Over 60 residents living at two sheltered housing schemes on the iconic Grade II* Listed Byker Estate in Newcastle were served delicious afternoon tea thanks to Karbon Homes.
The residents living at Tom Collins House and Mount Pleasant were treated to a selection of finger sandwiches, quiches and cheese scones followed by a blackcurrant slice, mini-iced hot cross buns, chocolate eggs in a chocolate nest and a fruit scone with butter and jam. Vegan and vegetarian options were also included.
The initiative was organised by Mary-Helen Binns, Scheme Co-ordinator from Karbon Homes, who applied for funding from Byker Community Trust’s (BCT) Community Partnership Fund, as part of an action-packed programme of activities for all ages that have been held on the Byker Estate throughout the Easter half-term holidays.
Mary-Helen Binns said: “We wanted to organise something special for some of our older residents living in the two sheltered housing schemes on the Estate, that could be delivered in accordance with social distancing guidelines, and thought they would appreciate afternoon tea. By working in partnership with BCT, we were able to secure some funding and organise this activity.
“The food was all freshly prepared by Vinnie’s Café at St. Vincent de Paul’s Support Centre and it was delicious. It was a lovely way of celebrating Easter and to try and get back to some sort of normality after such a difficult year.”
Stephen Bell, a resident at Mount Pleasant said:
“I enjoyed it very much! The variety of food was really good and it was nice to have something a bit different to look forward to. Many thanks to everyone involved.”
Community Engagement Officer, Bijoli Deypurkaystha, said: “It was a lovely gesture to organise this activity for some of our older residents living on the Estate and I know they thoroughly enjoyed the food that was prepared and served.”
Tom Collins House comprises 39 flats and Mount Pleasant includes 24 flats. BCT formally transferred 1,800 homes on the Byker Estate to Karbon Homes on 1 April 2021.