Tackling Poverty Together Strategy 2026-2036
Our vision and principles
In developing this strategy, residents, organisations and strategic partners told us what matters most to them and what change they wish to see. Their valuable insights have shaped our vision, mission and core principles — ensuring that everything we do is grounded in the real experiences of people across Gateshead.
Our vision
Gateshead is a place where poverty is prevented wherever possible, addressed with dignity when it occurs, and tackled at its root causes.
Our mission
By working together with communities and people with living and lived experience, we will transformsystems, strengthen incomes, create real opportunities to thrive, and ensure everyone can participate fully in the life of our borough.
Our principles
The principles provide a clear golden thread from the vision and mission through to action and accountability:
How we treat people:
Dignity, respect and lived experience
Poverty is addressed in ways that uphold dignity, challenge stigma and are shaped by people with lived and living
What action looks like:
Prevention, protection and pathways
Action focuses on preventing poverty where possible, protecting people from harm when it occurs, and enabling sustainable routes out of poverty.
How change is delivered:
Systems change, partnership and accountability
Poverty is tackled through collective action and systemic change, with shared accountability across partners and sectors.
