7 October 2024
Children North East, supported by Robertson, open ‘transformative’ outdoor play area
As part of its role creating “life-changing differences for babies, children and young people” Newcastle-based kids charity Children North East (CNE) runs a Families and Parenting Hub in Cowgate, Newcastle.
Images:
Martin Westgate, Business Development Director, Robertson Construction North East with Children North East’s Events and Community Coordinator Joanne King at the opening of ‘Martin’s Place’, as well as local children using the outdoor covered play space.
The Hub provides vital support to the local community but was limited in the use of its outdoor space as it lacked places for play to take place under cover.
The charity came to long-term CNE supporter Martin Westgate, Business Development Director, Robertson Construction North East for help, and the company organised the building of a new outdoor covered play space which officially opened last month.
The outdoor covered space is now being used for activities such as dancing sessions for pre-schoolers, arts and crafts groups and support groups for local parents. The project also included the replacement of a shed to provide storage for outdoor play equipment, including bikes and scooters the kids previously couldn’t use regularly.
Martin and Robertson have been working with the charity since the mid 2000s, particularly raising money for CNE’s annual Charity Ball and for many years sponsoring the charity’s Sandcastle Challenge event on South Shield Beach.
In recognition of his two decades of fundraising for the charity, CNE has chosen to name the space Martin’s Place. A plaque sharing the name was revealed at an event last month opening the space, attended by those who took part in the build and leaders of the contributing organisations.
Robertson Operations Manager Andrew Coleman organised the work on site to construct the pergola, with support from Hewitson Limited for groundworks and materials from James Burrells Builders Merchants. All work and materials were donated to the charity for free by the companies.
Martin Westgate said: “Children North East is a phenomenal organisation and Robertson has helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds for them over the years. When we heard that we could use our expertise to help make a difference to the Cowgate Community Hub, we were more than willing to help out. It’s a joy to see the space complete and being used by kids to enjoy outdoor play.”
Billie Jenkins Fundraising Manager for Children North East said: “Having this multi-use space will be transformative for the communities accessing Hub services, especially as many have limited access to outside play spaces. Children North East cannot thank those involved in the build enough for giving the children, young people and families this wonderful opportunity to get outside and closer to nature.”
