Gateshead Community Cohesion Strategy 2026 to 2031

Working together for a stronger, safer and more connected Gateshead.

"Gateshead is a place people care deeply about. That came through clearly in the conversations, workshops, and public consultation that helped shape this strategy. People told us they want to feel safe where they live, proud of their neighbourhoods, and confident that everyone is treated fairly. They also told us they are frustrated when problems go on too long without visible action. 

This strategy responds directly to that feedback. It focuses on strengthening everyday connections between people, tackling barriers that leave residents feeling overlooked, and supporting local leadership and community action. Alongside this it sets out a clear approach to safety, respect and shared responsibility, recognising that strong communities need both support and boundaries. 

We have been honest about the challenges. Community cohesion is not about pretending everyone agrees or that tensions do not exist. It is about dealing with problems early, acting consistently when behaviour causes harm, and building trust through action, not words. 

Across Gateshead, we know that deprivation in some of our neighbourhoods creates deep and persistent inequalities that affect every aspect of people's health and wellbeing. When the building blocks of health, good housing, secure employment, strong social networks, access to green space, and opportunities to thrive, are weakened or unevenly distributed, the impact is felt in shorter, harder lives and in reduced confidence in local systems.  

Strong community cohesion is a powerful part of the solution. When people feel connected, included, and supported by those around them, it strengthens resilience, improves wellbeing, and helps to reduce the gaps created by disadvantage. By bringing people together and creating the conditions for trust, fairness and shared responsibility, we can lessen the impact of inequality and help every community in Gateshead to flourish. 

This strategy cannot be delivered by the council alone. Progress depends on partnership with residents, voluntary and community organisations, faith groups, schools, the police, and other public services. It also depends on being open about what is working, what is not, and what will change as a result. Over the next five years, we are committed to listening, acting, and being held to account.  

Our aim is simple: a Gateshead where people feel safe, connected, and proud of the place they live."

Councillor Angela Douglas      

Chair of Gateshead Community Safety Partnership 

This strategy sets out Gateshead Council's commitment to building connected, resilient, and cohesive communities over the next five years. It provides a framework for action to:

• strengthen relationships and connections between residents 
• identify barriers and promote fair access to opportunities and services 
• enable local leadership and community-led action 
• engage young people positively and prevent harm 
• reduce harm and prevent the tensions within communities  

It is a public facing document intended for residents, partners, and stakeholders and aligns with wider borough priorities.

This strategy is informed by:
Gateshead Council Corporate Plan 2025 to 2030

Gateshead Thrive agenda 

Other relevant local strategies including:

Safer Gateshead Partnership Plan

Good Neighbourhood Policy (draft) (PDF, 1 MB)

ASB and Hate Crime Policy (draft) (PDF, 384 KB)

Anti-Poverty Strategy

In addition to the ​​​​​​​Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010 (opens new window), our Strategy is aligned with the following:

Integrated Communities Strategy (MHCLG, 2018) (opens new window)

GOV.UK - Prevent Duty Guidance (opens new window)

Pride in Place Strategy (UK Government) (opens new window)

Belong Network (opens new window)

This Strategy supports delivery of Gateshead's Health and Wellbeing Strategy and its commitment to the Marmot Principles, which focus on reducing health inequalities by improving the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. Strong community cohesion is a key enabler of this approach. When people feel safe, connected, and treated fairly, they are more likely to engage with services, participate in community life, and trust local institutions. By strengthening relationships, tackling barriers to access, and addressing the social factors that drive exclusion, this strategy contributes to creating healthy places and communities, reducing inequalities, and supporting prevention and early intervention. It does not duplicate health delivery plans, but complements them by addressing the social and community conditions that underpin wellbeing.

Locally, the Strategy is informed by local data, resident engagement, and guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Belong Network (opens new window). Best practice from councils such as Manchester (opens new window) and Calderdale (opens new window) demonstrates the value of hyper-local approaches, visible public services, and co-production with residents. These sources stress that cohesion cannot be achieved by institutions alone; it depends on empowering communities to lead change and fostering pride in place. Insights from the Angelou Centre's Stories of Colour (opens new window) project further highlight the importance of intersectionality and cultural representation in creating inclusive spaces. They show how overlapping identities can shape people's experiences of discrimination and exclusion. This understanding informs our approach throughout the strategy to ensure that actions respond to the needs of those most affected by inequality and harm.

