About Bell View
More than twenty years of community care in Belford
Bell View began with a community that refused to let its most vulnerable neighbours be forgotten. This is that story.
From workhouse to community hub
Bell View was formed in 1998 by local residents who fought back against Northumberland County Council's plans to close Belford's residential care home. The community believed that older people should be able to stay in their local community — and should not be forced to move away when their care and support needs increased.
Through lobbying, campaigning and partnership, the community won. The charity was gifted the site — a former Victorian workhouse — and set about transforming it into a purpose-built resource centre for older people.
The Bell View story
From a community campaign against closure to one of North Northumberland's most trusted organisations.
By 1997, the buildings at Bell View had become dilapidated beyond repair. Northumberland County Council planned to close the residential care home and adult day centre.
Friends of Bell View was formed in response — a community that refused to accept the closure of something it depended upon.
Bell View Charity is formed. Years of campaigning and fundraising follow.
Local architect Duncan Roberts is commissioned to design a new Bell View Resource Centre — a purpose-built replacement for the dilapidated site.
A topping-out ceremony marks the halfway point of the building works.
In October 2004, the new building opens for the first time.
The Bell View Resource Centre is officially opened by Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland.
The accessible modern building includes a purpose-built adult day care centre with bathing facilities and therapy rooms.
Bell View purchases an existing day care business and establishes a new social enterprise — Bell View Care Limited — to support the charity's work.
Bell View celebrates five years of running 'Bringo', its community transport service, and purchases a new wheelchair-accessible vehicle. New lunch clubs launch.
Bell View Help at Home Limited is established to deliver home care services and further support the charity — bringing regulated care directly to people in their own homes across North Northumberland.
Bell View marks ten years since the Resource Centre opened. Art, Craft and Rag Rug groups continue to grow alongside a widening range of social activities.
Bell View also hosts a Food Bank, supplying food and household essentials to those who need them.
Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland, in her capacity as Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, presents the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to Bell View — the highest award given to voluntary organisations, equivalent to an MBE.
The award is accepted by Christine Harris, Chairperson, and members of the volunteer team.
Whilst the UK is locked down under COVID rules, Bell View provides food and prescription deliveries and a Friendship Line to the community.
The charity's businesses adapt to continue supporting people through the most difficult period in a generation.
After the pandemic, activities and fundraising events flourish. Annual events — the Plant Sale & Coffee Morning, Summer Fair, Belford Arts Festival and Christmas Fair — all recommence.
Bell View's food project continues, mitigating the impact of food waste through community donations, local supermarkets and Fare Share North East.
The Community Café remains a hub of activity and the venue for Lunch Clubs, Soup Clubs, a Warm Hub and Warm Space.
Help at Home begins delivering a new service: Home from Home at Bell View.
Bell View continues to support a range of health, wellbeing and social activities from the Resource Centre and Community Café, reaching Belford and far beyond.
In our 20th anniversary year, we are enormously grateful for all the support we have received from the community — our volunteers, the Belford Community Group, the Belford Show, local businesses and funders.
Bell View's members approve a Special Resolution to formally update the charity's objects, with Charity Commission consent. Bell View's scope broadens to serve anyone at risk of social exclusion in rural North Northumberland — encompassing intergenerational connection, community cohesion, health and wellbeing, and the relief of poverty.
The original focus on older people, disabled people, those in poor health, and their carers is explicitly retained. Bell View is for everyone.
Thank you for being part of our journey
Bell View is a small organisation with a large reach. Across approximately 300 square miles of rural North Northumberland, our staff and volunteers work every day to ensure that no one faces hardship, isolation or ill health alone.