The Pioneering Care Partnership held their Annual General Meeting on 27th September. PCP is a local charity whose aim is to improve people’s health, wellbeing and quality of life and reduce inequalities in health. The charity is responsible for running the Pioneering Care Centre at Carers’ Way, where the meeting was held.
The meeting was significantly important as it was Jane Hartley’s last day as PCP’s Chief Executive; Jane has been at the helm of PCP since its opening in 1998. Jane’s successor is Carol Wood who has been with the PCP for over 11 years.
PCP’s Patron Lord Foster of Bishop Auckland paid tribute to Jane, and all PCP staff and volunteers saying “Great organisations are built by people, PCP has grown more than we could ever imagined in the past 15 years, going from 2 members of staff to 65. Jane has proved to not only be a good community leader but an inspirational team leader, managing a voluntary organisation that is efficient and innovative, meeting the changing needs of the community.”
He went on to congratulate PCP for its growth and achievements, including the many Quality Awards and projects accomplished in the past year.
Attendees also got to hear from volunteers and service users who spoke about the benefits PCP has brought to them.
Gavin Gettings first came into contact with PCP whilst attending a recovery centre in Durham, he told a PCP member of staff that he wanted to feel better, get active and improve his social circles. He joined the Walking Group in May, started volunteering as a Health Trainer Champion, successfully completed the relevant qualifications and is now employed as a Health Trainer for PCP.
Gavin bravely stood up at the meeting and said “After many years of personal health problems I had become inactive, isolated and very unhappy. I am now healthier, happier and employed, which is a huge step for me. Being involved with PCP has acted as a springboard to looking at a whole range of changes I want to make in my life.”
Alfie Khulumula was also was introduced to PCP through the Alcohol Health Trainer programme and spoke passionately about his journey. Alfie was in the army but left due to poor health caused by his addiction to alcohol. He said “I felt it was the right time to help others who were going through what I went through with drink, and to prove it can be done. I passed the relevant training courses and signed up to become a PCP volunteer Health Trainer Champion and am now also employed, thanks to the supportive team at PCP.”
Danielle Barlow also described the enjoyment she gets out of attending the Options day service for local disabled adults and Options Social Club at the Pioneering Care Centre. This year Danielle’s confidence has grown so much she now attends the Social Club on her own, without support. Her favourite thing about the Social Club is playing bingo with her friends.
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 the services and activities available at the PCP or to discuss volunteering opportunities contact: 01325 321234 email: equiries@pcp.uk.net