The Community Cohesion Strategy brings together our work to strengthen communities, reduce harm, and build belonging in one place. It replaces the previous Hate Crime Strategy (2024 to 2026), recognising that hate crime cannot be addressed in isolation from wider issues such as inequality, division, and community tension. 

Gateshead is part of a wider regional and national picture where community cohesion is influenced by economic pressures, social change, global events, and national policy decisions. While these factors inevitably shape how people feel about their communities, this strategy focuses on what is within our gift; the local action, relationships, and systems that can make a tangible difference to people's lives here in Gateshead.

We recognise that cohesion cannot be achieved by the council alone. It depends on strong partnerships across public services, voluntary and community organisations, faith groups, and residents themselves. 

Vision 

We want Gateshead to be a place where people feel proud to live, safe in their neighbourhoods, and confident that everyone is treated fairly. A place where people look out for each other, feel a sense of belonging, and know what's expected of them as part of a shared community. A place where difference is respected, but we also recognise the things that bring us together and make places work. 

That means dealing properly with the issues that people tell us matter most; crime, anti-social behaviour, neglected spaces, inequality, and the frustration that comes when people feel ignored or treated differently. It also means being clear, visible, and consistent in how we act.  

Principles 

Our work is guided by the following principles:

Inclusion

Everyone who lives in Gateshead should feel they have a place in their community. Inclusion does not mean ignoring behaviour that harms others. Feeling welcome goes hand in hand with feeling safe. 

Equity

Equity ensures all residents have fair access to opportunities and services, with support based on need rather than labels. We recognise that people's experiences are shaped by intersecting and overlapping aspects of identity, including sex, gender, race, disability, age and socio-economic circumstances. 

Participation

Communities work best when people are involved early and meaningfully. Listening only after decisions are made is not good enough. People need real opportunities to shape what happens in their area. 

Shared responsibility

The council, partners, and residents all have a role to play. Rights come with responsibilities, and everyone is expected to contribute to keeping neighbourhoods safe, respectful, and welcoming. 

Respect for place

Pride in Gateshead matters. Clean streets, cared for spaces, and well used local places help communities feel valued and connected, and set the standard for how people treat each other. 

Desired outcomes

• residents, businesses and visitors feel safe, supported, and connected
• increased participation in local initiatives
• reduced inequalities in service access and opportunities
• young people are engaged and supported to reach their potential
• communities lead local initiatives and decision-making
   

Population and demographics

Gateshead equality profile

Population

Approx 202,760 (mid-2025 estimate)

Ethnicity

93.5% White (90.3% White British), 2.5% Asian/Asian British, 1.2% Mixed/multiple ethnic groups,1.1% Black/Black British, 1.6% Other ethnic groups.

Religion

50.8% Christian, 40.1% No religion, 2.1% Muslim, 1.5% Jewish, 0.3% Hindu, 0.2% Sikh, 0.2% Buddhist. Gateshead is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the UK where Orthodox Jewish traditions and culture are an important and visible part of local life. 

Sexual Orientation

91% heterosexual population, with a small (3.4%) but significant proportion identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Age

Gateshead's population is broadly distributed across age groups, with 22.3% aged 0 to 19, 37.1% aged 20 to 49, 20.2% aged 50 to 64, and 20.4% aged 65 and over. Current trends indicate an ageing population, in line with national projections, which is expected to become more pronounced as life expectancy continues to rise.

Deprivation

Gateshead is ranked 42nd out of 296 local authorities in England for overall deprivation (IMD 2025 (opens new window)). Almost 1 in 5 (19%) of Gateshead's population live in areas that fall within the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. Deprivation is particularly concentrated in the central and eastern parts of the borough.
 

Hate crime is a significant barrier to community cohesion, as it undermines trust, safety, and belonging. Including hate crime data in this strategy helps us understand the scale and nature of harm affecting our communities and ensures our actions are informed by evidence.

Hate crime refers to any criminal offence perceived by the victim or others to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a protected characteristic. Under UK law, these characteristics are race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and transgender identity.

In addition to these five legal categories, Northumbria Police also monitor hate crimes related to sex and age, recognising that prejudice can affect people in multiple ways, however these characteristics are not included within the statutory hate crime framework, meaning there is no specific provision for enhanced sentencing where offences are motivated by hostility based on sex or age. Despite this, we recognise that hostility and prejudice related to sex and age, including misogyny, gender-based hostility, and age-based discrimination, can have a significant impact on individuals and communities. These behaviours, whether criminal or not, can undermine community safety, confidence, and community cohesion. 

