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Community Foundation North East is proud to have supported Chopwell Regeneration through the Gateshead VCSE Fund, helping to sustain and grow vital community services at The Bank.
Chopwell Regeneration was awarded £30,000 to support the continuation and development of the programme at The Bank, a community hub which opened in 2022 and has quickly become a cornerstone of local life.
The funding supported key staff roles, including the Café & Events Manager and Chef, ensuring the hub could continue to provide a welcoming space and essential services for residents.
Nils Stronach, Head of Grant Practice and Programmes at Community Foundation North East, said:
“We are pleased to manage the Gateshead VCSE Fund, supporting grassroots organisations that are making a real difference in their communities and contributing to Gateshead Council’s strategic priorities.
The Bank is a great example of a space that brings people together while also providing practical support. Through the Gateshead VCSE Fund, we’re able to back projects that are making a real and lasting difference.”
Across the year, The Bank delivered almost 2,500 engagements with local people, including more than 400 children and young people, and the hub continues to offer a wide range of activities and support, from weekly social groups to larger community events such as restaurant nights and the ‘Bankfest’ music festival.
A key feature of The Bank is its inclusive approach to food access. A pay-it-forward scheme enables residents to access free hot meals when needed, while the community market provides affordable, healthy produce.
The programme also supports individuals facing challenging circumstances, offering a pathway from accessing urgent help to becoming involved as volunteers. These opportunities provide structure, build confidence, and help people feel more connected to their community.
The impact has been significant. Almost all participants accessing volunteering, work experience, and skills workshops reported feeling more connected to their community, while 90% of volunteers said their wellbeing had improved.
Sarah Cotton, Senior Programmes Manager at Chopwell Regeneration, said:
“This funding has enabled us to provide consistent, inclusive support for people who really benefit from it. From free hot meals to volunteering pathways, these are lifelines for many in our community. The Gateshead VCSE Fund has allowed us not just to sustain this work, but to grow it — ensuring that people living in Chopwell come to The Bank and feel welcome, valued, and connected.”
By supporting organisations like Chopwell Regeneration, the Gateshead VCSE Fund continues to invest in strong, resilient communities and ensure that local people have access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
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