A Gateshead charity supporting older people has been selected as one of just 257 charities across the UK to take part in this year's Small Charity Week match funding campaign, giving local people the opportunity to double the impact of their donations.
Teams and Bensham Community Care, which supports older people across Central and Inner West Gateshead, will take part in the national campaign from 12 noon on Monday 22 June until 5pm on Monday 29 June.
During the campaign, every donation made through the Big Give website will be matched by the charity's champion funder, Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, meaning donations will be worth twice as much at no extra cost to supporters.
The charity hopes to raise £2,500, which would be doubled to £5,000 through match funding, helping to fund its lunch clubs, men's groups, activities, transport services and hot meal deliveries for older people.
Teams and Bensham Community Care plays a vital role in tackling 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.
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."
Big Give, said:
"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."
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 says 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 between 12 noon on Monday 22 June and 5pm on Monday 29 June via the Big Give website.
