across the local community.

The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the growing need for accessible respite support for older people and carers, as well as the charity’s ongoing commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centred care.

Throughout the partnership year, support from Tyne Trust Healthcare will contribute towards a range of charitable activities and initiatives, including fundraising events such as the Great North Run, staff recognition campaigns including Carers Week and the development of respite welcome and post-care packs for short-stay residents and their families.

Steve Adams, CEO of Charlotte Straker House, said “We are incredibly grateful to Tyne Trust Healthcare for choosing to support Charlotte Straker House as their Charity of the Year. Partnerships like this play an important role in helping us continue to provide high-quality care and vital respite support for local people and their families.”

Berenice Groves, Chair of Trustees, added “It was wonderful to welcome Iki to Charlotte Straker House and share more about the impact of our work. We look forward to developing this partnership over the coming year and working together to support the wellbeing of our community.”

Iki Youssaf, Director at Tyne Trust Healthcare said “We are proud to support Charlotte Straker House and the valuable work they do for older people, carers, and families across the area. Visiting the home and hearing firsthand about the impact of the respite support was incredibly inspiring, and we are looking forward to supporting the charity throughout the year ahead.”

Charlotte Straker House has been supporting older people in the local community for generations and continues to develop services to meet growing demand for respite care, wellbeing support, and high quality care.

Pictured L/R: Iki Youssaf, Director at Tyne Trust Health Care with Berenice Groves, Chair of Trustees and CEO Steve Adams.

Remembering David at Charlotte Straker House

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.

Team Raises £1,800 in Hadrian’s Wall Challenge

Charlotte Straker House Team Raises over £1,800 in Hadrian’s Wall Challenge

A dedicated team of staff from Charlotte Straker House have successfully completed a 20km Hadrian’s Wall challenge, raising an incredible £1,877 to support the home’s Development Fund.

Ten members of staff from across all departments within the care home took part in the challenge, organised by Challenge Northumberland, after weeks of training, fundraising and support from the local community.

The funds raised will help continue to enhance the environment and experiences for residents at Charlotte Straker House, supporting future projects and improvements across the home.

The team received fantastic encouragement from families, friends, colleagues and the wider community throughout their fundraising journey.

Samantha Willis, Home Manager at Charlotte Straker House, said “It is fantastic to see the dedication across all our teams and the incredible support shown for this challenge. We are so proud of everyone who took part and grateful to everyone who donated and encouraged the team along the way. The money raised will make a real difference to our residents.”

The challenge brought together colleagues from across the organisation, highlighting the strong sense of teamwork and commitment shared throughout the home.

Charlotte Straker House would like to thank everyone who supported the team and helped make the fundraising challenge such a success.

Charity Fashion Show Raises Over £3,700

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