Charlotte Straker House: A Legacy of Care in Corbridge
Our Story:
- In 1918, local businessman Joseph Straker donated his property to establish a cottage hospital in memory of his late wife, Charlotte Maria Straker.
- The facility served under the NHS from 1948, initially offering minor surgeries and treatment for various illnesses. In the 1970s, the focus shifted towards residential care for the elderly.
- Following the NHS closure in 1989, local residents spearheaded efforts to save the building. The refurbished facility opened its doors in 1992, offering residential care services for the elderly.
- In 2016 the NHS stopped offering GP beds and palliative care services. However, in 2016, the community rallied, raising funds for a dedicated charity-funded respite care bed.
- The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges, but staff worked tirelessly to care for residents and keep families informed. In 2022, financial constraints and the pandemic’s impact forced the closure of the free community respite care bed. However, in 2024, we proudly reopened it!
- We remain dedicated to providing exceptional care for our residents. How do we do this? By helping some of our local authority residents with the cost of their care, providing a free of charge community respite bed, fundraising for stimulating activities and outings, and ensuring our rooms and facilities are modern, up to date and feel like a “home from home”.
Charlotte Maria Straker
Charlotte Straker Project Vision
The philosophy, thinking and approach of The Charlotte Straker Project is “care according to need”. It is a home for the elderly who are no longer able or do not wish to live alone, due to physical disability. We provide a high standard of care and residents are from a mixed background of private and social service funding.
All funds are used to improve care and facilities which enable the charity to maintain high staffing levels and excellent equipment in the home. Where appropriate, The Charlotte Straker Project also helps residents who lack means with financial support towards the cost of their care.
Our residents enjoy a natural homely environment, according self-determination, privacy and dignity. Visitors are welcome at any time in the privacy of single rooms, the lounges and in the summer, the front decking and garden. We encourage residents to join their families for stays outside the home whenever possible and to pursue their own personal, religious and political beliefs. Residents are actively encouraged to enter into the spirit of the local community and to enjoy a sense of freedom and control over their lives. This approach is valued all the more by residents, safe in the knowledge that when the need arises, the highest standards of care are available.
As well as residential, nursing and a day care service within Charlotte Straker House, the charity also has eight bungalows in the grounds allowing their tenants to live independently, whilst enjoying care and assistance when needed.
The Charlotte Straker Project
Charlotte Straker, Cookson Close
Corbridge, NE45 5HB
01434 633999
office@charlottestraker.org.uk
