The Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) held their Annual General Meeting on 24th September.
PCP is a local charity whose aim is to improve people’s health, wellbeing and quality of life. The charity is responsible for running the Pioneering Care Centre at Carers’ Way, Newton Aycliffe where the meeting was held.
The meeting was chaired by Carol Briggs who welcomed those attending ranging from PCP staff, board members, volunteers, partners and local residents. She congratulated the PCP for its growth and achievements, including the many Quality Awards accomplished in the past year.
PCP Patron The Right Honourable, Lord Foster of Bishop Auckland was also present and he stated he was delighted to see that the number of people using the Centre had increased on last year and addressed the meeting after hearing from the PCP service users and volunteers “This organisation is true to its name of being ‘Pioneering’ in its field, ‘Caring’ in its delivery and ‘Partnership’ is vital in these current times.”
The highlight of the meeting that Lord Foster spoke of was the comments from volunteers and service users who spoke about the benefits PCP has brought to them.
Beulah Dyson said she had started coming to the Centre to get out of the house, following depression and ill health due to caring for an elder. She has since lost a stone in weight, made lots of new friends who encourage and motivate her. Beulah is a regular in the hydrotherapy pool and the coffee shop and attends Reiki, Reflexology and Nia Dance Fitness. She said “I went into the Centre a tired, unfit 70 year old and I’ve come out feeling 40 years old”.
Philip Thompson, a wheelchair user joined Options Disability Group 11 years ago, he said “Since coming to Options I have made many friends and learned lots. I enjoy going to the gym and I wouldn’t be able to go without support from Options. My family also benefit from respite whilst I attend”.
Paul Stokes is an active member of the Arts on Prescription service ‘Colour your Life’ and said “If I didn’t make the effort to come along to the Centre I would probably be lying in bed in pain. The staff, guest artists and other members of the class encourage and praise you to have a go and push your imagination which makes you feel good.” Paul had an exhibition of some of his work on display to demonstrate how much he had benefitted from the classes.
Rose Edwards is a volunteer Health Trainer Champion who runs the PCP Weight Management Group on Tuesday mornings. She held up a beautiful hand crafted quilt which had been made for her by the group members to express their thanks for all the hard work and dedication Rose puts into the sessions. Rose said she had been overwhelmed and touched by their gift.
If you would like to know more about the impact the charity has had on the lives of local people or hear about some of their key achievements the Annual Review is available to download at www.pcp.uk.net.
For further information on he services and activities available at the PCP or to discuss volunteering opportunities: 01325 321234 email: equiries@pcp.uk.net
