Teams and Bensham Community Care, a Gateshead-based charity supporting older people, has been selected as one of just 257 charities across the UK to participate in this year's Small Charity Week match funding campaign. This initiative gives local people the opportunity to double the impact of their donations.
Campaign Details and Match Funding
The national campaign runs from noon on Monday, June 22 until 5pm on Monday, June 29. During this period, every donation made through the Big Give website will be matched by the charity's champion funder, Postcode Neighbourhood Trust. This means donations will be worth twice as much at no extra cost to supporters.
The charity aims to raise £2,500, which would be doubled to £5,000 through match funding. These funds will support lunch clubs, men's groups, activities, transport services, and hot meal deliveries for older people in Central and Inner West Gateshead.
Tackling Loneliness and Social Isolation
Teams and Bensham Community Care plays a vital role in combating loneliness and social isolation among older people, providing opportunities for friendship, support, and connection within the local community. Every week, older people attend the charity's lunch clubs and men's groups, where they enjoy a freshly cooked two-course meal, take part in activities, and benefit from door-to-door accessible minibus transport to and from the centre.
Quotes from Charity and Big Give
Michelle Chirnside, project manager at Teams and Bensham Community Care, said: "Small charities are at the heart of our communities. Every day we see the difference that local, trusted support makes to people's lives. For many of the older people we support, our lunch clubs and men's groups are an opportunity to form friendships, build confidence and feel a sense of community. We're delighted to have been selected to take part in this year's Small Charity Week campaign to raise awareness of our work, and have any donations doubled."
A spokesperson for Big Give commented: "Big Give is proud to support Teams and Bensham Community Care as part of our inaugural Small Charity Week campaign. This campaign will help to amplify their vital work providing social groups, hot meals, activities and transport for older people in Gateshead. Every donation made to Teams and Bensham Community Care can be matched while funds last. Every donation will help to make double the difference in the lives of those in need."
Theme and Context
This year's Small Charity Week theme is 'Small Charities. Big Impact.' and celebrates the vital role small charities play in supporting communities across the UK. The campaign comes at a time when many older people are facing increasing loneliness, financial pressures, and challenges accessing community support.
Teams and Bensham Community Care added that every donation received will help ensure older people continue to have access to nutritious meals, social activities, friendship, and practical support. The charity is encouraging local residents, businesses, and community groups to support the campaign and help unlock the available match funding. Donations can be made via the Big Give website.
