Helping Hebburn: how Friends of Hebburn Cemetery are helping the community beyond the gates.
Written by Ellie McDevitt on 24th March 2026
Tucked behind the headstones, the Friends of Hebburn Cemetery are going above and beyond for the small town of Hebburn. From tearooms to drop-in sessions this volunteer led charity have proven that even in the darkest moments someone is always there.
At first glance the concept of a charity in a cemetery may seem crazy. Tea rooms, a shoulder to cry on and drop-in sessions is something we never associate with a place of rest, however after spending just five minutes here you will realise why this charity is the beating heart of the area.
Friends of Hebburn Cemetery started off in a devastating way, with destruction and vandalism leaving many in despair, finding light in such disaster seemed a far stretchaway. That was until founder John Stewart decided to create what is now known as Friends of Hebburn Cemetery to aid the town in their hour of need.
Situated in the centre of Hebburn Town is a small tearoom that, from the outside looking in it may appear to be not much however once inside a whole new world is uncovered. John and his volunteers operate this tearoom seven days a week, morning and afternoon providing free food, drink and conversation to all who need.
Credit: Ellie McDevitt
Sitting proudly with a tea in hand could anything be quite so British, in the most unusual of places founder John sits, welcoming walks of all life to come and experience what his unique group has to offer.
The reason for doing this has a rather personal meaning. In his own words, Hebburn reminds him of home and the need to give back is something that can’t be suppressed.John said:
“I found Hebburn very similar to Glasgow, I have been down here 20 years, it’s now my home.
“You have got to look after your hometown.
“I have a saying that if everyone does a little you can achieve a lot.”
This Charity is a non- profit organisation that relies on the hard work and dedication of volunteers. From elders to young nursery children this group is bursting at the seams with people who are wanting to help.
On this John said:
“The main team consists of a committee of four and five additional weekend staff.
“We have about 29 young people who come every Sunday without fail, they help give children a good name.”
One of the charity’s shining lights is volunteer, Carole Whyte. Carole has been a volunteer since the beginning and is Hebburn’s answer to Roy Cropper, showing that a warm heart and a big smile can really lift a town.
Sharing similar philosophies to John, Carole said:
“Hebburn is my home and so to be able to make a positive impact is very important to me.
“On a daily basis I open the tearoom at eight, I get everything set up and begin the day. That could be making teas, making food or just giving someone that chat they need.
“It is very important we do what we do as it may be someone’s only face, they see that week.”
It is clear from the positive feedback in the area, the tearoom is such a vital part of Hebburn, however as good as this is nothing quite beats the big ‘I made it moment’ and being able to get dressed up and showcase your work is something anyone would relish in.
All suited and booted the volunteers have demonstrated their work on the highest stages. Recently they have won the Love South Tyneside and Freedom of the City award.
These awards were crucial moments reflecting hours upon hours of work however, the real star of the show came in the form of the Queens award.
The Queen’s award is the highest award for voluntary service, equivalent to an MBE it was the first of its kind to hit the area.
Credit: Ellie McDevitt
On receiving this award founder John said:
“These awards spur you to keep going, it is all about just dedicating the awards to the volunteers.
“Obviously these awards are a great honour and mean a lot however are not the reason we do what we do
“We do it for the area.”
Unlike the nature of the location, Friends of Hebburn Cemetery is something we all hope lives on forever. The message from both Carole and John is that it is crucial volunteers keep coming.
Carole said:
“My hope is that when I leave this charity there is a queue to take my place.
“Friends of Hebburn Cemetery is so important we need it to live on.”
In the end that old saying ‘opposites attract’ rings true. How a place so clouded by loss could become the beating heart of town is something unheard of, however one thing for certain is that Friends of Hebburn Cemetery have proved that something so little as a smile, a kind gesture and a cup of tea is all we really need.
Credit: Ellie McDevitt
