A charity which began helping homeless people in the North East almost a decade ago has today announced its closure.
North East Homeless (NEH) said it was "with regret" that the charity had closed, with effect from December 24, 2022. In a statement on social media on Friday the charity said that no further donations should be made to the its back account.
The announcement comes amid an investigation into the charity. The Charity Commission, confirmed that a compliance case had been launched into NEH following concerns raised about its governance.
Read more: North East Homeless under investigation by Charity Commission after concerns raised
A Charity Commission spokesperson told ChronicleLive: "We have opened a compliance case into North East Homeless to assess concerns that we have received in relation to the governance of this charity."
They added: "There are a number of steps trustees must take when considering whether to close a charity. We are aware that the trustees of North East Homeless have announced the appointment of Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group but we cannot comment further while our compliance case remains ongoing."
Brian and Emma Burridge launched NEH in 2014. It started out as a Facebook group where members of the community were able to donate items such as sleeping bags, food and clothing to support homeless people in Newcastle city centre. But in November 2016 it was granted charity status, becoming a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation).
In 2019 NEH opened The Fish Quay Hub in North Shields, a place which aimed to provide a safe space for vulnerable people to have a shower and wash clothes, as well as pick up donations of clothes and food from the social supermarket and enjoy food and refreshments from the café on site. Over time The Hub also developed to become a space for events, including fundraisers.
The charity has also had a number of high-profile patrons including Sam Fender, Denise Welch, George Clark and Tim Healy.
Sam Fender notably raised over £133,000 for North East Homeless playing a gig at the O2 City Hall in Newcastle in May last year. Following the gig, Sam said he hoped the cash "will make a real difference to those in need".
In October 2022, The Fish Quay Hub closed its café, citing rising utility and food costs as the reason for its closure. Announcing the news on Facebook, The Fish Quay Hub said it was uncertain whether the café would reopen.
In the weeks that followed Mr and Mrs Burridge both stepped down from the charity. Mr Burridge announced his departure in November, citing physical and mental health and caring for his family as his reason for leaving.
While a statement on the North East Homeless website announced Mrs Burridge had stepped down from the charity on December 1, also citing "health reasons" for her departure.
Under new management, the charity went on to host its annual Christmas meal for homeless people on December 24. However, the charity's social media channels then went quiet, prompting members of the public to question what had happened to the charity.
In a statement announcing the charity's closure shared on social media today, NEH said: "It is with regret that we announce the closure of the charity with effect from 24 December 2022.
"We have instructed Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group to assist us with the closure of the charity and the subsequent Liquidation.
"Leonard Curtis will write to creditors in due course with an update on the progress of the Liquidation process. Please note that no further donations should be made to the charity's bank account."
In a statement issued in December following the news a Charity Commission investigation had been launched, a North East Homeless spokesperson said: "Staff and trustees of North East Homeless (NEH) are working closely and very openly with The Charity Commission in order to help conduct their investigation whilst at the same time, working extremely hard to ensure that the foodbank and support services continue reaching those most vulnerable and in need.
"Having the opportunity to put the correct facts and information out there following certain accusations online has been welcomed by NEH. However, the charity and trustees are also extremely mindful of how these circumstances and comments are now affecting staff, all of whom are working selflessly and under tremendous pressure to keep the Hub and outreach work going, especially during the winter months.
"Therefore for health reasons, Emma Burridge has decided to step down from her role as CEO of North East Homeless. Whilst this has been a very tough decision for her, the Trustees would like to thank Emma for her hard work, dedication and tireless commitment, and fully acknowledge her as being one of the founding members of NEH having helped establish the Charity over the last eight years."
North East Homeless was contacted to comment further.
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