Community charity begins new chapter as Redheugh and Eslington regeneration progresses
A long-standing Gateshead charity supporting older people affected by loneliness and social isolation has officially relocated to new premises, supported by funding and partnership working with the council.
Teams and Bensham Community Care has moved from the former communal lounge building at the foot of Redheugh and Eslington Court, to a new home at Holy Rosary Parish House in Teams. The move comes as the council progresses plans for the redevelopment of the site, marking a positive new chapter both for the charity and the wider regeneration of the area.
Founded in 1990 after local GP Margaret Sherratt identified increasing levels of loneliness and isolation among older residents, they provide lunch clubs, men's groups, wellbeing activities and accessible transport services that help older people remain active, connected and supported.
The charity had leased the former communal lounge building from the Council since 2013. However, in February 2022, the Council's Cabinet agreed to decommission the tower blocks and adjacent garage site after the buildings reached the end of their lifespan and demand for the flats declined, making their long-term future unsustainable.
The garages on site have already been demolished, and the Council is currently working with Northern Powergrid to relocate two electricity substations serving the area before demolition of the two tower blocks can begin. Once the new substation is operational, a demolition contractor will be appointed to carry out the works.
Following demolition, the Council's long-term ambition is to redevelop the site for affordable housing, subject to viability, site constraints and funding.
Gateshead Council contributed £68,000 towards Teams and Bensham Community Care's relocation and refurbishment project, which enabled funding from other grant funders to be secured, totalling £250,000 overall. The Council also supported the project through ongoing engagement, helping identify suitable premises and funding professional project management and quantity surveying services.
Samantha Allcott, Strategic Director for Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities at Gateshead Council, said:
"Teams and Bensham Community Care has been at the heart of the local community for many years, providing invaluable support to older residents and helping tackle loneliness and isolation.
"We were committed to working closely with the charity throughout the decommissioning process to help secure a sustainable new home where they can continue delivering these important services for many years to come.
"The relocation represents a positive step both for the organisation and for the wider regeneration of Redheugh and Eslington Court as we continue progressing plans to create new affordable housing and support thriving communities across Gateshead."
Michelle Chirnside, Project Manager for Teams and Bensham Community Care, added:
"We are delighted to have settled into our new home at Holy Rosary Parish House and are incredibly grateful to Gateshead Council for the support they have provided throughout the relocation process.
"The funding and practical assistance we received helped make the refurbishment project possible and ensured we could continue supporting older people in our community without interruption.
"We would also like to thank our other funders, partners, staff, volunteers and beneficiaries who have all played a part in helping us begin this exciting new chapter. We look forward to continuing our much-loved lunch clubs and men's groups well into the future."
Teams and Bensham Community Care recently held an opening event at the refurbished premises to celebrate the project and thank everyone involved, including funders, professional advisors and volunteers.
Anyone interested in joining the charity's groups, accessing support, or volunteering can call 0191 4600297 or visit the Teams and Bensham Community Care website for more information.
A long-standing Gateshead charity supporting older people affected by loneliness and social isolation has officially relocated to new premises, supported by funding and partnership working with the council.
Teams and Bensham Community Care has moved from the former communal lounge building at the foot of Redheugh and Eslington Court, to a new home at Holy Rosary Parish House in Teams. The move comes as the council progresses plans for the redevelopment of the site, marking a positive new chapter both for the charity and the wider regeneration of the area.
Founded in 1990 after local GP Margaret Sherratt identified increasing levels of loneliness and isolation among older residents, they provide lunch clubs, men's groups, wellbeing activities and accessible transport services that help older people remain active, connected and supported.
The charity had leased the former communal lounge building from the Council since 2013. However, in February 2022, the Council's Cabinet agreed to decommission the tower blocks and adjacent garage site after the buildings reached the end of their lifespan and demand for the flats declined, making their long-term future unsustainable.
The garages on site have already been demolished, and the Council is currently working with Northern Powergrid to relocate two electricity substations serving the area before demolition of the two tower blocks can begin. Once the new substation is operational, a demolition contractor will be appointed to carry out the works.
Following demolition, the Council's long-term ambition is to redevelop the site for affordable housing, subject to viability, site constraints and funding.
Gateshead Council contributed £68,000 towards Teams and Bensham Community Care's relocation and refurbishment project, which enabled funding from other grant funders to be secured, totalling £250,000 overall. The Council also supported the project through ongoing engagement, helping identify suitable premises and funding professional project management and quantity surveying services.
Samantha Allcott, Strategic Director for Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities at Gateshead Council, said:
"Teams and Bensham Community Care has been at the heart of the local community for many years, providing invaluable support to older residents and helping tackle loneliness and isolation.
"We were committed to working closely with the charity throughout the decommissioning process to help secure a sustainable new home where they can continue delivering these important services for many years to come.
"The relocation represents a positive step both for the organisation and for the wider regeneration of Redheugh and Eslington Court as we continue progressing plans to create new affordable housing and support thriving communities across Gateshead."
Michelle Chirnside, Project Manager for Teams and Bensham Community Care, added:
"We are delighted to have settled into our new home at Holy Rosary Parish House and are incredibly grateful to Gateshead Council for the support they have provided throughout the relocation process.
"The funding and practical assistance we received helped make the refurbishment project possible and ensured we could continue supporting older people in our community without interruption.
"We would also like to thank our other funders, partners, staff, volunteers and beneficiaries who have all played a part in helping us begin this exciting new chapter. We look forward to continuing our much-loved lunch clubs and men's groups well into the future."
Teams and Bensham Community Care recently held an opening event at the refurbished premises to celebrate the project and thank everyone involved, including funders, professional advisors and volunteers.
Anyone interested in joining the charity's groups, accessing support, or volunteering can call 0191 4600297 or visit the Teams and Bensham Community Care website for more information.
