Youth Focus North East: Positive Gateshead
Youth Focus North East (YFNE) are delivering open access youth provision in four areas of Gateshead. (Wrekenton, Lobley Hill and Bensham, Springwell and Rowlands Gill.) They offer a safe and fun space for young people aged 10 to 18 (up to 25 for SEND) to develop friendships and life skills in an informal educational manner. They deliver themed interventions around the personal challenges young people face, including; deprivation, employability, risk taking behaviour and improving their mental wellbeing and physical activity. Through this, they encourage them to be champions of these areas which will allow them to support their peers new and old.
YFNE offer workshops and activities as part of the informal education element of their work. They have previously delivered workshops on the issues of vaping, issues of racism, bullying, money management and will invite guests to showcase different cultures and experiences to increase the young people's own knowledge, raise their aspirations to reach their full potential, allowing them to better themselves for their future.
Over the past year, their youth work projects across Rowlands Gill, Wrekenton, and Bensham and Lobley Hill have continued to flourish, with each location establishing a consistent core group of young people. These groups have welcomed both new and existing young people, creating inclusive spaces where positive peer relationships and staff-led activities can thrive.
Their commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships has strengthened our presence within local communities. They have maintained strong working relationships with community centres, actively supporting their events - such as open days, group development, and intergenerational volunteering projects. Notably, in Rowlands Gill, young people from the youth group volunteered at the community centre's Halloween disco and Christmas fair, boosting their confidence and promoting community cohesion.
YFNE have worked closely with Gateshead Libraries to integrate creative and digital learning opportunities through their Maker Place, allowing young people to explore innovative activities. They aim to expand these collaborations further in the coming year, including more creative opportunities for young people.
The introduction of regular mental health peer support drop-ins at Bensham & Lobley Hill, has been vital. These sessions provide essential emotional support to young people, many of whom face complex challenges. In addition, their link with Feeding Families has enabled YFNE to distribute food parcels discreetly during sessions - addressing both young peoples and wider family food poverty issues.
In the coming year, they aim to expand the range of creative and skills-based opportunities within sessions. They hope to deepen our partnerships with Gateshead Libraries, and other local organisations to offer new experiences and access to wider services.
YFNE will continue supporting mental health and wellbeing through peer-led drop-ins and targeted support. They will also support more young people into volunteering and training pathways, using a flexible and needs-led approach.
This year, they aim to grow their own provision in Springwell, building on the consistent engagement.
The past year has demonstrated the value of consistency, collaboration, and creativity in youth work. YFNE have established presence across four areas and strong relationships with local partners have enabled them to respond to the diverse needs of young people. As they move forward, their focus remains on offering inclusive, supportive, and meaningful opportunities that empower young people and strengthen community connections.
Contact
Sam Logan, Youth Programme Manager
sam@youthfocusne.org.uk
0191 477 9966
Youth Focus North East