Newtown House is the only residential care home for the elderly based in very rural Weardale (the second largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales) and is currently undergoing a three month 'consultation' period by Durham County Council, to determine it's future.

One proposed option is to move the elderly residents, including my Father, from their beautiful home and up to 15 miles away (30 miles away from the edge of the catchment area) and into communities and areas they do not know, miles away from their families and friends. With an extremely limited public transport system in this part of rural County Durham, visits by such families and friends would be virtually impossible on any regular basis, leaving them sad, alone, confused and isolated.

We want our elderly residents to remain where they belong, in the heart of their community, where they are known, valued and loved.

The excellent local team of staff also forge a link between community and the home, having a combined total of 417 years working practice within Newtown House! Such amazing continuity of care, seldom found in today's rapid, impersonal turnover of staff. We are a community that cares!

Newtown House is for now AND the future, as, God willing, we will all grow old.