Toggle menu

27 Gateshead grassroot organisations set to benefit from £700,000 funding

VCSE FUND 2025

27 voluntary and community sector organisations in Gateshead have received a share of the council's Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Fund to support our communities to Thrive.

The VCSE Fund, which is run in partnership with Community Foundation North East, will run for three years and aims to boost the offer of wellbeing groups and services in our communities.

A total of £700,000 funding has been allocated through grants to 27 VCSE organisations. The priorities for the first year of funding were agreed in consultation with the VCSE sector, and included:

  • maximising support for people with SEND and their carers
  • Improving information, advice and guidance provided in communities
  • Ensuring the voice and views of Gateshead residents are heard
  • provide support to maximise benefits for people on low incomes

Successful applicants include the Chopwell Community Association, Blaydon Youth and Community Centre, The Soundroom Community Music Project and Gateshead Older People's Assembly.

Councillor Maria Hall, Cabinet Member for Localities, Communities and Volunteering, said: "Accessible support out in our communities makes a huge difference to the health and wellbeing of our residents.

"We're thrilled that, working with the VCSE sector, we have been able to provide 27 grassroots organisations up to £30,000 each for a range of projects. The VCSE Fund will support brand new offers, including multisport sessions for deaf children at Gateshead Football Club, to the expansion of existing offers, such as the Lunch Club at Dunston Community Centre.

"These organisations do amazing work, and we can't wait to see how the projects progress over the coming months to support a fairer and thriving Gateshead."

Adam Lopardo, Chief Funding and Partnerships Officer at Community Foundation North East, said: "We are proud to be continuing our partnership working with Gateshead Council by delivering The Gateshead VCSE Fund, which will support these brilliant grassroots organisations across Gateshead."

VCSE FUND 2025
27 May 2025

27 voluntary and community sector organisations in Gateshead have received a share of the council's Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Fund to support our communities to Thrive.

The VCSE Fund, which is run in partnership with Community Foundation North East, will run for three years and aims to boost the offer of wellbeing groups and services in our communities.

A total of £700,000 funding has been allocated through grants to 27 VCSE organisations. The priorities for the first year of funding were agreed in consultation with the VCSE sector, and included:

  • maximising support for people with SEND and their carers
  • Improving information, advice and guidance provided in communities
  • Ensuring the voice and views of Gateshead residents are heard
  • provide support to maximise benefits for people on low incomes

Successful applicants include the Chopwell Community Association, Blaydon Youth and Community Centre, The Soundroom Community Music Project and Gateshead Older People's Assembly.

Councillor Maria Hall, Cabinet Member for Localities, Communities and Volunteering, said: "Accessible support out in our communities makes a huge difference to the health and wellbeing of our residents.

"We're thrilled that, working with the VCSE sector, we have been able to provide 27 grassroots organisations up to £30,000 each for a range of projects. The VCSE Fund will support brand new offers, including multisport sessions for deaf children at Gateshead Football Club, to the expansion of existing offers, such as the Lunch Club at Dunston Community Centre.

"These organisations do amazing work, and we can't wait to see how the projects progress over the coming months to support a fairer and thriving Gateshead."

Adam Lopardo, Chief Funding and Partnerships Officer at Community Foundation North East, said: "We are proud to be continuing our partnership working with Gateshead Council by delivering The Gateshead VCSE Fund, which will support these brilliant grassroots organisations across Gateshead."

More Gateshead news