Since PSG began the project has supported over 425 voluntary groups with free professional advice, guidance and expertise, below are just a few of the successful projects we have supported:

Action for Dystonia, Diagnosis, Education and Research (ADDER) 

ADDER is a charity founded in 1999 based in the North East for people with the neurological condition known as dystonia.  The philosophy behind the charity is that people with dystonia, or connected with a dystonic, must be at the forefront of the charity thus ensuring that the dystonic voice is heard, listened to and acted upon.  Too many charities are run by professional people not connected in any way to the people on behalf of whose welfare they are acting.  Dystonia is defined as a, previously little known, neurological disease of the body’s central nervous system and consists of a group of related movement disorders, characterised by involuntary and often painful, prolonged spasms of muscle contractions. It has also been classically defined as a syndrome of sustained muscle contractions, frequently causing twisting and repetitive movements, or abnormal postures.  It can affect a single part of the body, or the whole body, or any mid-way position between these two extremes.

The work of the charity has three main aims; 1) to advance the education of the public in relation to the sickness and distress caused by dystonia, 2) to promote the treatment of people with dystonia and other related movement disorders and to offer support and welfare to patients, their carers and families and 3) to promote awareness and encourage research amongst the medical profession.  The charity has worked very closely with the local medical professions to help produce the state of the art clinics in Newcastle, Middlesbrough and York, which provide Botulinum Toxin injections and which is the foremost treatment of dystonia.  

Every business needs to look at itself occasionally and a charity is no different.  We asked the question: “are we fit for purpose?” At the same time we contacted the lovely Linda at PSG for help.  Linda found us the very experienced business consultant, Mr Richard Hanage, who has offered us five free days a year to give us a “spring clean”. We had a day in September where we started the process of looking at the charity in a different light.  The picture above shows us smiling, even after a hard day's use of the "little grey cells".  Thank you PSG for connecting us with Richard.

Neurological Alliance 

Building an organisation is a bit like building a house, lay good solid foundations and it will last several lifetimes.  The Tees Valley, Durham and North Yorkshire Neurological Alliance have been under construction for two years and with the help of PSG, we have reached the roof.  We are seeing some complex changes in the Health and Social care environment and there is huge pressure on the Voluntary sector to step up to the breach but we must be fit for purpose.  Whilst grant programmes and funding issues usually grab headlines, capacity building and investment comes in different forms and access to good quality advice and help is a vital layer in building the organisation to becoming watertight, safe and ready to deal with the challenges of what will undoubtedly, be thrown at it.

We are lucky to have PSG in the region, where new or growing Voluntary and Community organisations can tap into technical expertise and develop skills without compromising financial ability to survive.  Not many regions in the UK are so lucky.

As we move to our first full operating year, we are indebted to Peter Wood from Benson Wood for laying the path to our accounting procedures and to Nick Haberfield for his legal work in framing the window to a new world.  A hugh THANK YOU.

They required an engineer to inspect the chamber and advise the best course of action in order to make this safe ready for opening to the public again in the new year.  Their application was approved for inspection work to be carried out and one of our PSG Engineers, White Young Green, carried out this inspection, gave advice and provided gauges to be fitted that would show if any further movement was taking place. These are being monitored by Museum staff on a regular basis and to date no movement has been detected.  The staff at the museum were extremely grateful for this help, I quote, ‘The ability to be able to seek expert advice in area’s where we do not have the expertise has proved invaluable to us’.

Stockton Shopmobility

A Registered Charity and Company Limited by Gaurentee Stockton Shopmobility was established in 1996.  It aims is to promote independence of disabled people through the shopmobility hire service. They provide electric scooters, electric wheelchairs, conventional wheelchairs and walking aids to people with mobility problems.  They also offer information, advice and guidance for people with disability living in the Stockton area.  Shopmobility were awarded Community Legal Service 'quality mark' for being a dedicated distribution point for information.

In the last year they have made two successful applications to the PSG, one for legal advice with regards to renewing their lease and a second for help of an accountant to assist the Charity with a trading issue.  

Newbys Solicitors and Anderson Barrowcliff Accountants provided their time and expertise.  The charity were extremely grateful for this help.  Quoting “Excellent service, Mr Bosomworth of Newbys took the time to explain things in full and ensure that there was understanding of what was involved and we are extremely grateful for this help”, and “Anderson Barrowcliff were very helpful and a good outcome was achieved”.

Morrison Trust is a registered charity and was established in 1995 with an endowment fund from William Morrision (Morrison's Supermarkets). They are based in Darlington and deliver a variety of training projects which support people who are disadvantaged in accessing the labour market, to gain paid employment.  

All their projects work in a person-centred and flexible manner.  Morrison Trust also operate a conference facility (Morton Park Business Training Centre) and have a range of conference, training and meeting rooms available for hire.  Any profits from the conference facilities contribute towards the costs of delivering the Morrison Trust projects, so by utilising this resource, organsiations are supporting the work delivered by the Trust in the Darlington area.  An application to PSG was made in November 2005 for support with the development of a website.  A website would allow the charity to reach a wider range of people, showcase their work and allow them to develop the organisation towards long term sustainability.  Stacey Nottingham of Bombshell Design agreed to work with the Trust and carried out design and development of a website which is now up and running promoting the Trust www.morrisontrust.org.uk

I Quote, “I found both Tees Valley Professional Services Group and Bombshell Design helpful, supportive and professional throughout the whole process”.

Princess Royal Restoration Trust 

The Princess Royal Trust is a registered charity formed in 2000 and aims to restore and preserve the former historic Hartlepool lifeboat.  The boat, the Princess Royal, saved the lives of 94 pepole during service in Hartlepool between 1939 and 1968.

Taking over four years to complete with a team of volunteers including local schools and coast guards, the Princess Royal has been lovingly restored to its former glory and to mark this achievement was dedicated by HRH Princess Anne.  This was a unique occasion as the Lifeboat became the first to be dedicated by two different Princess Royals.  Princess Mary originally dedicated the Princess Royal in 1941 and Princess Anne re-dedicated the Lifeboat on 11 October 2004. 

The Trust requested help from PSG to review their business plan which in turn would assist them in submitting funding applications and help them with the next phase of their development.  Our PSG member, Vantis, provided this assistance.  I quote, “We are very satisfied with all the help and advice Vantis gave us and would highly recommend them”.