Positive change supported by Teesside University staff donations

A dementia support group, a wellness centre, a social enterprise bakery, a charity supporting vulnerable people, and a community fitness centre are the latest recipients of support from Teesside University’s Be the Change workplace giving scheme.

Staff across Teesside University have been donating the spare pennies from their monthly salaries to Be the Change, to help provide grants to local organisations which are nominated by contributors.

Donations are now being made to the latest recipients, Stockton based Young at Heart, Yarm Wellness, Brickyard Bakery, 700 Club in Darlington, and Senses Wellbeing in Skelton.

Be the Change has already been able to make a positive impact on a wide range of organisations since its launch last year, helping a range of charities and groups which deliver positive social impact in our local communities.

Previous rounds of donations have helped local organisations which continue to address raising aspirations, build community cohesion, promote digital inclusion, and inspire their local communities.

Welcoming their donation, Alison Watson-Shields, Young at Heart ULO Director, said: “Dementia can be an isolating condition and for those experiencing hearing loss too, that sense of isolation can be far greater. We will be using the funds to purchase a hearing loop system to ensure all our members can be active participants in each and every one of our activities and sessions.”

Teesside University Volunteering & Work Experience Officer Angela Wood, who nominated Young at Heart, said: “I really wanted to be able to help them reach their target to purchase a new loop system, which will be a massive benefit for the group and their families.”

Ed Hamilton-Trewhitt, of Brickyard Bakery in Guisborough, said: “This money honestly makes a massive difference to us and the people we work with. It will be used to support the subsidising in the shop, as well as contributing to the cookery courses we’ll be running over summer. All of us at Brickyard Bakery and Academy would like to say a big thank you.”

Lauren Heslop, Communications Assistant at Teesside University, who nominated Brickyard Bakery, said: “The generosity, kindness and passion of the team deserves to be recognised, and we are delighted to play a part in supporting their ongoing efforts.”

Dr John Elliston, the Head of Strategy and Development at the 700 Club, which also received a donation, said: “The aim of the 700 Club is to support people on a pathway, wherever it begins, to having a secure home. Donations like this can go directly to supporting vulnerable individuals.”

The 700 Club was nominated by Louise Morris, a People and Places Officer in the University’s Student and Library Services Department, who said: “They have a creative, innovative and client-centred approach and I was confident that funding would be put to best use.”

Lisa Smith, Lecturer in Digital Marketing at Teesside University International Business School, who nominated Yarm Wellness, said: “Yarm Wellness provided support for my family during my dad's battle with cancer and provided a crucial lifeline to my mum when his battle was sadly lost. “This is the case for many of the centre's patrons, and the impact they have on people's lives is unmeasurable. Like many charities funding is scarce and given everything Yarm Wellness have done for me personally, I wanted to give a little back.”

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