Additionally, Gateshead Council acknowledges care-experienced people as a locally protected characteristic, reflecting our commitment to inclusion and ensuring this is embedded in our policies and decision-making.

National context

Home Office Hate Crime Data, year ending March 2025 (opens new window)

• in the year ending March 2025, there were approximately 137,550 hate crimes recorded by police in England and Wales, this represents a slight decrease from previous years, following several years of increases
• 3% of all recorded offences were identified as being hate crime
• race-related hate crimes continue to be the most common, accounting for around 70% of all hate crimes
• religious hate crimes have seen increases, particularly in the context of international conflicts and rising community tensions
• there was a 19% increase in hate crimes targeted at Muslims in 2025, with a spike seen following the Southport murders and subsequent disorder.
• The Home Office notes that while police-recorded hate crime data is valuable, it may underrepresent the true scale due to underreporting and changes in recording practices

Local context

• hate crime reports in the Northumbria Police force area have increased significantly over the past decade, rising from 626 in 2011/12 to a peak of 3983 in 2023/24 with levels remaining high in 2024/25 at 3905
• the majority of offences are racially motivated (around two-thirds of all recorded hate crime), but there has also been sustained growth in sexual orientation and disability-related hate crime over time
• while overall numbers have stabilised in recent years, they remain substantially higher than pre-2015 levels, indicating ongoing challenges for community cohesion and the need for preventative and protective action

This Strategy has been shaped by ongoing engagement with residents, community groups, partners, and people with lived experience across Gateshead. Early engagement took place through:

• Residents Voice workshops
• VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) and partner workshops
• Lived Experience Team conversations and Bridgebuilder youth group discussions
• community cohesion talks at community hubs and local churches

These early conversations helped us understand the everyday realities people experience in their neighbourhoods and highlighted recurring themes around safety, belonging, trust in services, and participation. 

To build on this work, a borough-wide public consultation was carried out on the draft strategy. The consultation allowed people to respond in their own words and reflected a wide range of views, experiences, and emotions. 

What we heard through the consultation strongly reinforced many of the issues raised through earlier engagement, while also bringing greater depth, challenge, and clarity to the strength of feeling behind them. 

1. Barriers to community cohesion

Misinformation and media influence

Across both early engagement and the public consultation, people repeatedly raised concerns about misinformation, particularly online. Social media and local online forums were seen as fuelling fear, division, and hostility, especially around immigration, asylum, and perceived unfairness. 

"Misinformation is the biggest threat to the community."

Some residents felt that false or misleading narratives were being left unchallenged, allowing tensions to grow and mistrust to deepen. 

Prejudice, racism, and fear of the 'other'

Consultation responses showed strong and sometimes polarised views about migration, identity, and who is prioritised for support, while many residents emphasised inclusion and equality, others express resentment and concern that some groups receive preferential treatment.  

"You need to be seen to be prioritising Gateshead residents while also helping people from outside the borough." 

A small number of responses expressed hostility towards specific groups. These views do not align with the council's values, but they highlight the depth of fear, misinformation, and resentment that exists in some communities and must be addressed if tensions are not to escalate. 

Lack of community infrastructure

The loss or underuse of community centres, youth provision, and shared spaces has significantly reduced opportunities for social interaction and community building. Many residents noted the absence of street wardens and caretakers, who previously played a vital role in maintaining a sense of safety and connection. Residents linked neglected environments, litter, graffiti, and fly-tipping to a wider loss of pride and belonging. 

"If places were looked after, people would take more pride in them." 

Anti-social behaviour and safety concerns

Concerns about drug use, electric bikes, and masked youths were common across discussions. Many participants felt that police and council services are only visible during crises, which undermines trust and contributes to a sense of neglect.

"It shouldn't take a crisis to bring communities together."

Digital exclusion and communication gaps

Both earlier engagement and the consultation highlighted that many residents are not online, or struggle to access digital services. People described difficulty getting information, slow responses to emails, and uncertainty about where to go for help. 

"It's hard to trust the council when you can't even get a reply." 

Economic and social inequality

Poverty, housing issues, and a lack of funding for community initiatives were frequently mentioned as barriers to cohesion. Many residents expressed frustration at feeling excluded from decision-making processes, describing a sense of being "told, not asked" by authorities.

