Mariners spread Christmas cheer at Haven Court

Players and staff from South Shields FC and our charitable Foundation visited Haven Court to wish residents a merry Christmas.

Jed Abbey and CJ Clarke were joined by SSFC Foundation health and well-being lead Jack Pringle and Harton and Westoe Miners' Welfare facilities manager Jill Charlton as part of the event.

It came after the club asked if it could support South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust in its efforts to celebrate Christmas with its community.

Each afternoon, Haven Court residents get a cup of tea and a slice of cake, and the club and Foundation stepped in to help the staff serve up that day’s treats.

Jed said: "It was a pleasure to visit Haven Court and to see some of the residents before Christmas.

"As a club, we pride ourselves on being at the centre of our community and initiatives like this bring it home just how powerful football can be, particularly at this time of year.

"I really enjoyed speaking to some of the residents and hearing some of their stories, and wish them all the happiest Christmas possible."

Haven Court is an integrated care facility in its own area within the South Tyneside District Hospital site. 

The care home specialises in residential and nursing care, dementia care and re-enablement.

Activities it organises for residents include singing, live much, movie afternoons in its cinema room, church services, seated exercise classes, crafts, pets as therapy visits and social sessions.

It is run by South Tyneside Integrated Care Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. 

Sarah Sasmazer, who is director of care, quality and safety and the registered manager of Haven Court, said: "We’re very grateful to the club and foundation for taking time out of their day to come along and visit us.

"We’re always busy with activities for our residents, it’s an important part of helping them keep moving and happy. At Christmas, we put a lot into making it an extra special time for them.

"Having a visit like this is a lovely bonus on top of all that and the residents enjoyed having a chat to them.

"Events like this brighten their day."