Children North East

Featuring iconic Geordie actor, and Children North East Patron, Tim Healy, and People’s Postcode Lottery Ambassador, Judie McCourt, ‘Home Is Where Hope Is’ explores Tim’s childhood growing up in the West End of Newcastle. The film also highlights the impact of funding, raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and the positive impact it has had on those living in the area now.

The film emphasises the different ways the charity offers help and hope to children, young people and their families facing difficult experiences, often made harder by poverty.

With 38% of children in the North East growing up in poverty and many families facing the devastating impact of the cost-of-living crisis, access to the types of support highlighted in the film are more important than ever.

Tim, who has been a patron of the charity for more than 20 years, discussed with Judie, who also grew up in the North East, the vital difference the charity has had on his beloved Newcastle.

Whilst walking along his childhood street Tim comments:

“Children North East is basically about care in the community. It looks after families in this area, and me being from here, it means a lot to me.”

Children North East exists to create life-changing differences for babies, children and young people in their families, schools and communities. They work to ensure they grow up feeling safe, loved, and resilient to face whatever challenges may come their way.

Commenting on the release of the film, Tim said:

“It was a certainly a nostalgic experience heading back to the West End of Newcastle and exploring how it had changed. The work of Children North East on the same streets I grew up on is often a lifeline for young people and their families. I am so grateful to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for raising funds for amazing charities like Children North East and for continuing to make sure the charities support is available to those that need it the most.”

Judie McCourt, ambassador at People’s Postcode Lottery, said:

“The North East is home to me so to see the incredible impact that this funding is having on a local charity makes it even more special for me.

“Children North East make such a huge difference to so many lives across the North East and it was fantastic to join Tim and visit one of the areas that is impacted by funds raised by lottery players.”

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised over £3m in funding for Children North East for over the last 15 years. The funding continues to provide life-changing help across the North East each year.

David Bavaird, Chair of the Trustees at Children North East, comments,

“The support from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery is transformative for our charity and the communities it serves. In the past three years players have raised funds that have not only supported life-changing services, like those seen in the film, but allowed us keep lifelines of support going during the pandemic against the odds. It is great to see their impact reflected in this new film.” 

Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said:

“This time of year can be particularly difficult for many people and this film highlights that there are a lot of people who continue to face challenges every day of the year. To know that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are able to support a charity like Children North East who are there to make things easier for families is really special.”

The five-minute film ‘Home Is Where Hope Is’ can be viewed on the Children North East website. Learn more about the People’s Postcode Lottery on their website.