Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) is proud to announce the launch of a new Men’s Pie Club in Redcar, strengthening its commitment to supporting men’s mental health and wellbeing across the Tees Valley and beyond. PCP recently facilitated the launch of a new group, taking place at Westfield Farm, in Dormanstown - a community resource and training centre, owned by Beyond Housing. The club officially opened its doors on Friday 27 March, and saw a number of men come along for an

The Health Squad team in County Durham have been crowned winners in the prestigious Health Service Journal (HSJ) Partnership Awards 2026, celebrating excellence, innovation, and collaborative working across healthcare. For nearly half a century, the HSJ has recognised NHS teams and partners who are driving improvements in patient safety, service transformation, and health outcomes. This year, Health Squad were awarded the Most Impactful Project Addressing Health Inequalities

Laura* was stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of sudden weight gain, all while coping with physical and mental health issues. Unsure where to turn, she accessed Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) and entered a 12-week one-to-one Eatwise programme over the telephone. From here, Laura’s eating habits changed and her confidence was reinvigorated with the tools she gained. Before the Eatwise programme, Laura thought she was eating correctly. It was only as she started that the realisati

*Margaret* had been smoking for decades when, following a routine GP visit, a health scare gave her the push she needed to want to stop smoking. Margaret had previously tried to quit unsuccessfully and had never tried again despite pressure from her family. Asked what made her more determined this time, Margaret said: “I got quite a scare after visiting the GP and I’ve realised that smoking is bad for me, but also that second-hand smoke is a health risk to my family.” During

Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) volunteers have been recognised for their valuable contributions through the Room to Reward scheme. The charitable Room to Reward scheme partners with hotels and holiday parks to gift breaks in unsold rooms to nominated volunteers as a way of saying ‘thank you’ for being community champions and making a difference in their local community.   Pauline Brass, Matthew Williams and Anita Pearson were nominated by PCP staff for their outstanding c

Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) has been confirmed as sponsor of the Role Model of the Year category at the 2026 Make Your Mark Awards, reinforcing its commitment to recognising the people who make a genuine difference across Aycliffe Business Park and the wider community. The annual awards, delivered by Resolution Media and Publishing on behalf of Aycliffe Business Park, celebrate the individuals and organisations driving success, innovation and impact across one of the U

A young man overcame significant mental health challenges by addressing his mental and physical wellbeing simultaneously with the support of Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) . Kieren Kemp had been through a difficult time in his life, leading him to a point of severe depression and suicidal thoughts. After a 12-week wellbeing programme and building a relationship with his practitioner where he could share the challenges he was experiencing, Kieren had secured a new job, and his frie

PCP is thrilled to announce that Carol Gaskarth, PCP Chief Executive, has been recognised for an award from Great Aycliffe Town Council. See Great Aycliffe Town Council press release: Before the main full Council Meeting on Wednesday, the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Neil Collinson presented awards to two worthy nominees.  Paul Howarth was nominated by Carrie Howarth and Don Walker for his outstanding dedication to the Newton Aycliffe community and Carol Gaskarth was nominated by

‘Positive Exposure: Growth Hub Stockton in Focus’ a new public exhibition from Growth Hub Stockton is open at ARC Stockton. Free and open to all, the showcase celebrates nature‑inspired photography created by members of the Growth Hub’s learning disability service. Philip Wood, Lead Enterprise Manager for Growth Hub Stockton and Seaham, said: “We will be exhibiting around 30 images taken by our photography team who have learnt to use DSLR cameras, with support from our staff

As part of the Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) Ten-year Anniversary celebrations, we caught up with a previous client to see how the service has positively impacted his life. Richard Judd first met WBFL through the community work he was doing in the Consett and Leadgate area. He set up a running club for people hadn’t really done much running before, and contacted the service to say he has a group which people could be signposted to. As time went on, Richard worked alongside Julie

26-year-old Alex Graham lives with a rare genetic condition which severely affects his ability to use his feet. Whilst waiting for complex ankle surgery Alex had faced significant challenges: low muscle tone, poor strength, and being underweight - all factors that could impact his fitness for surgery and his subsequent recovery. Alex had spent several years mostly confined to bed with little motivation. His mum and full-time carer, Helen, shared her concerns: “Alex has been w

“I had blood in my poo and had been ignoring it but, after speaking with you, I made an appointment with my GP and completed the bowel screening kit.“

As Movember brings men’s health into the spotlight this November, the Cancer Champions Project is stepping forward with a powerful message: early detection saves lives. Every 90 seconds, someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. For some, spotting the signs early and attending routine screenings can save lives. The Cancer Champions programme is a new initiative designed to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of common cancers and encourage people to attend vital scree

We recently reconnected with 43-year-old Tony Teasdale who completed the 12-session Eatwise programme with our Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) service ten years ago. At the time, Tony was attending sessions at the Ferryhill Ladder Centre with Talking Changes who referred him to Shaun Gooch – Wellbeing for Life Practitioner, now Coordinator. Tony’s goal was to improve his eating habits. He was struggling with back pain, and he wanted to lose weight and maintain this to reduce the

Emma, a mother of two, was referred to Joining the Dots in 2024 by the Macmillan Information Centre following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2022. She remained strong, even as she faced a recurrence in 2024 and a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer in 2025. Emma continued to receive supportive care and was surrounded by the support of her community, family and friends. Emma and her husband Dan had dreamed of their wedding day, and thanks to the support of Joining the Dots

Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP), is calling for applications from organisations that want to offer safe spaces and activities for local people to meet, connect, and feel supported. Attendees at the Pelaw View Centre lunch club Since the scheme began in 2020, over £894,000 has been donated to local organisations working to create a better environment for communities across County Durham.   Kelly Spence, Mental Health Co-ordinator at PCP, said: “We’re delighted to offer grant

Health and wellbeing charity, Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP), is delighted to announce the expansion of its community services across the North East, with the acquisition of two new sites in Seaham and Stockton. This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter - one that goes beyond safeguarding vital local services. PCP is reimagining these spaces as inclusive, vibrant community hubs for wellbeing, learning, and social connection. The newly renamed Growth Hub

Since joining the Stamp It Out (SIO) partnership network in 2020, the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) has played a vital role in supporting efforts to challenge mental health stigma across County Durham. Initially providing administrative support, PCP’s contribution evolved to include marketing, communications, and the delivery of bespoke training developed through the initiative. As a committed partner, PCP helped shape the direction of SIO’s work, ensuring that lived expe

Beverley (‘Bev’) Walker, a 59-year-old woman, has just recently completed the 12-session Eatwise programme with Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) and has described her ‘amazing’ journey. Before accessing WBFL, Bev was not in a good place mentally. Bev described her state at that time as: “not depressed as such, but down. I’ve gone through quite a lot of trauma, and my weight is affected by my emotions.” She moved up from Doncaster to look after her parents, and following the passing

Over the past year, health and wellbeing charity Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) knitting group based in Newton Aycliffe, has lovingly crafted therapy dolls, scarves, blankets, and twiddle muffs, each stitch made with care. These handmade items have now found a meaningful new home supporting those with dementia the LiveWell Dementia Hub in Stockton-on-Tees. PCP's knitting group stood behind attendees of the LiveWell Dementia Hub The therapy dolls and twiddle muffs, design