A local NHS Trust charity has announced a partnership which they say will promote mental health and disability services in the region.

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW)’s charity, The SHINE Fund, has teamed up with Starbucks to raise both funds and mental health awareness.

Customers will be able to donate at Starbucks stores on Northumberland Street and Neville Street in Newcastle, which will go towards improving the lives of people cared for in CNTW’s hospital sites and community services in the Northeast and North Cumbria.

A spokesperson from CNTW said: “The SHINE Fund is used to provide ‘little extras’ that make a big difference to people’s recovery and mental wellbeing.

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“It has supported service users with everything from horse-riding outings to gardening tools and decorations to brighten-up wards.

“Customers will also be signposted to mental health resources, such as CNTW’s award-winning self-help guides, so they can access the information they or a loved one might need.”

Ailsa Miller, patients finance and cashiers manager at CNTW, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Starbucks and very much looking forward to being able to promote the work of both CNTW and The SHINE Fund.

“Any donations at the stores will be extremely gratefully received and will enhance the care and opportunities we are able to provide.

“It’s also important to use this partnership to raise awareness of mental health and disabilities and enable people to access the information they need.”

Jude Parker, store manager at Starbucks Northumberland Street, said: “We are privileged to be able to work alongside The SHINE Fund.

“We are hoping to raise funds to allow the charity to carry on their good work and help spread awareness of mental health.”

As part of the partnership, Starbucks will join CNTW in promoting national campaigns such as World Mental Health Day and Stress Awareness Week.

The partnership was established thanks to NHS Charities Together, which aims to provide extra support needed to care for NHS staff, patients and communities.

For more information about the SHINE Fund click here.

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