We are filling a critical gap in support for individuals and families who are often overlooked or unable to access mainstream services. We share similar backgrounds and lived experiences with the people we support, allowing us to deeply understand their challenges, build trust, and offer support that feels safe and culturally familiar. Through our advocacy work, we empower marginalised groups to navigate life’s complexities — from resolving complaints to accessing welfare support, housing, education, and essential services. We represent and uplift individuals facing language barriers, digital exclusion, and other limitations, ensuring they understand their rights and have a voice.
A major gap in the community is the lack of mental health and wellbeing services that truly understand people’s cultural, religious, and lived‑experience needs. Many individuals do not feel safe, represented, or understood in mainstream settings. Through our wellbeing support, social prescribing, mentoring, and community‑based activities, we provide a culturally‑competent, trauma‑informed space where people feel seen, heard, and supported.
Alongside this, we deliver a wide range of practical and holistic services that respond directly to the needs of our community, including:
- Essential needs support such as food, hygiene packs, baby items, clothing, and household basics
- Skills development and learning support for people facing digital exclusion or barriers to education
- Support for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants navigating UK systems
- Community engagement and safe‑space activities that reduce isolation and build belonging
- Advocacy and representation for individuals struggling with complaints, services, or rights
- Wellbeing and emotional support for individuals who cannot access culturally‑competent mental health services
Beyond individual support, we work to influence systems and push for fairer, more inclusive policies that reflect the real needs of our community. Our work is not only about helping people survive — it is about ensuring they are represented, empowered, and able to thrive
Local Needs in Our Community (with statistics)
1. High levels of poverty and hardship
- Byker and Walker are among the top 1–10% most deprived areas in England.
- Newcastle has over 34% of children living in poverty — one of the highest rates in the UK.
- Local organisations report 40–60% increases in demand for emergency support.
2. Mental health challenges
- The North East has the highest suicide rate in England.
- Newcastle has seen a 20–30% rise in people seeking mental‑health support since the cost‑of‑living crisis.
- Refugees and asylum seekers experience significantly poorer mental health due to trauma, isolation, and lack of culturally‑competent services.
3. Refugee, asylum seeker & migrant needs
- The North East hosts ten times more asylum seekers than the South East and South West.
- Many arrive with no local support, limited English, and no understanding of UK systems.
- Over 50% report struggling with housing, benefits, digital access, or navigating services.
4. Essential needs & crisis support gaps
- Families regularly need help with food, hygiene items, baby essentials, clothing, and household basics.
- Crisis requests have increased by 30–50% across community organisations.
- Many households have no disposable income after rent and bills.
5. Digital exclusion
- Around 1 in 5 households in Newcastle lack access to a laptop, tablet, or reliable internet.
- Digital exclusion is highest among low‑income families, refugees, and single parents.
6. Community isolation
- Social isolation affects over 40% of adults in deprived areas of Newcastle.
- Women from African, Muslim, and migrant backgrounds often lack culturally safe spaces and community support.
7. Cost‑of‑living pressures
- The North East has the highest inflation impact in the UK.
- Families report struggling with food, heating, transport, and school costs.
- Many rely on community organisations for day‑to‑day survival.