“If only we might rediscover once for all that we need one another, and that in this way our human family can experience a rebirth, with all its faces, all its hands and all its voices, beyond the walls that we have erected.”

Fratelli Tutti 35

Faith in Action: Trust, Service, Respect, Integrity, Compassion

The Vicariate for Caritas was established by Bishop Robert in January 2020. A prophetic step as three months later the church, along with the whole of society, was in lockdown, experiencing great loneliness, fear and need. Caritas Hexham and Newcastle helped to overcome these issues and continues to help us make real the vision of Pope Francis within our diocese, that of being one people, interdependent upon one another. It has seldom been more needed than right now.

The Caritas Network brings together many groups and individuals within the diocese to reach out the hand of friendship, to walk with one another in mutual support. As Episcopal Vicar for Caritas I have had the great privilege of encountering the most amazing volunteers – people just like you – and the most humble, grateful and dignified people in need. The Network meets on the first Friday of each month, from 1:30pm, if any groups would like to be represented that are not currently listed, then please contact the EV for Caritas, Fr Adrian Tuckwell.

If you follow the links you will discover the great work which is taking place, in your name, by a few dedicated staff and so many volunteers. If what you see moves you, then please respond. Perhaps you can offer your time and talents to one of the groups mentioned. You may be inspired to establish a local group or take up the call to advocate on behalf of someone in need. You may be able to support or lead a campaign to address injustice. You may be in a position to contribute financially to our work or you may be in need of the help and support that one of our groups provides. If I may speak on behalf of all involved we need your help and truly look forward to hearing from you.

Please follow the links, read the stories, open your hearts so that together we can live out our diocesan values and build God’s kingdom here on earth – Trust, Service, Respect, Integrity, Compassion.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 25:40

Fr Adrian Tuckwell

Episcopal Vicar for Caritas

Caritas News and Appeals

Caritas Hexham and Newcastle Fund

A new fund has been launched within the Diocese to help us fulfil the Diocesan values and the call of Pope Francis to support organisations within the diocese who reach out in Christian love to those in need. This fund aims to provide long term help to existing organisations but also to encourage people within parishes, schools and partnerships to start new local projects to help those on the margins.

Diocesan Groups

Anti-Racism Working Group

The Anti–Racism Working Group is seeking a deeper understanding of racism and how it may lie beneath the surface of our thoughts and actions, both as individuals and as parish and church communities and other structures.

Environmental Group

Bishop Robert has established a Diocesan Environmental Group which has been meeting regularly since February. The group has been formed to support the Diocese in taking concerted action to address the climate and ecological emergency recognising the call by Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ to care for our common home.

Joe’s Place

Joe’s Place, in the heart of Gateshead, opens its doors every Wednesday to support some of the most vulnerable people in the area, including those who are homeless, have little or no money, are living with addiction or have mental health issues.

Justice & Peace

Encouraging commitment to social action in light of the Gospel message and teaching of the Catholic Church. The Justice & Peace Team’s main objective is to foster a network of support within parishes and partnerships and to encourage the use of the four stages of the Pastoral Cycle.

Justice & Peace Refugee Project

A provision of support for refugees within the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle, this project offers basic necessities to live, such as food and clothing, and provides other areas of pastoral support to help refugees thrive, and not just survive.

Mercy Hub

The Mercy Hub works so that disadvantaged families in Newcastle can integrate, flourish and be happy.

Proud Catholics

Proud Catholics is a support group for and run by Catholics in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, who identify as LGBT+ or who are questioning their sexual or gender identity. Friends and family members are welcome to join us.

Partner Organisations

CAFOD

The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and part of Caritas International.

St Cuthbert’s Care

St Cuthbert’s Care is a Catholic charity that is committed to helping improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, including people with profound disabilities, children in care, older people and those living on the margins of society.

St Vincent de Paul Society

The St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales) is part of an international Christian voluntary network dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by providing practical assistance to people in need. Find out how they support our communities locally.

Green Pastures

For over 20 years Green Pastures has been purchasing property and providing experienced support for churches and Christian charities so that they can reach out and house the homeless in their area.

Marriage Care: Relationship Counselling

All relationships have ups and downs. Sometimes, though, things can get a bit stuck and it’s hard to find a positive solution. That’s when help from a skilled couple relationship counsellor can make all the difference and why we are pleased to be able to offer this support through Marriage Care, a fellow member of the Caritas Social Action Network. Whether you are feeling things just aren’t quite right or whether you are encountering serious difficulties, we are here to listen and to support you towards a positive outcome.

The Road Centre

Counselling – Training – Wellbeing

The Road Centre is a leading provider of therapeutic interventions in the field of emotional and psychological health, across the northeast of England. Their premises in Chester le Street offer a range of high-quality services including counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for adults, children and young people.

Tyne & Wear Citizens

A Chapter of Citizens UK, which organises local volunteers to tackle injustices in the local communities. Priority issues, voted by members, includes tackling poverty through campaigning, mental health support, and helping to create a safer city.

“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”

St. Teresa of Avila