Local FW Capital staff members have volunteered at Changing Lives in Newcastle, lending their support to the homeless housing project at Bentinck Terrace.
Forming part of a Volunteer Week arranged by FW Capital and the Development Bank of Wales (DBW), the team from the FW Capital Newcastle office were involved in a variety of gardening tasks. Lesley Telford was joined by colleagues Tony Cullen, Lindsey McMenamin, Alex Gent, Chris Dixon, Adam Collin and Lewis Blacklock. Lending a helping hand was also Martin Brown and Amanda Easton from Barclays.
Changing Lives has been helping people facing some of the most challenging circumstances for 50 years, making a positive change for good. Beginning as a small charity in the North East called Tyneside Cyrenians, it later became The Cyrenians operating as Changing Lives. The charity helps people who were experiencing homelessness through their hostels and day centres. Helping around 14,000 people a year, Changing Lives today operates nationally, helping people to change their lives for the better and providing a nurturing environment that can make a real impact on residents’ lives rather than simply provide a bed for the night.
Located in Newcastle Bentinck Terrace is a restored the Grade II Victorian terraced property which offers accommodation to people who are a step further toward independent living or have developed some skills required to manage a tenancy. People who use this service may have already had a temporary stay in a Changing Lives direct access or a supported accommodation project and would now benefit from being more independent in their own home. The project consists of 36 self-contained apartments offering 24-hour support to residents and support to access other services including alcohol and substance abuse and life skills sessions.
Lesley Telford, FW Capital Investment Executive said: “Volunteering at Changing Lives was a fun and rewarding experience. It was great for us to get an insight into the vital accommodation service provided at Bentinck Terrace. I had the privilege of meeting some of the people using our service, chatting to them about all things life related. I also got to meet the amazing team who work there led by Jenna. They should be very proud - they literally are changing lives. So many compliments given to me from the residents. It is reminder that we take having a safe roof over our hand for granted. It’s easy to say anyone can change their life for the better but without the right support it can be very hard. It’s here where Changing Lives are making a real difference. The volunteering day was a heartwarming experience for us all at FW Capital and it that has left a lasting impression on us all. We would like to say a big thank you to the staff at Changing Lives and everyone who helped to organise the day.”
Stephen Bell OBE, Chief Executive at Changing Lives added: “We are incredibly grateful for the support of the FW Capital team. Their dedication and hard work in the garden at Bentinck Terrace has not only helped to create a more welcoming environment for our residents but also highlighted the positive impact that community involvement can have. Volunteers play a crucial role in our mission, and it's brilliant to have local businesses like FW Capital take such an active role in giving back to the community. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most."
