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 increasingly clear to us that above all, people were requesting a right to choice: to choose from a range of facilities ; 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 individual donations. 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 giant ball pool more vigorous activity in a safe environment. Facilities must be booked in advance and the Centre is available for private hire too.
Don't forget to try out our newly refurbished Craft Room and our new Music Room.
Nearly all of the Centre's activities are FREE but you must become a member first. Membership is completely FREE too.
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 Rob Molineux, who began his career with St Cuthberts Care in 2001 working at our children’s care home, St Aidan’s.
He then moved to our Urban Education project based in Byker in the East End of Newcastle, where he assisted people to further their skills in computers and media and worked closely with a team delivering tailored sessions of activities to local primary schools.
He joined the Alan Shearer Activity Centre a few months after its launch in summer 2007 and worked there in a senior capacity until May 2011 when he became the Centre’s Manager.
Rob 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.
St Cuthberts Care has a robust, ongoing training programme and encourages staff to acquire all skills and qualifications they feel they need.
Back to top
