Our Impact - Gateshead 50+

Our Impact

As a charity, we work hard to ensure that the activities we offer are helping over 50s feel fitter, more socially connected, happier, more independent, and more in control of their finances.

We regularly survey everyone who takes part in the activities at our Deckham hub to ensure the opportunities we offer are meeting their needs. We are pleased to share the highlights from this year's survey below.

To learn more about what we do, please read our annual impact report and case studies.

About the Gateshead 50+ community

Our beneficiaries range in age from 49 to 91. Our average beneficiary age is 72.2.

67% of our beneficiaries have a long term health condition

45% of our beneficiaries live alone

74% of our beneficiaries are female 26% of our beneficiaries are male

18% of our beneficiaries have caring responsibilities

60% of our beneficiaries use our no-questions-asked community
pantry

Age range of our participants

17%

of our beneficiaries are

aged 49 to 64

65%

of our beneficiaries are
aged 65 to 79

18%

of our beneficiaries are

aged 80+

Our average participant visits us 2.25 times per week.

Our most active participants take part in 9 of our activities per week.

52%

take part in at least two activities per week

36%

take part in at least three activities per week

19%

take part in at least four activities per week

10%

take part in at least five activities per week

Here's what our members of the Gateshead 50+ community have to say about the impact taking part in our activities has on their lives:

89% have made friends with whom they now socialise

77% feel happier

89% feel their physical health has improved

100% say we offer newcomers a warm welcome

68% have learned new skills

50% visit their GP less frequently since joining us

91% feel their mental health has improved

100% say they would recommend our activities to family and friends

Testimonials from members of our Gateshead 50+ community

"I suffer from anxiety and depression and this group has helped enormously. I have made new friends and meet up for coffee. Good people run this group and activities."

"Coming along has made me feel more important somehow."

"I really enjoy all the activities and have made some friends for life. The instructors are fabulous and I would recommend Gateshead 50+ to anyone."

"The service you provide is excellent. I feel the Zoom class you offer has given me more confidence and I intend to try a dancercise class now that my balance has improved. You offer something for everyone and there always seems to be a warm welcome for anyone wanting to try something new."

"This service is second to none and offers help and friendship to all. I have more confidence since coming here."

"Since joining, I have found that I have more energy and I love meeting new people. Coming here gives me something to look forward to."

"I'm so pleased I plucked up the courage to enter this fantastic place. It's made my retirement so much easier and has given me focus. So thankful!"

"Having become a widow in my early 50s, this group has really helped my mental health by meeting people and enjoying many varied activities. The staff are fantastic - so friendly and enthusiastic."

"I took early retirement last October and found this centre via a friend. It's brilliant and so friendly. Lots of classes to choose from. I love it!"