Six figures for Hospital Project Taking a Whole Family Approach
By Jill Dando News
A North East charity has received £200,000 from the NHS Charities Together Innovation Challenge Fund to expand its SPACE Pilot project.
This initiative, in partnership with Ways to Wellness and the Great North Children’s Hospital, supports young people with chronic conditions by pairing social prescribing link workers with clinicians.
The pilot has shown positive outcomes, helping families who feel overwhelmed after hospital stays and lack the mental energy to search for support.
Newcastle Hospitals Charity is the only recipient from the North East, and one of six nationally, after 200 applications. The funding will expand the project’s reach, offering non-medical support for families, such as help with housing, benefits, school arrangements, and building confidence during a child's illness.
The program complements medical care for up to six months.
The SPACE Pilot is part of several initiatives in the North East and North Cumbria region, led by Ways to Wellness, a charity focused on testing new healthcare solutions.
Research from Newcastle University shows that for every £1 spent, the program generates £2.75 in benefits. Families reported feeling more connected to their communities, with improved self-efficacy.
The £200,000 investment is part of a £923,100 distribution from NHS Charities Together to address health inequalities for children and young people over the next three years, with plans to invest £40 million over 10 years.
Jon Goodwin, Head of Grants at NHS Charities Together, said
“We’re delighted that SPACE Pilot is one of six projects that have been awarded grants, in this case £200,000, to support it over the next three years.
“We know that sadly where someone is born can affect their long-term health,
and this and other projects across the UK are aimed at tackling unfair health
inequalities and giving every young person the support they need.”
Teri Bayliss, charity director at Newcastle Hospitals Charity, added:
“We’re pleased to have been awarded this funding with Ways to Wellness to support Anna and the team to further expand SPACE Pilot.
“It is our mission to go further for our hospitals and the funding for this project will help us continue to support young patients and their families at the Great North Children’s Hospital.”
For more information, visit Ways to Wellness’ website or YouTube channel.
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