NHS Trust charity partners with Ryhope school

A primary school in Sunderland is partnering with a regional healthcare charity to strengthen local wellbeing.

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust’s (CNTW) charity and its SHINE Fund have teamed up with St Paul’s CE Primary School in Ryhope for the 2025/26 school year. 

Officials say the collaboration aims to deepen community ties and support pupils through a series of wellbeing activities.

Early sessions have already seen the SHINE Fund team and nurses from the Trust’s Children and Young People’s Services deliver mindfulness workshops, including breathing exercises and activities designed to help pupils manage stress and build resilience.

Further wellbeing initiatives and fundraising events will run throughout the year, helping the SHINE Fund continue its work across the region.

Sharon Brennan, charity communications and marketing manager at CNTW, said: “This partnership is a fantastic opportunity to bring our charity, NHS staff, and local school community together. 

“Through mindfulness sessions and collaboration, we aim to raise awareness of mental health, improve community and patient spaces, and support the next generation in developing tools to look after their wellbeing.”

Lisa Quinn-Briton, headteacher of St. Paul’s CE Primary School, added: “We are thrilled to be working with CNTW Charity and the SHINE Fund. 

“Pupils have enjoyed the mindfulness sessions, and they are excited to take part in fundraising activities to support the SHINE Fund’s vital work for patients and carers in our community.”

Launched in 2014, the SHINE Fund supports patient recovery with projects ranging from outdoor improvements and exercise equipment to pet therapy, gardening tools and therapeutic classes.

Sam Diston, clinical manager at CNTW, added: “We recognise that children’s mental health has been progressively getting worse since the pandemic. 

“As a Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service, we are passionate about equipping children with the tools, knowledge and skills around building resilience and knowing when to reach out if they need help. 

“Early intervention and prevention is key.”

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