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Through the Barnes Family Fund at the Community Foundation North East, local charity MIND Active receives vital core funding to continue its work supporting vulnerable older adults in Bedlington. Community Foundation North East plays a key role in connecting generous donors with grassroots organisations, enabling long-term impact across communities in the region.
MIND Active, which recently received a Best of Bedlington award, welcomed donor Ann Barnes and her nephew John to its “Picnic in the Park” event to showcase the difference that core funding makes. The charity has been active for over 20 years, offering activities that reduce isolation and improve wellbeing for older adults, from musical performances and animal therapy visits to fellowship groups and garden outings.
Su Legg, Senior Philanthropy Advisor at Community Foundation North East, said:
“MIND Active is a perfect example of why core funding matters. It allows charities to do what they do best, respond to local needs, build relationships and create lasting impact. Events like this show how we bring together donors and grantees to share in the purpose of community giving.”
Ann joined the group to see first-hand how her support is helping sustain this vital work. “It’s so important to fund core work. These moments of joy and connection don’t happen without the behind-the-scenes effort that keeps organisations like MIND Active running.”
Stephen Ward, founder of MIND Active, added:
“Keeping active, both mentally and physically, is the key to our beneficiaries feeling they are still valued members of society. The transformations we see shows just how powerful our approach can be.”
Community Foundation North East works with hundreds of donors across the region to support local organisations like MIND Active. By investing in core costs and long-term sustainability, we help charities grow, adapt, and thrive.
To learn more about our community funds and how they support local organisations, click here.