Changing lives in the North East

Newcastle United Foundation uses the unrivalled passion for football in the North East to motivate and inspire people of all ages, abilities, genders, and faiths to achieve their potential.

For more than 11 years, the Foundation has been changing lives for the better – harnessing the pride for the Newcastle United badge to engage more than 66,000 children, young adults, and elderly people each year.

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery support communities in need from Newcastle and Gateshead to England’s northernmost town in North Northumberland, they also help children living less than a mile from St. James’ Park.

Players have raised £700,000 for Newcastle United Foundation and its work.

Thanks to the vital support of players, the Foundation can make a difference for babies, toddlers, children, and teenagers receiving life-saving treatment or end of life care in Newcastle’s Great North Children’s Hospital (GNCH).

A two-man team gets to know youngsters on the paediatric oncology ward, as well as their siblings and family who face a tough time in the hospital, often for extended periods of time.

Using People’s Postcode Lottery support, Newcastle United Foundation GNCH Project Coordinators Gareth Williams and Melissa Scott encourage the young cancer patients to play, learn, laugh and stay active with a range of activities, games, and educational projects on the ward.

After a period of lockdown to prevent the further spread of coronavirus, Gareth and Melissa, and now back in GNCH, providing respite for NHS staff too.

Melissa said: "The activities we can provide on Ward 7 thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery brings patients together.

"All the children are able to play together or work in teams for more active games, with parents and staff joining in.

"We are very grateful to receive the support that enables us to work with these amazing young people and we are proud to help children with personal and social development, which is noticed by staff and the children’s parents too.

"It’s an incredibly rewarding job we hope can continue for years to come."

Alongside support for chronically ill children, Newcastle United Foundation also uses the generosity of People’s Postcode Lottery players to fund volunteering programmes for young adults, Fit Club for over 50s, and the Newcastle Panthers Football Club.

The Panthers are the North East’s first LGBTQ+ friendly football club, welcoming new players to weekly training sessions across Newcastle.

The fully-inclusive team kicks off its new season in December this year and they will be fighting fit with new equipment and coaching from Newcastle United Foundation staff.

The fully-inclusive team kicks off its new season in December this year and they will be fighting fit with new equipment and coaching from Newcastle United Foundation staff.