About Us
Our Story
Asian Elderly Care in Tees Valley
Shagufta Akhtar founded Thumhara Centre with a passion for uniting isolated elderly from BMEA communities through day care in Thornaby.
Starting as a tutor, she volunteered in Teesside, secured funding for ESOL classes, and gained support from the Mayor of Thornaby to create this elderly care hub in Tees Valley. “I started Thumhara to connect isolated elders,” she shares, reflecting her vision. We welcome all, focusing on early intervention for dementia care near Middlesbrough and cancer, while signposting refugees to British services.
As a charity (1173013), we thrive with donations and volunteers—contact 01642 034227 for more.
Years of Experience
Community Focused
Community Driven
Thumhara Centre
Meet The Board
Educator | Global Impact Advocate | Charity Fundraiser
With over 50 years of teaching experience, including 17 transformative years in Africa, Peter Middleton has shaped education worldwide. As an ESOL specialist in Middlesbrough, he has empowered diverse communities to integrate and thrive through language education. A passionate charity fundraiser, Peter brings compassion, strategic insight, and a global perspective to Thumhara Centre, enriching elderly care in Tees Valley with his dedication to social good.
Strategic Leader | Business Growth Expert | Community Innovator
Inaam Basit is a dynamic leader with a proven track record in business strategy, governance, and financial growth, having led multi-sector organizations and secured vital funding for community initiatives. Formerly an Executive Sales Manager in Barcelona, he excelled in high-value negotiations, property investments, and strategic planning. As a Thumhara Centre trustee, Inaam drives the expansion of culturally tailored elderly care services, forging partnerships with NHS, local authorities, and regulatory bodies to enhance dementia care near Middlesbrough and beyond.
Community Advocate | Founder of Thumhara Centre | Education Specialist
Shagufta Akhtar’s journey from educator to community leader is fueled by a deep commitment to empowering marginalized individuals. By securing funding for ESOL programmes and refugee support, she established Thumhara Centre as a haven for elderly BMEA individuals in Thornaby-on-Tees. With unwavering dedication, she expands services, champions early intervention for dementia care, and fosters social inclusion, making elderly care in Tees Valley a beacon of hope.