Spotlight on SHINE: The little extras making a big difference across our services

From garden transformations to exercise equipment and festive decorations, the SHINE fund helps bring comfort, entertainment and connection to people using CNTW services.

SHINE is part of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust charity (UK registered charity 1165788), and stands for Support, Hope, Inspire, Nurture and Empower.

Donations to SHINE help provide support for service users on their journey to recovery by providing the extra things that can make a real difference to people’s lives.

Between April 2025 and March 2026, SHINE funded over 60 projects across the Trust,
supporting a diverse range of initiatives that improve the care experience. Thank you to all our amazing supporters who got involved in over 50 fundraisers for our charity, these projects were made possible thanks to you.

Highlights include a £41,261 investment in the redevelopment of Akenside ward’s new garden at St. Nicholas Hospital, to transform the space to a calm, welcoming and accessible garden. Akenside ward is an inpatient unit providing care for older people with mental health problems. Part of the transformation included improved accessibility for wheelchair users, enabling them to enjoy the garden space.

 Another key project was the Voyage to Recovery,  which enabled 11 service users recovering from psychosis to embark on a life changing adventure, sailing a tall ship from Whitehaven to Glasgow. It has been described by service users as ‘one of the best things I’ve ever done’ and ‘a truly unforgettable experience’.

 In Cumbria, SHINE provided funding for the Memory and Later Life service to host a Virtual Dementia Tour on Whitehaven high street over Dementia Action Week in May.

The experience, aimed at carers, gave members of the public the opportunity to ‘walk in the shoes’ of the people they care for. Through greater understanding and learning, the service hopes carers will be better equipped to provide more compassionate, person-centred support for those living with dementia.

These projects aren’t just nice-to-haves, they play a meaningful role in helping people feel more comfortable, empowered and supported throughout their recovery.

The SHINE fund allows us to gain experiences like the dementia tour to raise awareness and not only support patients and carers but also enhance our knowledge as practitioners within the team. We really are reliant on the SHINE fund for activities like this today and enhancing our patients’ experiences.

Chloe Woodward
Community Practitioner in the Memory and Later Life service

If it wasn’t for the SHINE fund, we wouldn’t have this wonderful garden for patients and staff to enjoy. It’s been amazing what they’ve done for us, can’t thank them enough.

George Moat
Volunteer, Akenside

How to get involved

• Make a one-off of regular donation.
• Fundraising: From bake sales to fun runs, every penny counts.
• Got unwanted clothes to donate? Drop these off at our donation points at any main CNTW hospital site.
• Join Microhive: if you are a CNTW or NTW Solutions member of staff, opt in to automatically donate the pennies off your salary to SHINE each month.

Could you support one of CNTW Charity’s active appeals?

Sensory playroom: Beadnell Mother and Baby Unit

Beadnell Mother and Baby Unit at St George’s Park is a specialist regional service supporting women experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy and after birth.

The team are fundraising to create a dedicated sensory playroom for mothers, babies and their families during their stay on the unit. This calming and welcoming space will help promote comfort, emotional wellbeing and stress reduction, while supporting bonding and family connection.

The sensory playroom will include sensory lighting, soothing music equipment, interactive sensory resources, comfortable seating and aromatherapy features, creating a safe environment where families can relax, play and spend quality time together.

Voyage to Recovery: Newcastle and Gateshead Early Intervention in Psychosis Team

The Newcastle and Gateshead Early Intervention in Psychosis teams are raising funds to provide a truly life-changing adventure therapy experience for people recovering from psychosis.

Building on the success of previous trips funded through SHINE, the project enables service users and staff to sail a tall ship from Whitehaven to Glasgow. The voyage encourages personal growth, confidence, resilience and connection with others, while offering hope and inspiration for recovery.

The team is now seeking support to ensure future participants can benefit from this unique and transformative experience.

Resources for activities: Memory and Later Life

The Memory and Later Life Service in West Cumbria are raising funds for additional resources, activities and wellbeing opportunities for older adults living with
memory difficulties and mental health challenges, as well as support for their carers.

Funds raised contribute towards meaningful activity materials, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy groups, wellbeing sessions, carer support groups and other initiatives that help people maintain independence, reduce isolation and improve quality of life.