At North East Escapes, we believe every getaway should do good, not just for our guests, but for our community too. That’s why we’re proud to continue supporting Kids in Mind, a remarkable UK charity providing wellbeing and mental health support for children who’ve escaped serious domestic violence and found safety in women’s refuges.
Last week, we were honoured to once again take part in the 4th Annual Kids in Mind “Question of Sport” Charity Event, held at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. The sold-out evening brought together the North East’s property and housebuilding community for a night filled with sport, laughter, and generosity, raising an incredible £90,136 to help fund the charity’s life-changing work.
Founded by Philip Gower, Gordon Moulds, and Julian Margolin, Kids in Mind is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to supporting children in women’s refuges. With around 450 staffed refuges nationwide, and over 20,000 children and mothers passing through them each year, their work provides vital emotional and mental health care for those in crisis.
The charity funds wellbeing sessions as well as play, art, and music therapy. These sessions give children a safe, creative outlet to express themselves, process trauma, and start rebuilding their confidence and happiness.
As part of our ongoing commitment to community wellbeing, North East Escapes proudly supports Kids in Mind through our ‘Pound on the Pillow’ initiative, donating £1 from every booking directly to the charity.
This simple yet powerful idea means that every guest who stays with us helps make a positive difference. So far this year, we’ve donated £3,500, funding crucial therapy sessions and emotional support for children who need it most.
Steven Mitchinson, CEO of North East Escapes, shared:
“Supporting Kids in Mind is something that really resonates with us at North East Escapes. The work they do makes a genuine difference to children who’ve faced unimaginable trauma, giving them the chance to heal through compassion and creativity. Our ‘Pound on the Pillow’ initiative allows every one of our guests and owners to play a small part in that recovery journey, and we’re incredibly proud to help raise both awareness and funds for such an important cause. Also, a huge thank you to our incredible owners who kindly contributed stays in their properties, to be auctioned. This contributed significantly to the total.”
Hosted by football legend John Barnes, comedian Jed Stone, and sports broadcaster Emma Jones, the Question of Sport event was a brilliant evening of fun and fundraising. Guests enjoyed an exciting sports quiz, live entertainment, auctions, and moving stories highlighting the impact of Kids in Mind’s work.
The event was organised by a passionate volunteer committee, including our own Steven Mitchinson, whose commitment helped make the evening such a success.
Co-chair Graeme Blenkinsopp (Wisemove) summed it up perfectly:
“It’s been incredible to see the North East community come together once again in such generous spirit. Every year the event grows, and every pound raised helps Kids in Mind continue its life-changing work supporting children and families across our great region.”
Together with the charity’s summer golf day at Close House, the Question of Sport event has become a highlight of the North East charity calendar, celebrating teamwork, generosity, and hope.
At North East Escapes, giving back is part of who we are. Every booking, every stay, and every Pound on the Pillow helps make a difference, turning memorable getaways into moments of hope for children who need it most.
If you’d like to find out more about our community initiatives or explore our North East getaways, visit our holiday homes.
