Energy Advice Support for Vulnerable Communities

Centre for Warmth: Helping Middlesbrough Tackle Energy Poverty

We’re excited to announce that the Centre for Warmth is now open at the Hope Foundation! As energy prices continue to rise and the cost of living becomes harder to manage, we know that many people in Middlesbrough are feeling the squeeze. That’s why we’ve launched our Drop-In Energy Clinic—held every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM—to provide much-needed support for those struggling with energy bills.

Addressing Energy Poverty in Middlesbrough

Energy poverty is a growing issue in our community, with many families facing tough choices between heating their homes and other essentials. The situation is especially hard on vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income households. High energy costs are putting a strain on many, leaving people anxious about how they’ll keep warm this winter.

That’s where the Centre for Warmth comes in. Our goal is to provide practical, hands-on support to help you understand and manage your energy bills, find out if you’re entitled to any additional benefits, and ensure you’re getting all the support available to you.

Some of the ways Centre for Warmth Can Help You:

  • Understand Your Energy Bills: We know energy bills can be confusing, so we’ll break them down in simple terms and help you spot where you can save.
  • Access to Benefits: You might be missing out on help you’re entitled to. We’ll check if you qualify for energy-related benefits or discounts that could ease the burden.
  • Priority Service Register: We’ll help you sign up for the Priority Service Register, which gives vulnerable households extra support from energy suppliers during power cuts or emergencies.

Drop in for a Chat

Our Energy Clinic runs every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, no appointment needed. Just drop in, have a chat, and let our friendly team help you take control of your energy usage and costs. Whether you’re struggling with rising bills, need advice on staying warm, or want to know if you qualify for extra support, we’re here for you.

Community Health Initiative

We’re excited to announce that Community Healthy Hearts has officially arrived at the Hope Foundation! We’re here to make sure that everyone in Middlesborough has easy access to regular blood pressure checks, and we can’t stress enough how important they are for keeping your heart in tip-top shape.

Why Blood Pressure Checks Matter

Did you know high blood pressure is often called the “silent killer”? Sounds scary, right? But that’s because most people don’t even realise they have it until something goes wrong, like a heart attack or stroke. That’s where regular checks come in. By keeping an eye on your blood pressure, you can catch any problems early, which means you can make changes before things get serious.

What’s the Big Deal About Heart Health in Middlesborough?

Heart disease is a growing issue here in Middlesborough, with many people not realising just how much of a difference simple steps can make. Things like eating better, staying active, and managing stress can all improve heart health, but it starts with knowing where you stand—and that’s where we come in!

By offering free blood pressure checks, we’re making it super easy for you to stay on top of your heart health. Plus, it’s quick, painless, and gives you a clear idea of how your heart is doing.

Why Should You Get Checked?

  • It’s a Lifesaver: Early detection means you can take action right away.
  • It’s Preventative: Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range reduces the risk of heart disease, strokes, and more.
  • It’s All About Awareness: Knowing your numbers is the first step to taking control of your health.

Come Along and Get Checked!

We’re inviting everyone in the community to pop by and take advantage of our free blood pressure checks. It only takes a few minutes, but it could make a massive difference for your health. Whether you’ve never had your blood pressure checked before, or it’s been a while, now’s the perfect time to get on track.

Let’s work together to keep Middlesborough’s hearts healthy and happy!

Quiz Night

Join Us for Quiz Night with BNI!

Get your thinking caps on and join us for a fun-filled Quiz Night hosted by BNI, all in support of The Hope Foundation! This is your chance to test your trivia skills, enjoy a great night out, and most importantly, help raise vital funds for our mission to support those in need.

Date: 11th October
Time: 7PM
Location: Billingham Rugby Club

Gather your friends, family, or colleagues, and compete for the title of quiz champion! Whether you’re a trivia master or just there for the fun, every pound raised will go toward making a real difference in the community.

Don’t miss out on a night of great fun, great company, and a great cause!

Scan the QR code for a night of laughter, learning, and giving back!

Recruiting for Volunteer Coordinator

As a Volunteer Coordinator at The Hope Foundation, you’ll play a vital role in driving our mission forward. This position gives you the chance to manage and inspire volunteers, helping to organise meaningful initiatives that make a lasting difference in the community.

