St Cuthberts Care News

Rachel comes out of her shell - and says the world is her oyster!

Going to work for most of us s a bind – but being employed by the region’s largest social care charity has opened up new opportunities half way around the world for Rachel Stone.

Zimbabwe-born Rachel, who has a form of paralysis in her right side as the result of a severe stroke as a baby, told a Conference at Northern Counties College in Jesmond that having a job as a receptionist for St Cuthberts Care has helped her “in every possible way”.

Due to the political situation in Harare Rachel came to stay with her aunt and uncle in Morpeth, Northumberland, three years ago and began to look for a job, while battling  daily to overcome some very difficult and, at times, very painful and severe physical and emotional barriers.

With the help of Azure Charitable Enterprises, the Cramlington based charity that provides support for people with disabilities, she began work as a sales assistant at St Cuthberts Care with the First Sparkle initiative, selling handmade jewellery. Now, in her current position as a receptionist with the charity, Rachel is the first point of contact for callers to St Cuthberts Care’s Head Office on the West Road, Newcastle.

She told the Employ-ability Project Conference:

“I have always been a fairly outgoing and confident person but once in a job there was a marked increase in my confidence and general manner, gained by starting to meet and talk to other people again. Socially I was feeling stronger than ever – able to speak to most people on any level and any occasion.”

Rachel is enjoying the independence and financial stability which working for a living brings – from working as a volunteer for both Oxfam and the Morpeth Boys’ Brigade to shopping and meeting friends in the pub!

“Financially it has made a huge difference; I now have my own money and I am able to go and do whatever I want and stand on my own two feet,” she said.

 

Geraldine Martin, St Cuthberts Care’s Human Resources Manager, said that the purpose of the charity is to “enable people to develop to their personal potential”.

She added:

“We are proud of our ‘Positive About Disabled People’ accreditation and Rachel’s employment is a success story in itself. St Cuthberts Care has a number of social enterprise initiatives which have been set up to provide training opportunities and paid work for people who might otherwise remain part of the benefits system.”

Although Rachel says at the moment she’s not sure what direction her career will take, she is set for a new role later this year - as bridesmaid at both her cousin’s and her sister’s wedding back in Zimbabwe.

Rachel said:

“There is no doubt that getting a job has helped me in every possible way enabling me now to think that I have a future. The world is my oyster.”

 

MP visits the Alan Shearer Centre

On Friday14 March The Rt.Hon. Francis Maude MP,Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office and Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster paid a brief visit to the Alan Shearer Activity Centre and Short Break Service. Mr Maude toured the Centre with Manager, Jane Percy, and Deputy Director, Moira Ashman. Mr Maude was especially impressed with the unique facilities at the Centre and the level of care provided at the short break service. He also had the opportunity to chat to service users during which time he was able to appreciate the difference the Centre has made to their lives.


 

Apostolic Nuncio pays visit to St Cuthberts Care

His Excellency, Archbishop Faustino Sainz Munoz, the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain paid a visit to St Cuthberts Care on Thursday 18 October.

The visit to St Cuthberts House was part of a four day whistle stop tour of the region, during which His Excellency also took in the sights of Holy Island, Durham Cathedral and Ushaw College.

Austin Donohoe, St Cuthberts Care's Executive Director, gave a short presentation on the work of the charity, while Dr Harry O'Neill gave a presentation on the work of the Diocesan Curia.

During his visit he expressed his admiration for the work the charity does, and stressed the importance of continuing to reach out to those most in need.

On Saturday 20 October Archbishop Munoz visited the Alan Shearer Centre to bless the grounds and gardens. There he met the Centre's staff as well as a handful of St Cuthberts Care's supporters and service users.
 
 

 

Sir Bobby honoured at our charity ball 2008

Our corporate ball

Sir Bobby Robson's commitment to St Cuthberts Care was honoured at our 10th Annual Corporate Ball at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton.

A special presentation recognising the stalwart support, commitment and inspiration of Sir Bobby, the Charity’s Patron since 2002, was made during the evening by Alan Shearer, a principal benefactor.

Under the patronage of Sir Bobby, we have created our flagship project, the Alan Shearer Centre. This unique Centre, opened in 2007, provides day and residential respite and therapy services. It cost over £2m to build and benefited from £¼ million donation from Alan Shearer’s testimonial fund.

Austin Donohoe, Executive Director of St Cuthberts Care said:

"We are delighted to be able to honour Sir Bobby in this way and grateful to Alan for making the presentation.

At St Cuthberts Care we strive to enliven and improve the lives of the many thousands of families affected by disability and the ties, commitment and obligations which disability brings. Too often ad-hoc lip service is paid to their needs. Our work is superior and unique; we provide enhanced support and often address needs which are not accommodated by any other organisation. To achieve these levels of excellence we are forced to fund-raise."

 

Sir Bobby Robson said:

"I am moved and honoured to have my support and help recognised in this way. As far as I can see, helping is instinctive. I am grateful to have the opportunity within my gift of being able to help shine the spotlight on the astonishing work of St Cuthberts Care, the benefit which it brings to so many and the tireless, selfless and often invisible support of their team."

 

One of the highlights of the evening was the ‘Money Can’t Buy’ auction which included lots such as 'A Day with Design Guru, George Davies' and 'A Kicking Session with Jonny Wilkinson'.

St Cuthberts Care Ball organiser, Moira Ashman, said:

"The ‘Money Can’t Buy’ auction is always a real highlight – over the years we had some amazing donations including a golfing four ball with Alan Shearer and Michael Owen, a private dinner with Sir Bobby Robson and a personal coaching session with Jonny Wilkinson.

All the funds raised from the evening come from the auction, raffles, tombola and sponsorship; guests receive full value for their ticket price. We are very grateful to all those who give so generously, to our main sponsors Barclays Commercial, and we are particularly grateful to everyone who puts their hands deep in their pockets and… BUYS!"


57th Annual Catholic Charity Ball

The 57th Annual Catholic Charity Ball took place on Friday 25 January 2008 at the Federation Brewery, Gateshead.

As ever, the night was a huge success, with an eclectic mix of music provided by the ever-popular Paul James Band and a disco.

Our thanks go to the dedicated team of volunteers who make up the Catholic Charity Ball Committee who once again organised a fantastic event.

The total amount raised on the night was £3040.

Government Announces Local Authority Funding for Short Break Services

St Cuthberts Care welcomes the news that the Government has announced several local authorities in the North East have secured funding to transform short break care for children with disabilities.

 

This announcement mirrors St Cuthberts Care’s commitment and vision to extend the range of short break services for individuals with disabilities.  The recently opened Alan Shearer Centre is a unique testament of the possibilities that can be achieved.

 

To find out more about the Alan Shearer Centre click here.