As we continue our work at Newcastle Central Station, we remain just as committed to supporting the communities around us.
Recently, members of our team spent a day volunteering with Feeding Families at their Blaydon warehouse – a North East charity that provides vital support to individuals and families experiencing food poverty. It was a privilege to roll up our sleeves and contribute.
Marketing Manager Stephanie Whittick and Project Manager Joe Kearney got stuck in packing rough sleeper kits, picking and sorting orders for local supply partners, and restocking the warehouse.
“We were told that 11am biscuit breaks were mandatory!” said Stephanie. “It was just one of the many examples of how friendly and helpful, the team are. It was a privilege to spend time with the team of staff and regular volunteers and to be on the receiving end of true Newcastle hospitality.”
Our visit was supported by Operations Manager Steve Sheard and Income Generation Lead Hazel Ditchburn, who shared how the charity started, the breadth of its community impact, and their new campaign to support children and families during the upcoming summer holidays.
From starting out at Christmas in 2016 thanks to a chance encounter with a struggling family with 5 children, Feeding Families has grown into a year-round charity with a wide-reaching regional footprint.
In the last 12 months alone:
From Emergency Food Boxes to ‘Welcome Home Packs’ for hospital patients, the charity works hand-in-hand with social services, schools, mental health professionals, and GPs to reach those most in need.
Tackling Holiday Hunger This Summer
With over a third of children in the North East living below the poverty line, the summer holidays can be incredibly difficult for families who rely on free school meals during term time.
To help close that gap, Feeding Families is launching a Holiday Hunger pilot project in Gateshead, beginning with two local primary schools. Their aim is to ensure every single child receives a Holiday Hunger Pack – no forms, no stigma, just support.
Each pack includes:
- Nutritious food
- Fun and engaging activity items
- Vouchers to help ease the pressure on tight summer budgets
- And a reusable bag designed by the children themselves
And with matched funding in place until 18 July, every donation goes twice as far:
We’re proud to have supported Feeding Families and encourage anyone who can to learn more, donate, or volunteer.