Here’s why you should consider joining us:

  • Make an impact: Lead volunteers in projects that directly improve lives and uplift communities.
  • Develop leadership skills: Hone your ability to manage teams and coordinate efforts for real-world results.
  • Work with purpose: Join an organization that’s dedicated to making a positive difference.
  • Collaborate with a passionate team: Work alongside people who are committed to creating change.

If you’re organized, driven, and passionate about community work, The Hope Foundation offers a chance to make a meaningful contribution while growing your skills. Let’s make a difference together.

Find out more here:  by downloading an application pack

Good luck to Womble Bond Dickinson @Business Fives

The Business Fives football tournament is a charity fundraiser. Huge thanks to sporty Womble Bond Dickinson who are entering a team for today’s tournament and have chosen to support us at The Hope Foundation.

Best of luck to them, and you can support them by sponsoring them online.

Win a summer getaway AND raise money for the Hope Foundation with Middlesbrough Lottery

Sign up for the Middlesbrough Lottery monthly draw to win up to £25 000. If you choose to support Hope, 50% of the cost of your ticket price is donated directly to Hope and another 10% goes to other good causes in Middlesbrough.

You raise money and could also win up to £25,000.

In June, participants walked away with a Sony home theatre bundle and cash prizes. July’s draw will take place on Saturday 29th July and this month’s bonus prize is a £1000 Airbnb voucher.Middlesbrough Lottery. Win up to £25 000

 

Sponsored walk beach

Sponsored walk Saturday 12th August

We’ll be doing a sponsored walk on 12th August. Meet at The Hope Foundation at 10am or at the Coast Road car park in Marske at 10.30am.

Families are welcome. You can collect a sponsor form from the centre or share this link to collect online donations, or you can just come along for the walk.

You must let us know you will be coming and how many people will be joining you, as we are organising transport. You will need to raise £5 in sponsorship or contribute to the transport costs.

Call us on 01642 232220.

Funds raised will help us develop our outdoor space so we can provide seating and grow our own herb garden.

🏆 #TeesTechAwards2023 chosen charity and Tech for Good finalist

We had a fabulous night at the Tees Tech Awards last night, celebrating digital innovation on Teesside. Over 300 people attended, representing organisations and companies across Teesside.

Hope was the chosen charity for the evening, so our CEO, Sue, was invited to give one of the opening speeches. She talked about digital poverty and the massive impact furbdit has had on Teesside since covid. By repurposing and gifting devices and technology, we’re providing a lifeline to local people to health services, friends, financial management, education, work and many other things.

We were really inspired on the night by the great work in digital innovation happening across the region and proud of furbdit’s nomination in the Tech for Good category. David and Sue collected our award.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and raised £920 towards our work on the night itself. We’re really encouraged by your support. It was really exciting to meetpeople at the forefront of technology on Teesside who are keen to find out more about Hope and furbdit and support the work we do. We can’t wait to get that ball rolling, exciting times ahead!

You can read all about the event, finalists and winners at teesbusiness.co.uk.

colour your christmas

CANCELLED Colour Your Christmas festive afternoon tea

We’re really sorry but have had to cancel this event.

An exclusive opportunity to enjoy a festive afternoon tea and raise money to support the work of The Hope Foundation on Wednesday 7th December at Hall Garth Hotel, Darlington.

Our guest speaker will be Sarah Heron  of True Colours with Sarah Heron. She’ll be helping us to understand the power of colour and the impact this can have.

There will be Christmas stalls, a raffle and tombola and corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available.

 

Buy your ticket directly from our website. 

Walk this May!

We’ve all missed being out and about with others during the covid lockdowns.
We’re going to be walking this May to blow off the cobwebs, get active and get to know each other in a scenic walk from Hope along the river Tees to Tees Barrage. The walk will also raise money for the Hope Foundation to help us fund an outside area for our local community to use by walkers being sponsored.
The walk is open to current and former staff, learners, volunteers and anyone else who would like to join us. Bring your friends and family whether sponsored or not.
We’re looking forward to seeing plenty of you at the walk! We’ll be setting of at 10am on 28th May.
You can sponsor us or collect sponsors by signing up to enthuse and sharing this campaign, or can pick up a sponsor form from the centre.