Opencast working hard to ‘make a difference’

Independent tech consultancy Opencast has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local good causes through a trio of charity endeavours.

The Byker-based company, which specialises in designing and building human-focused digital and technology solutions, is supporting a Walker-based foodbank and a charity clothing collection, while Opencast’s ‘house band’ recently raised more than £2,500 for a cancer charity.

For several years now, Opencast has been collecting cash donations and food items for Christmas dinners on behalf of Building Futures East Food Bank, which supports families and individuals in the Walker and Byker areas of Newcastle.

Ellen Russell, Business Operations Manager at Opencast, said: “The food bank is a lifeline for those in need and we’re only too happy to help the brilliant team there. A couple of members of our team have helped the team pack meals in the past and were humbled by their commitment to make a difference.

“The cost of running the food bank has soared recently due to the rise in prices – they’re spending more than 40 per cent on stocking their shelves than last year – so they’re in need of help and support more than ever before.”

Food donations can be accepted at drop-off points at The Bush Inn, Wallsend; Viso Facial Bar, Heaton; High Bridge Works, City Centre (Toys only); Bait Box, North Shields and at Building Futures East, Walker. Donations can be given through the food bank’s JustGiving page – https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/walkeremergencyappeal

Opencast has also previously supported the work of St Oswald’s Hospice and this year is helping to stock the charity’s new charity shop in Gateshead town centre.

The store replaces a smaller one, and Opencast is focusing on collecting donations of men’s clothing. St Oswald’s Hospice is a charitable hospice rooted in the North East which provides expert, dignified and compassionate care for people of all ages who are living with a progressive, life-limiting condition, and their families and carers too.

Opencast software developer Spencer Howe said: “We have a Social Impact Forum at Opencast where we discuss how we can help local charities and organisations. I’m aware of the important work that St Oswald’s does and my aunt was supported with end-of-life care at another hospice, so I suggested St Oswald’s as a beneficiary. We’ve had a great response from our team and are keeping the appeal for clothing going until Friday, December 5.

“St Oswald’s is a charity doing vitally important in the region and we’re encouraging as many of our employees to donate what they can.”

Meanwhile, a band made up of current and former Opencast employees – and friends – raised £2,568 for Macmillan Cancer Care Nurses, who provide support for cancer patients locally and nationally.

The band, Castanets, has been playing for several years and its most recent gig was at Pilgrim, a live music venue and bar in Newcastle city centre.

Mark Robinson, a singer and guitarist with the band, said: “Pilgrim were very generous and gave Castanets the venue, PA and sound engineer for free, maximising the donation to the charity.”

As well as Mark, Castanets consists of: Adam Hindle (rhythm guitar); Dave Wilson (lead guitar); Dom Murphy (acoustic guitar, drums and vocals); Jim Stevenson (vocals); Jonny Graham (bass guitar); Paul Bunyan (piano); Rich Hodgins (drums); Rich Taylor (vocals) and Sheena Widdowfield (vocals).

Ellen added: “Making a positive impact has always been part of Opencast’s DNA and our ongoing support for great charities and non-profit organisations aims to create an impact in wider society. Our team’s desire to support these causes reflects our collective determination to make a real difference.”

Opencast is an independent and privately owned full-service UK technology consultancy specialising in designing, building and running user-centred digital and technology solutions. Opencast works with UK public sector bodies, healthcare organisations and businesses to develop services that include support for critical national services and help for millions of citizens.