Twelve months ago, Winn Group agreed to support a community centre based in the heart of our local area.

St Martin’s Centre has been delivering vital community services to the Byker and Walker districts for a number of years.

Having seen first hand their outstanding support of struggling families in one of the most deprived areas of the United Kingdom, our CSR program backed their Hardship Fund, a scheme that allows the centre to spot families presenting and in need, and purchase essential supplies for children, as well as other vital provisions.

In total, 64 individual beneficiaries/families have been helped, the majority of those on multiple occasions as families across the region continue to struggle with cost-of-living pressures and being able to support their children.

Suzanne Wellington, St Martin’s Centre Partnership Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have received a generous donation from Winn Group; the donation enabled us to provide cost of living support to some of our most vulnerable families in our community.

“We are extremely grateful that a national company has recognised the importance of the work we do, as a small, local charity.”

Helen Twelves, St Martin’s Centre Finance Director, said: “The funding has all been spent now – thank you very much for the support provided!

“We spent the funding on a mix of hardship fund items and an element to extend our provision around the cost-of-living crisis.

“The hardship fund expenditure included items such as weather-appropriate clothes for young children, resources for children with SEN, and dental packs for children with poor dental health.

“The cost-of-living support involved the free provision of hot food and drink over a two-month period to enable centre users to stay in the warmth of the centre longer, thereby alleviating the need to heat their homes.”

Ross Jackson, CSR Committee Member, said: “St Martin’s Centre has been a brilliant addition to those charities we support in our local community.

“They do so much to support the families of young children living in desperate deprivation. From a thriving nursery provision to community classes and chances for people to touch base with services that may help them in their current plight, they make such a tangible difference to those they help.

“What they do, how they help, and the positive impact they make, should not be underestimated.

“This activity perfectly aligns with our own CSR program ambitions of helping the next generation on our doorstep. “As we continue to expand our support to charities, we’re eager to stand with good causes and help them flourish.”

(Pic credit: St Martin's Centre)