Our Work
About Us
Background
It all began back in 2002 with St Cuthberts Care listening to the requests of its current users, families and carers. Families with a disabled child wanted somewhere to go where the whole family would benefit, whilst also knowing that adapted facilities and equipment were on hand to assist with varying degrees of disability and impairment.
People wanted a regional daily drop-in type facility, suitable for both children and adults with disabilities that carers and families could enjoy too. It became increasing clear to us that above all, people were requesting a right to choice: to choose from a range of facilities on offer; to choose when to use the facilities; to choose to attend somewhere with the whole family.
The seed was sown. Our vision was set. The problem was that we needed £1.2 million to fulfil this dream to refurbish West Denton Hall in Newcastle, our chosen venue for our new and innovative short break facility that would offer a range of specialised on-site activities.
The charity was determined to break new ground in this area of care, demonstrating its commitment in investing in people with disabilities. And so began the biggest fundraising campaign in the charity’s 60 year history.
A grant of £150,000 from The Big Lottery kicked-off the fundraising and from then, money started to trickle in from a range of sources, not least from hundreds of individuals donating relatively small amounts. We then received a few very large donations from leading businessmen and supporters, with the final sum being secured by the region’s very own footballing hero, the former England and Newcastle United football star, Alan Shearer:
In October 2006, Alan Shearer donated £320,000 of his testimonial fund which was made up of £250,000 plus Gift Aid. This phenomenal sum allowed the refurbishment to be completed in time for the planned opening of its two distinct yet complementary services in April and October 2007. It was following this generosity that the former manor house and Hall became known as the Alan Shearer Centre.
About Alan Shearer Activity Centre
The Alan Shearer Activity Centre enables people with both physical and learning disabilities, and their carers, to share leisure time in a setting which provides wide ranging challenges, leisure, relaxation and therapeutic opportunities.
Specially designed rooms offer a range of stimulating sensory experiences, while the hydrotherapy pool can provide relaxation or gentle exercise and the ball pool more vigorous activity in a safe environment. Facilities can be booked individually or you may choose to book the whole Centre for a half or a whole day.
We organise themed events throughout the year, particularly at Easter and during the summer, when we can make full use of our extensive landscaped garden. You may like to book the Centre for your own event - a birthday party or celebration, and Browne's Cafe will be happy to provide catering if required.
Whether it's interaction and stimulation which is required or a place to relax and unwind the Alan Shearer Activity Centre has it all.
If you would like to speak to someone about the Centre's facilities, our manager will be delighted to help.
Our staff team is led by manager, Amanda Head who joined St Cuthberts Care in 2003.
In 2007 she became Registered Manager of the Independent Supported Living service, which helps adults with learning disabilities to live independent lives in their own homes.
Amanda, who has NVQ Level 4 in Health and Social Care and NVQ Level 4 in Management, was appointed Manager of the Activity Centre in March this year.
Amanda manages a team of five people, all with nationally recognised qualifications up to NVQ Level 3 in areas such as Children and Young People, Development and Play Work, Special Needs and Makaton. Her Deputy Manager, Rob Molineux, is working towards NVQ Level 4 in Management.
St Cuthberts Care has a robust, ongoing training programme and encourages staff to acquire all skills and qualifications they feel they need.
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