Angel Trust -A registered Charity that supports people in need across County Durham and Darlington.
What is the mission of your charity, and what inspired its creation?
The Angel Trust was created as, and always will remain a Charity For The People. Founded in 2018, the Trust originated as a Wish Granting charity, raising funds for poorly and vulnerable children to meet their favourite celebrity or go on holiday. The Trust is unique in its ability to diversify its services to meet the needs of the community at the time, recognising and responding to trends across the County, including Mental Health, Isolation and Homelessness. This adaptability has led to the Angel Trust creating new service arms, including an independent Foodbank, Community Pantry and the Safe Night Hub. The only facility of its kind in the area, the Safe Night Hub offers emergency accommodation and wrap-around support to vulnerable individuals. The Charity has also recently expanded into Mental Wellbeing support, with two counsellors, offering both post trauma and suicide prevention counselling to over 300 clients in the last 12 months. The Trust also runs large campaigns during the year, in 2025 its ‘Toy Appeal’ saw 15,000 toys donated to young children in local schools, hospitals and care settings.
What are the biggest challenges your organization faces in achieving its goals?
One of the biggest challenges the Angel Trust faces is a decline in fundraising income. With the rising cost of living, many previous events and fundraisers are no longer profitable, the entire landscape of fundraising has changed. Because of this, the Angel Trust has diversified the way it brings in money, opening a Coffee Shop, Community Pantry & Clothing Shop, with all profits raised being reinvested back into the wider charity.
Can you share a success story that highlights the impact of your work?
One of our previous Night Hub clients, ‘K’ was forced to sleep on the streets for several weeks, after losing her home through a no-fault eviction. As a vulnerable female, the streets were unforgiving, she felt cold and unsafe until she arrived at the Angel Trust Night Hub. She stayed at the Hub for three months, receiving vital support from trained key workers on her mental health, substance misuse and housing. We worked to get her rehoused in a local flat, we fully furnished the home and made sure she had all of the essential items she needed to feel safe and comfortable. During her time with us, she volunteered in the Beehive Coffee Shop, and we have recently offered her part time, paid employment as part of the Beehive Team. Our team worked incredibly hard to get this lady to where she is today, because of our support she is working, living comfortably and slowly working her way back into society.
How do you raise funds, and what are the most effective fundraising strategies you’ve used?
The Angel Trust has diversified its fundraising initiatives to cope with an ever-changing economic landscape. Opening an affordable market, coffee shop and clothing outlet has allowed the Trust to bring in revenue throughout the year. Corporate Partnership is another fundraising initiative setup by the Trust, where local businesses contribute £500 per year to the charity, and in return enjoy a host of benefits including social media coverage to some 1.5 million viewers per month alongside completing CSR requirements.
What role do volunteers play in your organization, and how can people get involved?
Volunteers play a crucial role in the Charity’s success. Volunteers will not only play a hand in helping the staff, but also gain valuable experience and learn new skills such as communication and manual handling certification. Volunteers can help with all sorts of tasks, from maintaining stock in our foodbank to sorting through clothing donations and wrapping toys at Christmas!
How do you ensure transparency and accountability in how donations are used?
All donations are audited and tracked to ensure transparency inline with the Charity’s commission’s ethical standards. Donations are also physically shown on social media and press releases, as well as through written testimonials, ensuring complete transparency across the charity.
What partnerships or collaborations have been most beneficial to your mission?
Although we have lots of key collaborative partners, including Durham County Council, we have been heavily supported by Ramside Estates, since our inception. The hospitality firm carry out several key events on our behalf, including recent Oyster Festivals, and an annual Children’s Christmas Party. Without this collaboration and support from the team, we wouldn’t be where we are today!
How has your charity adapted to recent challenges, such as economic downturns or global events?
The Charity continues to diversify and adapt to what is needed in the current climate. For example, after recognising that Food Poverty was a prevalent issue, the Trust opened it’s Foodbank to meet the needs of its people. Angel Trust is always looking to change its services and bring in new help lines to support everyone who comes through the doors. A 24/ Hour social media page and emergency phone number also allows for those in need to access support at any time, no matter the situation.
What’s next for your charity? Any upcoming projects or long-term goals?
The Angel Trust continues to grow and expand, having recently secured our first supported accommodation, which offers care and support to vulnerable individuals in the area, many of which have been through our Safe Night Hub care. The Trust will also soon be launching a mobile team, offering crisis support across County Durham for issues such as mental health and housing. The Charity aims to become the largest independent organisation of its kind in the County, and has exciting plans for growth and development over the coming years.
www.angeltrust.co.uk | 01388 737270