Point North

15/06/2026

We are so proud to celebrate people from County Durham and Tees Valley recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026.

A heartfelt congratulations to our Trustee, Alison Dunn, awarded an MBE for her outstanding service to communities across the North East. Her commitment and impact are felt far and wide.

We also warmly recognise Rhiannon Hiles CBE, Shirley Kathryn Smith, Adrian Richards, and Allison White, alongside others from our region who have been honoured this year.

At Point North, we see the difference these people make every single day. Their care, energy and commitment change lives and strengthen our communities. This recognition is so well deserved.

Thank you for everything you do!💜

09/06/2026

🚨 Are you a charity or community group supporting care leavers or young people preparing to leave the care system?

Our Care Leavers Fund (Groups) is open for applications and offers grants up to £15,000 of unrestricted funding to organisations making a difference across County Durham and Tees Valley.

Unrestricted funding means you can use the grant where it's needed most, helping you provide the best possible support for care-experienced young people.

📅 Apply by Sunday 28 June 2026

Find out more and submit your application through our website: https://pointnorth.org.uk/grants/care-leavers-fund-groups-2/

05/06/2026

'I've swapped my nursing hat for a kitchen apron.' For Sarah, volunteering at her local lunch club (The Fulforth Centre) became about much more than giving back a few hours each week.

03/06/2026

🌟 Meet Sam.

As part of , we're sharing the stories of local volunteers who are making a difference in their communities.

Through Stanley Area Youth Consortium's Peer Champions project, Sam has helped raise more than £1,000 for local causes, supported the launch of a community charity shop, and become a valued volunteer.

His story shows how volunteering can build confidence, create connections and open up new opportunities.

🎥 Watch Sam share his story in his own words below. Created by Sam with support from Antonia Liguori and Sally Blackburn-Daniels from Teesside University.

26/05/2026

📢 New funding now open for care leavers in County Durham and Tees Valley

We’ve launched a new funding programme to support care leavers aged 18 to 25 across County Durham and Tees Valley.

- Care Leavers Fund (Groups)
Up to £15,000 of unrestricted funding is available for local charities and community groups supporting care leavers.

Apply via our website by Sunday 28 June 2026: https://pointnorth.org.uk/grants/care-leavers-fund-groups-2/

- Care Leavers Fund (Individuals)
Up to £1,000 is available to help care leavers with essentials, resources and opportunities they would not usually have access to.

Apply via our website: https://pointnorth.org.uk/grants/care-leavers-fund-individuals-2/

The Care Leavers Fund supports care leavers aged 18 to 25 with the cost of essentials and practical support.

30/04/2026

Point North April 2026 Newsletter -

April has been shaped by the people, places and partnerships that make our communities across County Durham and Tees Valley stronger.

28/04/2026

We’re proud to support amazing local charities like Pimm's & Needles who are truly making a difference in Darlington. Their Silvers Members Group brings women together, empowering them to get creative and combat loneliness. A huge thank you to our incredible donors who make projects like this possible! 💜

Learning Curve Group, Robson Laidler, WE ARE UMi, Thorne & Derrick, The Varley Family Foundation and the many more donors who contribute to our Community Grants Programme.