The Greatham Foundation

06/01/2026

⭐️We’re hiring!

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives?

We’re looking for caring, committed individuals to join us at The Greatham Foundation — a charity with a 750-year legacy of supporting older people and those living with dementia.

Current Opportunities at Stichell House Residential Care Home:

✅ Admin Support Officer – 24 hours per week

✅ Senior Care Assistant – 30 hours per week

Whether you’re experienced in care or looking for a rewarding role in admin, we’d love to hear from you!

For more information on how to apply visit:

If you're passionate about supporting older people and those affected by dementia to live empowered and fulfilled lives, we'd love to hear from you!

05/01/2026

⏰ Deadline Reminder – Applications Closing Soon!

There’s still time to apply to The Greatham Foundation's Grants Programme, but not long left.

We’re offering grants of up to £3,000 to support charities, community groups and voluntary organisations delivering real impact — especially for people experiencing disadvantage or social isolation.

🔹 Grants up to £3,000
🔹 Open to established organisations and newer community initiatives
🔹 Funding for projects or core operational costs

📅 Applications close: 31 January 2026

Find full eligibility details and apply here:
👉 thegreathamfoundation.org.uk/grants-programme

If you or your partners are delivering work aligned with our charitable objectives, we’d love to hear from you. Please share with relevant networks.

23/12/2025

🎄 Estate Office Christmas Opening Hours 🎄

Please see the image below for our opening times over the Christmas period. We will be closed on the dates shown.

For emergency repairs while we are closed, please contact the emergency repair numbers listed in the image.

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

19/12/2025

Hartlepool Leads the Way with Pioneering Dementia-Co-Designed Almshouses

Following three years of design development, construction is now officially underway on a flagship Almshouse development in Hartlepool, designed in collaboration with people who have lived experience of dementia.

The Greatham Foundation marked the milestone with a ground-breaking ceremony on Friday 19 December 2025 at the former Gretton Court Nursing Care Home on Heather Grove — now being transformed into thoughtfully designed homes that prioritise independence, dignity and community.

The development, which will deliver 14 high-quality Almshouse bungalows, has been shaped directly by people living with dementia. Their insights have influenced everything from room layouts and colour schemes to outdoor spaces, supporting familiarity, safety, and wellbeing.

“This project is driven by compassion and lived understanding,” said Margaret Bousfield, Chair of Trustees at The Greatham Foundation. “By listening to the people who will live here, we’re creating homes that genuinely support independence and belonging.”

Alongside the new homes, the site will feature communal areas designed to encourage social connection, reduce isolation and help residents remain active within the local community.

The Greatham Foundation continues its long heritage of providing charitable housing — with this project representing the next step in the evolution of Almshouses, adapting to the needs of modern ageing and dementia-inclusive living. The development is due for completion in early October 2026.

Following a competitive tender process, Acomb Construction Ltd has been selected as the main contractor for the development, bringing their expertise to deliver this pioneering dementia-friendly housing project. The scheme is largely being driven by Ian Prescott, Director, IP Development & Planning Limited working on behalf of The Greatham Foundation as the development lead.

The total scheme budget is £2.7m + VAT which demonstrates the charity’s commitment to supporting people living with dementia.

The Heathers Day Centre, operating from a separate annex on the site and providing vital dementia activities and support, will remain fully in place during construction and will be closely integrated with the new Almshouse scheme to offer residents convenient access to its services and social opportunities

Photograph shows: Trustees & Employees of The Greatham Foundation, Acomb Construction Ltd, Maval M&E (mechanical and electrical sub-contractors), IP Development & Planning Limited and representatives from Hartlepool Young Onset Dementia Group.

17/12/2025

💛 Good Neighbour of the Year – and so much more 💛

We are absolutely delighted to celebrate Barry Robson, a much-loved Greatham Almshouse resident, who was announced last night as Thirteen Group's Good Neighbour of the Year 🏆

Barry is the definition of a people person. He puts others first, never asks for anything in return, and shows genuine care for his neighbours and the wider Greatham community in the most thoughtful ways. From collecting and delivering local newspapers no matter the weather, to running weekly bingo at the local pub and the lunch club at the Brother House, Barry’s selflessness touches so many lives.

With his chirpy sense of humour and natural warmth, Barry has an incredible ability to lift spirits, bring people together, and make every event sociable and fun. He always has time for everyone and builds a fantastic rapport wherever he goes.

