PACE (Parish And Community Enablement)

PACE is an enabling scheme working in partnership with parishes and local communities throughout our region to develop weekly support facilities for frail and isolated older people or for those living on the margins of society.

Each project is supported entirely by volunteers and a suitable Parish hall is required. Experienced community workers from St Cuthberts Care co-ordinate new projects and remain on-hand to offer regular direction and practical assistance throughout their duration.

PACE was launched just over one year ago. There are now eight established PACE projects operating across our region, from Bedlington down to Newton Aycliffe and across to Consett. New venues are constantly being sourced.

Existing projects

Coffee mornings and social evenings

All offer a warm welcome, refreshments and a variety of activities. These social projects help people who are lonely, elderly or isolated to meet people and interact in a comfortable friendly place.

Name	Parish	Area	Day	Time
Minsteracres Coffee Morning	Minsteracres	Consett	Wednesday	Fortnightly
Monday Club	All Saints	Lanchester	Monday	6.30pm-8.30pm
Open House	St Bede's	Bedlington	Tuesday	6.00pm-8.00pm

Lunch clubs

Both lunch clubs offer more than food and refreshments, offering opportunities for socialisation and enjoyable conversion, for those who have restricted physical and emotional contact with others and/or who have very limited opportunities to socialise. For further information on how to get involved or donate please use the local contact details to talk to one of the active volunteers.

Name	Parish	Area	Day	Time	Contact
Claremont Centre	Our Lady & St Wilfrid's	Blyth	Friday	10.00am-2.00pm	01670 366 035
Lunch Club	St Mary's	Newton Aycliffe	Thursday	10.00am-2.00pm	01325 313 611

Drop In Centres

The Drop In Centres offer free help and support to people who are vulnerable because they are homeless, have no income or are living with substance misuse or addiction; offering a safe and secure friendly environment, hot and cold refreshments and a warm welcome.

Name	Parish	Area	Day	Time
Worswick Welcome	St Andrew's	Newcastle City Centre	Friday	10.00am-1.30pm
Open House	St Mary's	Sunderland	Thursday	10.00am-2.00pm

Setting up a project

If you are interested in setting up a project in your parish, please contact Kathleen Urwin by email: kathleen.urwin@stcuthbertscare.org.uk or by calling: 0191 228 0111.