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Celebrating Second Year of High Staff Flu Vaccination Uptake

For the second year running, more than half of our team at Charlotte Straker House have received their annual flu vaccination, demonstrating our continued commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of our residents, staff and wider community.

To encourage uptake, we reintroduced our popular staff flu jab raffle this October. Everyone who received their flu vaccination was automatically entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a luxury hamper. We were delighted to see that 51% of our staff received their flu vaccination, an encouraging achievement and a reflection of the team’s commitment to keeping everyone safe and well. This is particularly significant when compared with government figures for the 2024/25 flu season in England, which reported a staff flu vaccination rate of just 13.6% in care homes.

While the raffle provided an extra incentive, our team recognise that flu vaccination plays an important role in reducing the risk of illness and helping to protect those who are more vulnerable to complications from flu. There was also an exciting moment when resident Jim had the honour of drawing the winning ticket. Congratulations to our Senior Carer, Jill, who was the lucky recipient of the hamper! Achieving this for the second year in a row is something we are incredibly proud of. It is wonderful to see our team continuing to work together to make Charlotte Straker House a healthier and safer place for everyone.

Great North Run Success

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Sashiko Quilt Raises over £1,000 for Local Charities

We are delighted to announce that the beautiful Sashiko quilt, lovingly created and donated by the Corbridge Sewing Bee, has found its lucky winner, raising an incredible £1,145.27 for The Charlotte Straker Project and St Andrew’s Church, Corbridge.

Residents and their families gathered at Charlotte Straker alongside members of the Corbridge Sewing Bee to admire the quilt in person. The occasion included a special talk from Rosie, a member of the sewing group and one of the talented hands behind the quilt, who shared more about the work and care that went into creating it.

Angela, another member of the group, also handmade a special gift for each resident: a coaster featuring the same beautiful Sashiko stitching as the quilt.

Respite resident Isobel particularly enjoyed seeing the intricate stitching up close and was thrilled to receive her own coaster. Reflecting on the craftsmanship involved, she said: “You have to have a lot of patience to be able to create something like that!”

After months of hard work and anticipation, it was finally time to draw the raffle. Hazel, one of our residents and a keen sewing enthusiast herself, had the pleasure of drawing the winning ticket. We are delighted to announce that Alison Scott, from Corbridge, was the lucky winner of the quilt!

The Corbridge Sewing Bee has supported The Charlotte Straker Project for more than ten years, raising over £10,000 for local charities during that time. Their continued generosity and commitment to the local community mean so much to us, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this project such a success, particularly the talented members of the Corbridge Sewing Bee for donating this wonderful quilt, and Hexham Library for displaying it and helping share its beauty with the wider community.

Thank you to everyone who bought a raffle ticket and contributed to this fantastic fundraising total. Your support will make a real difference to The Charlotte Straker Project and St Andrew’s Church, Corbridge.

Congratulations once again to Alison, and a huge thank you to everyone involved!

Our Summer Newsletter

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New Wellbeing and Support Initiative

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.

Adventure Day at Calvert Kielder

Charlotte Straker House Residents Enjoy Accessible Adventure Day at Calvert Kielder

Residents from Charlotte Straker House recently enjoyed a memorable day out at Calvert Kielder, taking part in a range of accessible outdoor activities set against the stunning backdrop of Kielder Forest.

The group spent the day exploring the centre’s inclusive facilities, with residents split into two groups to take part in carefully adapted activities designed to suit a range of abilities. Highlights of the visit included accessible archery sessions and a buggy ride around Kielder Water, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Calvert Kielder is a specialist outdoor activity centre located within Kielder Forest, offering a wide range of fully accessible adventure experiences for people of all ages and abilities, including those with limited mobility or additional support needs. The centre is known for its inclusive approach, enabling individuals to take part in outdoor activities in a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment.

Residents also enjoyed a relaxed lunch of soup and sandwiches during their visit, with time to take in the peaceful surroundings and socialise together. Feedback from the group highlighted how much they valued the experience, with one resident commenting, “It is a really beautiful place.”

Steve Adams, Chief Executive of The Charlotte Straker Project, said “Trips like this play an important role in enriching the lives of our residents. They provide opportunities to experience something new, enjoy the outdoors, and take part in activities that might otherwise feel out of reach. We are always looking for ways to promote wellbeing, independence and enjoyment, and this visit to Calvert Kielder was a perfect example of that in practice.”

The visit provided a valuable opportunity for residents to enjoy fresh air, new experiences and social connection in an environment designed to ensure accessibility and inclusion.

Charlotte Straker House continues to place strong emphasis on meaningful activities and experiences that enhance wellbeing, encourage engagement, and support quality of life for residents.

Handmade Blanket Raffle Raises Over £1,500

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

Fete Brings Community Together

Charlotte Straker Fete Brings Community Together

The Charlotte Straker Fete proved to be a tremendous success this weekend, with residents, relatives, friends, volunteers and members of the local community coming together for an enjoyable afternoon of fun and fundraising.

Although the weather was a little windy, it certainly didn’t dampen spirits, and we were delighted to welcome so many visitors to Charlotte Straker House. Guests enjoyed browsing a variety of stalls, trying their luck on the tombola, sampling delicious homemade cakes, taking part in games, and spending time with friends old and new.

The event was officially opened by local councillor Nick Oliver alongside The Charlotte Straker Project Chair of Trustees, Berenice Groves, who welcomed everyone and thanked the community for their continued support.

Berenice said “Events like our annual fete are a wonderful reminder of the strength of our community and the incredible support we receive throughout the year. Charlotte Straker House has always been at the heart of the community, and it is heartwarming to see so many people coming together to support our residents and help us continue enhancing life within our home. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, and contributed to making the day such a success.”

The fete was a true community effort and would not have been possible without the dedication of our fantastic volunteers. From helping with the set-up and running stalls on the day to baking an array of delicious treats, their hard work and enthusiasm were invaluable.

Special thanks also go to everyone who generously donated prizes for the tombola, cakes for the cake sale, and items for the popular handbag stall. Your kindness and support helped make the event such a success.

We would also like to extend our thanks to Ian Wylie for capturing the afternoon through his wonderful photographs, helping us preserve so many special memories from the day.

Together, the fete raised over £1,500 for the Development Fund, which will help continue enhancing life at Charlotte Straker House for residents now, and in the future.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, volunteered, donated, and helped make this year’s fete such a memorable occasion. We are already looking forward to next year’s event!

Runner Raises Over £1,500 in Memory of Grandmother

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.

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.