Barry received numerous nominations, and it’s easy to see why. He’s more than a good neighbour — he’s a good friend 💙

Congratulations, Barry. This award is so well deserved 👏✨

15/12/2025

The Greatham Foundation Appoints New CEO

The Greatham Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Deborah Lewis-Bynoe as its new Chief Executive Officer. Deborah takes up the post in mid-January 2026 and will replace Lawrence McAnelly, who is leaving after 7 years’ service as Director.

Deborah brings a wealth of leadership experience across the health, social care, and charitable sectors, with a proven track record of driving innovation, strengthening services, and delivering meaningful impact for communities. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for The Greatham Foundation as it continues its work supporting older people, individuals living with dementia, Almshouse residents, and people in need through its charitable grants programme.

“I am honoured to join The Greatham Foundation at such a pivotal moment,” said Deborah-Lewis Bynoe. “The charity has a long-standing reputation for compassion, excellence, and commitment to improving lives. I look forward to working with colleagues, partners, and the community to build on this strong foundation and shape the next stage of our journey.”

The Greatham Foundation’s Board of Trustees welcomed the announcement, Margaret Bousfield, Chair of Trustees said “We are thrilled to appoint Deborah as CEO. Her strategic vision, depth of experience, and passion for person-centred care align perfectly with our mission. We are confident she will lead the organisation forward with clarity and ambition.”

The recruitment process was conducted in partnership with Nigel Wright Group, a leading specialist in executive appointments.

10/12/2025

🎄✨ What a wonderful afternoon! ✨🎄

Last Friday, The Bridge held a Christmas Carol Service in our beautiful chapel at Greatham — and it was a roaring success! 💛

People came together for festive music, laughter, and plenty of Christmas cheer. We were delighted to be joined by the fantastic Blue Rose Choir, whose voices truly made the chapel glow with the spirit of the season. 🎶💙

After the service, everyone enjoyed warm refreshments and time to chat — reminding us just how important staying connected is, especially at this time of year.

The Bridge, run by The Greatham Foundation, supports people living with dementia and their carers — ensuring that no one faces dementia alone. Events like this are a beautiful reminder of the power of community and connection.

https://thegreathamfoundation.org.uk/community-care/the-bridge

05/12/2025

🎄✨ This week, The Bridge kicked off its Christmas celebrations with a festive Christmas Coffee Afternoon and a fun quiz

The Bridge provides free dementia support, offering practical advice, emotional support, and guidance for individuals, families, and carers. We believe no one should face dementia alone.

It was wonderful to see our community come together, sharing laughter, conversation, and companionship — reminding us why services like The Bridge are so important.

https://thegreathamfoundation.org.uk/community-care/the-bridge

03/12/2025

🌟 We’re Hiring! Senior Finance Officer 🌟

For more information and to apply visit: https://thegreathamfoundation.org.uk/about-us/our-vacancies

01/12/2025

📢 The Greatham Foundation Grants Programme – Applications Now Open

We are pleased to announce that our Grants Programme is now open for applications.

Funding is available for charities, community groups and voluntary sector organisations delivering meaningful impact within their communities, particularly for people experiencing disadvantage or social isolation.

🔹 Grants available up to £3,000
🔹 Open to both established organisations and newer community initiatives
🔹 Funding can support projects or core operational costs
🔹 Applications close 31 January 2026

For full eligibility criteria and application guidance, please visit:
👉 thegreathamfoundation.org.uk/grants-programme

We encourage organisations aligned with our charitable objectives to apply. Please share this opportunity with relevant partners.

24/11/2025

Stay Safe and Warm this winter

If you or someone you know is struggling to stay warm at home, help is available.

Cleveland Fire Brigade UK Stay Safe and Warm scheme offers free support to people across Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees who are having problems with their heating, such as a broken boiler or ongoing heating issues.

After a free home assessment, the team may be able to provide essential equipment to help you stay safe and warm.

Last year, the scheme helped over 400 household - from young families to older residents.

☎️ Call 01429 874063 to get in touch
🔗 Find out more here: https://www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/community/ssaw/

21/11/2025

A Celebration of Cultures at Stichell House

This afternoon, Stichell House hosted a vibrant multicultural event bringing together our staff, residents, and the local community.

Highlights included traditional music, lively dancing, and a variety of cultural foods and drinks.

Our staff from Nigeria and Ghana spoke about their cultural heritage, tribes and traditional dress, giving everyone a deeper understanding of their rich traditions.

A wonderful afternoon of connecting across cultures.