Cash donations from supporters; supermarket staff who donated instead of doing a Secret Santa; free toys and food from supermarket – the ROC Solid supported housing charity team in Newton Aycliffe want to say a huge thank you.
“We have been blown away by the generosity of local people and companies,” said Service Manager, Mandy Shaw, “their kindness meant that some very vulnerable people and families were able to enjoy a good Christmas.”
The charity operates more than 70 units of accommodation in Newton Aycliffe and Teesside, including a house for women with drug and alcohol issues that has been recognised as an example of national good practice by The Prison Reform Trust.
“Staff from Sainsbury’s at Cobblers Hall opted to make a donation to us instead of doing a Secret Santa,” said Mandy, “and two individual women generously gave £100 and £200 towards the Christmas effort. We always make sure everyone has a Christmas dinner and has gifts. Some of the people we work with would have woken up to absolutely nothing on Christmas Day, if it wasn’t for the kindness of our supporters.”
Aldi and Tesco were also generous with food and toys. The charity had been very busy during the pandemic. It sourced funding to deliver 1000 home-cooked hot meals to local people and they also provided groceries to vulnerable people outside of the charity.
It works in partnership with a wide range of organisations, including leaving care teams, probation and drug and alcohol services. Its co-founders, Dot and Derek Butler, are directors of Newton Aycliffe based ROC Group, which offers a range of social care services, including children’s homes, extra supported living for teenagers with complex needs who are transitioning to independence, CQC Outstanding Personal Care/Outreach for children with complex needs and the supervision of contact between children in care and family members.
Photo: Mandy Shaw, ROC Solid Service Manager, is pictured far left with some of her Newton Aycliffe team.
