North East business life: community, award and charity events of the week

Historic North East brand Ringtons has team up with The Children's Foundation to deliver first-time parents a "moment of calm".

Ringtons has donated 750 boxes of tea and biscuits to the charity's Baby Box project, which delivers packages to first-time parents across the North East. Over the past year, 110 boxes have been gifted across Newcastle and Gateshead with a further 750 to be delivered by August this year, including families in North Tyneside and Northumberland.

The concept was inspired by the baby boxes delivered in Finland with each parcel packed with toys and books that encourage playing, laughing, reading, singing, and counting, as well as other essential items.

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Sean Soulsby, CEO of The Children’s Foundation, said: “Bringing a newborn home from the hospital is an exciting, but often overwhelming time, and we want to remind parents, families, and carers that they are not alone during those critical early days. Feedback from the new parents is that our Baby Boxes make them feel less alone in those early weeks, and sometimes a cup of tea and a biscuit is just what you need to give you the strength to keep going.

“The North East has the second-highest rate of low income and deprivation in the UK after Inner London and these boxes are needed more than ever. We want to say a big thank you to everyone at Ringtons on behalf of North East parents. Ringtons is an iconic brand and has been a huge part of the North East community for over 100 years, it is fantastic to see them supporting the next generation to have the best start possible.”

Squeezy cheese brand Primula has donated £25,000 to five charities, including two in the North East.

The sum comes on the back of a radio campaign across the Heart and Smooth stations which encouraged 463 nominations for charities and good causes.

Durham charity I'm George's Mate, which was founded by the family of a teenager who attempted to take his own life last year, is one of the recipients and will use the funds to support its awareness campaign around teen mental health, including funding walk-and-talk groups. Meanwhile Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group, which provides safe and creative spaces for families in the area, will use the funds to hire specialist equipment for the twice-yearly shows.

Lisa Thornton, head of Marketing at Primula, said: "As a brand deeply rooted in the North East, Primula is thrilled to mark its centenary by giving back to our community. Our support for local good causes not only reflects our longstanding commitment to the region but also highlights the incredible work being done right here on our doorstep. The North East has endured hardships, feeling the strain of the cost-of-living crisis and significant mental health concerns. By directing our efforts towards charities like I’m George’s Mate and the Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group, we aim to address these pressing issues head on and foster a brighter future for those most vulnerable."

Housebuilder Lovell Partnerships has raised £15,184 for North East homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing.

It is part of the first year of fundraising for Lovell's partnership with the not-for-profit organisation. Activities included a charity golf day, which generated £10,863 and two members of the firm's North East team, Phil Jones, head of land and partnerships and Claire Etherington, senior quantity surveyor, participating in The Great North Run.

Oasis is in its 40th year and is a Christian homelessness charity that supports people across the North East and South London - tackling the causes of homelessness and also supporting women who need to escape domestic abuse.

Phil Jones, head of land and partnerships at Lovell, said: “We’re always really passionate about supporting local causes in each of the communities we build in, and Oasis Community Housing is a particularly special cause. That’s why we made the decision to partner with them, helping to provide much-needed funding and support the incredible work they do helping those in need and transforming lives across the north east and beyond.

"I’m incredibly proud of the efforts of the whole Lovell team over the past 12 months. During this time we’ve helped raise thousands which will go a long way towards making a difference to so many lives. As well as taking part in Oasis Community Housing’s own events, such as entering a team into its annual five-aside football ‘Oasis Cup’ tournament, we have also enjoyed coming up with our own initiatives, utilising our connections in the region to drive support for this very important cause. This is something we’re looking forward to taking even further over the next 12 months.”

PD Ports has partnered with North East charity Daisy Chain to share mutual support.

The move is intended to improve the lives of autistic and neurodivergent people across the region and will see PD Ports provide financial support for Daisy Chain's annual retreats for young service users and volunteering from its staff at the charity's Calf Fallow Farm headquarters, in Stockton, and its fundraising store on Portrack Lane.

In return, PD Ports says it will benefit from Daisy Chain's expertise in efforts to improve its organisational knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity, as well as accessing training to inform its internal policies and practices.

Frans Calje, chief executive officer of PD Ports, said: “This is an alliance that aims to make us a better employer to our neurodivergent workforce, while supporting Daisy Chain in its great work across the region. It would have been very easy for us to hand over some money to Daisy Chain, pat ourselves on the back and consider it job done, but we wanted to engage meaningfully with Neeraj and his team, and they with us, to help us to make lasting improvements that will benefit not only our current employees but also potential candidates in future.

"We’re pleased, in return, to support the retreats for young people, which offer experiences they might not otherwise be able to access. We also recognise the importance of respite for family members – many of whom will also be working while providing a caring role."

Advance Northumberland HR co-ordinator Victoria McSparron secured the Health Advocate of the Year Award for Northumberland at the recent North East Better Health at Work (BHAW) Awards.

The awards programme recognises efforts of employers in the North East and Cumbria who address health and wellbeing issues in the workplace. Ms McSparron impressed judges with her hard work as leader of a group committed health advocates who promote the benefits of health at work.

Advance faced barriers to engaging employees thanks to remote working at sites and smaller offices. Ms McSparron visited different sites to encourage participation and coordinated a monthly themed photo competition. She also introduced a relaxation room where staff can take time out if needed.

Head of HR Pam Robertson said: “We are delighted Victoria has won this award, it is testament to her committed to this role, and we are proud it has been recognised. She has been a tremendous influence on the success of BHAW campaigns and projects and that of Northumberland. It is a privilege to work alongside a dedicated individual”.