2. Opportunities and solutions

Food, music, and culture as connectors

Participants consistently highlighted the power of food, arts, culture, and shared events in bringing people together. Shared meals, cooking classes, and multicultural events such as Diwali and "Around the World" days were seen as effective ways to foster understanding and connection. Music, festivals, and storytelling were also recognised as valuable tools for building bridges. 

"Food brings people together."

Education, awareness, and early intervention

Residents supported better education on different faiths, cultures, disability, and neurodivergence. Participants advocated for media literacy initiatives and school-based programs to help tackle misinformation and promote empathy and understanding from a young age. 

Community empowerment and visibility

Empowering residents to take the lead in community initiatives was seen as essential. Suggestions included providing training for residents to facilitate groups, conducting skills audits to identify local talents, and ensuring a more visible presence of council, police, and services in neighbourhoods

"Takes a few people in the community to have the initiative to make the communal spaces look better."

Youth engagement

Engaging young people through citizenship schemes, youth clubs, and creative activities was viewed as a key strategy for building community pride and reducing anti-social behaviour. These initiatives were seen as opportunities to foster responsibility and inclusion among younger generations.

Infrastructure and environment

Reopening or repurposing community buildings was a recurring suggestion, alongside the development of community gardens, clean-up initiatives, and beautification projects.

"Hyper-local approach - ignore what's going on outside Gateshead - what's happening in your community, your village, your street?"

Improved communication

Improving communication was seen as vital to cohesion. Ideas included the use of community notice boards, directories of local groups, and better utilisation of platforms like "Our Gateshead or Nextdoor. Participants also called for a clearer flow of information between government and communities to ensure transparency and trust.

What this means for the strategy 

Taken together, early engagement and the public consultation showed that people care deeply about Gateshead and want things to improve. They also showed that trust is fragile and that progress will only be believed if it is visible, fair, and consistent. 

This feedback has directly informed the revised priorities, the stronger emphasis on fairness and shared responsibility, and the clearer approach to safety, enforcement, and accountability set out in this strategy.  

How the consultation shaped this strategy 

• priorities were reordered and reworded to lead with connection, fairness, and local action 
• safety and enforcement language was strengthened and made more explicit
• pride in place and the local environment were embedded as core elements of cohesion
• monitoring and reporting were strengthened to focus on visible action and accountability
• language was clarified to emphasise shared standards and responsibility for everyone

Strong communities are built on connection, fairness, and shared responsibility. When people feel part of where they live, trust the systems around them, and see that everyone is held to the same standards, communities are more resilient and safer for everyone. 

Over the next five years, this strategy will focus on building stronger connections between people and places, removing barriers that leave residents feeling excluded or overlooked, and supporting local leadership and community action. Alongside this, we will take clear and consistent action to promote safety, challenge harmful behaviour, and support young people to play a positive role in their communities. 

These priorities will work together; building connection and pride helps prevent harm, while firm and fair responses to crime and anti-social behaviour protect the conditions that allow communities to thrive. 

1. to build stronger community connections

Strong communities are built on trust and relationships. We will create opportunities for people to come together, build positive relationships, and develop a shared sense of belonging. Strengthening cohesion also means building trust between residents, communities, and public services. By being visible, responsive, and fair, we will increase confidence in local authorities and partners, helping people feel heard, represented, and supported. By supporting inclusive activities and community spaces, we will continue to strengthen the social fabric that holds Gateshead together.

2. to promote fair access and trust in services

Everyone should have fair access to the opportunities and services that allow them to take part fully in community life. We will identify and tackle barriers such as language, mobility, digital access, or inequality in service provision so all residents can access services opportunities and support fairly, including any barriers related to an individual's protected characteristics. We will work closely with communities to understand their experiences and make sure our approach reflects their needs and aspirations. We will raise the profile of local advice and support guidance agencies by making routes into support clearer, promoting what each service offers, and strengthening links with trusted community partners.

3. to support local leadership and community action

Communities are strongest when people have the power and confidence to lead change, take action, and influence decisions that affect their lives. We will support residents, community groups, and local organisations to take a leading role in building stronger, more cohesive communities. People should have real influence over local decisions and feel ownership of the changes that affect them. By supporting grassroots initiatives and local problem-solving, and creating spaces for collaboration, we will strengthen the capacity of communities to lead change and shape the neighbourhoods they live in fostering local ownership and pride. 

4. to support young people to shape safer communities

Young people are central to Gateshead's future, and their voices and choices shape the communities they live in. We will engage with young people as active partners in shaping their communities. By promoting positive opportunities, a voice in decision-making, and access to support, we will help them challenge prejudice, promote respect, and prevent harmful attitudes and behaviours from taking root.

5. to promote safety, respect, and shared responsibility 

Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in their community. We will aim to prevent and respond effectively to hate crime, intolerance, and behaviours that divide communities. Our focus will be on early intervention, building trust, and strengthening confidence in local systems that tackle harm. We recognise that different groups experience harm in different ways. This includes the specific risks faced by women and girls, including harassment, domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual violence. These harms are often linked to misogyny and gender-based hostility. When incidents occur, we will take clear and consistent action where possible, support recovery, and work with communities to rebuild relationships and resilience so that individuals and neighbourhoods feel safe, confident, and connected. 

The delivery of this strategy will be based on partnership, shared ownership and local insight. A coordinated multi-agency approach will be supported by Gateshead's Community Cohesion Group and overseen by Safer Gateshead Partnership (Gateshead's Community Safety Partnership). We will ensure that 50% of the Community Cohesion Group membership is made up of VCSE and community representatives, so their involvement is protected and their voices remain central to the strategy.

Delivery will build on the strong foundation already established through the work of the Localities service and other teams who engage daily with communities across Gateshead. The strategy strengthens coordination, sets shared priorities, and ensures that all partners are working towards the same outcomes.

Delivery will be overseen by Gateshead's Community Cohesion Group, which evolved from the former Hate Crime and Tensions Monitoring Group. This multi-agency partnership monitors tensions, coordinates local responses, and drives progress towards the strategy's progress.

Gateshead also leads the newly established North East Regional Community Cohesion Network, enabling councils across the region to discuss challenges, share best practice, and strengthen joint responses to issues that cross local boundaries.

Action planning

Each strategic priority will be supported by a detailed action plan with:

• specific actions and interventions
• named leads and accountable partners
• timescales and resource planning

Partnership working

We will deliver this strategy alongside:

• Gateshead Council teams (for example Housing, Social Care, Public Health, Localities) 
• Northumbria Police  
• Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service 
• voluntary, community and faith groups 
• education providers 
• youth services  
• health services 
• private sector businesses 
• public transport  

Capacity building

We will ensure those delivering and supporting cohesion have the tools and skills to succeed by developing:

• training for staff and volunteers
• support for resident leaders and grassroot groups
• practical use of local data to target activity effectively

Community engagement

We will keep residents informed and involved in meaningful ways. 

Consultation

Conduct surveys, focus groups, and digital engagement to gather views. 

Feedback loops

Demonstrate how residents input shapes decisions and projects. 

Accessibility

Use plain language, multiple formats and translation services were needed. 

Celebrating success

Highlight community-led initiatives and positive outcomes publicly.

People told us they want to see action, not just plans. Progress will be monitored through clear, meaningful measures focussed on safety, fairness, visibility, and trust. 

We will publish regular updates, be open about what is working and what is not, and adjust our approach where progress is slow. 

Monitoring will include trends in crime and anti-social behaviour, resident perceptions of safety and pride, access to services, response times, participation in community activity, youth engagement, and support for local leadership. 

Progress will be reviewed quarterly by the Community Cohesion Group, reported twice yearly to the Safer Gateshead Partnership, and shared publicly each year. 

Key monitoring areas:

Priority 1. Build stronger community connections 

We will focus on: 

• participation in local events, activities, and shared spaces
• resident feedback on pride in neighbourhoods and local environment
• community-led projects supported or delivered
• use and condition of community spaces

What success looks like: 

• more people taking part locally
• improved perceptions of neighbourhoods
• increased community-led activity

Priority 2. Fair access and trust in services  

We will focus on: 

• satisfaction with council and partner services across different communities 
• access to services for people facing barriers, including digital exclusion, disability, language or related to an individual's protected characteristics.
• response times to enquiries and complaints
• feedback on fairness and consistency 

What success looks like: 

• fewer complaints about lack of response
• improved satisfaction with how decisions are explained
• reduced gaps in access to services

Priority 3. Support local leadership and community action 

We will focus on: 

• number of grassroots groups supported or funded
• participation in co-production and local decision-making
• case studies of community-led impact

What success looks like: 

• more residents involved in shaping local action
• stronger local leadership
• communities taking ownership of solutions

Priority 4. Support young people to shape safer communities 

We will focus on: 

• youth participation in local decision-making forums
• engagement with schools, colleges and youth organisations 
• feedback from young people on their sense of belonging and opportunity
• trends in youth-related anti-social behaviour

What success looks like: 

• increased youth engagement
• reduced harmful behaviour
• stronger relationships between young people, services, and communities

Priority 5. Promote safety, respect, and shared responsibility 

We will focus on: 

• reported hate crimes or anti-social behaviour trends,  including harassment and violence affecting women and girls
• repeat incidents involving the same individuals or locations
• community perceptions of safety, including the experiences of women and girls and other groups who may feel less safe in public spaces
• timeliness and visibility of response to community tensions

What success looks like: 

• fewer repeat incidents
• faster, more consistent responses
• increased confidence among residents that they feel safe, supported, and that issues are taken seriously

Review process 

• annual review of progress by the Community Cohesion Group
• half-yearly reporting to Safer Gateshead Partnership Board
• full mid-term review in 2027 to update priorities and actions where applicable

Action plan
A detailed plan outlining specific steps, responsibilities, and timelines for delivering the strategy's priorities.

Angelou Centre
Support service run by and for women from Black and minoritised communities in the North East of England.

Community Cohesion
A state where people from different backgrounds feel a sense of belonging, trust, and mutual respect, and work together to build strong, inclusive communities.

Community Cohesion Group (formerly Hate Crime and Tensions Monitoring Group)
A local partnership group that tracks community tensions and hate crime trends to inform early intervention and work together to improve cohesion.

Community Safety Board
A multi-agency group that oversees strategies and actions to keep communities safe, including crime prevention and cohesion work.

Co-production
A way of working where residents and service providers design and deliver solutions together, sharing power and responsibility.

Digital exclusion
When individuals or communities lack access to digital technology or the skills to use it, limiting their ability to participate fully in society.

Digital inclusion
Ensuring everyone has access to the internet and digital skills so they can participate fully in modern life.

Equity
Providing people with what they need to succeed, recognising that individuals and groups start from different circumstances. It focuses on fairness by addressing specific barriers or disadvantages.

Equality
Giving everyone the same resources or opportunities, assuming everyone starts from the same place and needs the same support.

Gender-based hostility 
Hostility, prejudice, or harmful behaviour directed at someone because of their gender, gender identity, or how they express their gender.

Grassroots initiatives
Community-led projects or activities that start at a local level, often driven by residents themselves.

Hate crime
Any criminal offence perceived by the victim or others to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a protected characteristic. In addition to the five legal categories (race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, transgender identity), Northumbria Police also monitor hate crimes based on sex and age. Gateshead Council additionally recognises care-experienced people as a locally protected characteristic. Where an offence is proven to be motivated by hostility based on a legally recognised protected characteristic, courts can apply an increased sentence.

Hate incident 
Any incident perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a protected characteristic, which may not meet the threshold of a criminal offence. 

Hyper-local approach
Solutions tailored to the specific needs of individual neighbourhoods or communities rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.

Intersectionality
The way different aspects of a person's identity (such as race, gender, and socio-economic status) combine to create unique experiences of discrimination or privilege.

Misogyny
Hatred, prejudice, or hostility directed at women and girls because of their sex. 

Prevent Duty
A legal requirement for public bodies to take steps to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism, focusing on safeguarding and early intervention.

Protected characteristics
Characteristics defined under the Equality Act 2010 that are legally protected from discrimination: age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, and marriage/civil partnership. Gateshead Council additionally recognises care-experienced people as a locally protected characteristic.

Pride in Place
A government initiative promoting local identity and community pride through investment in public spaces and neighbourhood projects.

Public consultation
A process where residents and stakeholders are invited to share their views on a proposed policy or strategy before it is finalised.

Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)
A legal obligation under the Equality Act 2010 requiring public bodies to consider how their decisions and policies affect people with protected characteristics.

Safer Gateshead Partnership
Gateshead's statutory Community Safety Partnership, bringing together the council, police, health services, and other partners to reduce crime and improve safety.

Thrive Agenda
Gateshead Council's overarching approach to improving wellbeing, reducing inequalities, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to live a good life.

VCSE sector
Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise organisations that deliver services and support at a local level.