Changing Futures North East

10/06/2026

We're hiring!

Are you excited to help improve children’s emotional wellbeing?

Are you keen to join a well-established and successful Mental Health Support Team with a great team culture and support?

We are excited to recruit 2 x Mental Health Support Workers (MHSW) to play a vital role within the Tees Valley Getting Help Service. This partnership service supports children and young people aged 5–18 (up to 25 for those with SEND/EHCP) who are experiencing emerging mental health concerns.

For further information or to apply please go to https://www.northeastjobs.org.uk/job/_/297756 or apply through the NHS job website https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/B0449-26-0001

05/06/2026

We’re almost at the end of ! Today we’re hearing from one of our volunteer Independent Visitors, Louise, who’s been matched with a 13 year old living in foster care for a couple of years:

“I’ve been volunteering as an Independent Visitor with Changing Futures North East since 2024, and I’ve found it to be such a rewarding experience. After stepping away from a career in education a few years ago, I really missed those meaningful one-to-one interactions with young people. My match with a 13-year-old boy has given me the opportunity to be a consistent and reliable adult for a young person again.

The training I received was fascinating and gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to get started. What’s made an even bigger difference is the ongoing support from the volunteer team at Changing Futures. There’s always someone there if I have questions or need guidance.

One of my favourite parts of volunteering has been the group trips organised by the team, getting to know other Independent Visitors and spending time with our young people by having fun and exploring somewhere new. My young person loves these days out too – we still talk about our day at Flamingo Land last year! Maybe next time he’ll manage to get me on a rollercoaster…

For me, this experience has been about building trust, offering consistency, and making a positive impact, no matter how small it might seem. I’ve gained just as much as I’ve given.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, I’d really encourage you to take that first step. It might feel like a big decision, but it’s absolutely worth it. You never know the difference you could make to someone’s life – and to your own!”

If you’d like to hear more about volunteering, or think you could be a consistent adult in a young person’s life like Louise, we’d love to hear from you! 🫶🏻

02/06/2026

It’s and we’re kicking off our celebrations with Liv’s story! ⬇️

This , we’re celebrating all our fantastic Independent Visitors by sharing some of their stories with you.

First up, we’re hearing from our Befriending Service Co-Ordinator, Liv, who started off as a volunteer Independent Visitor back in 2021…

“I graduated from university in 2020 – a difficult year for everyone! I had no idea what to do next, but with lots of time on my hands, I began the search for volunteering opportunities in the Teesside area. That’s when I came across Changing Futures North East and applied to become an Independent Visitor.

After completing the training, I was matched with a teenage girl living in foster care. We spent time together twice a month, trying out new restaurants and getting to know each other. I became someone she could really open up to and I always enjoyed my time with her.

A few months later, I saw a job advert for a position on the service that I was already volunteering on – so it only felt natural to go for it! I got the job in December 2021 and started after the New Year. I’ve worked on the Independent Visitors service ever since, and I continue to volunteer alongside this.

Deciding to volunteer is one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s so rewarding, and I wouldn’t be in my current role without it.”

Are you looking at next steps in your career? 🤔
Or interested in a rewarding and fun voluntary role?
Let us know by dropping us a message! 📨

02/06/2026

We are hiring! We have an opportunity for a Family Group Conference Practitioner to join our team. Are you...

Passionate to help families to create their own plans to overcome the challenges they face?

Excited to enable positive changes for children?

Ready for a fresh challenge?

We’d love to welcome you to Changing Futures, a small close-knit Charity where you will make a huge difference.

For more information please see the link on North East Jobs..

https://www.northeastjobs.org.uk/job/_/297281

Closing date 15th June 2026

20/04/2026

17/04/2026

Our team is climbing Helvellyn tomorrow to raise funds for our fantastic Independent Visitor service!

Can we reach an amazing £1000?! 🫶

https://app.collectionpot.com/pot/3478971?fbclid=IwZnRzaARIl_hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeCpxD114wZ7kzH9be_wJHkrSKaR-2j8cra-xT6TIkOKSIZ1eIxnIIH1-WaDQ_aem_uJrbDDAGC5hASKdCKU5Adw

Any donations are much appreciated!

24/03/2026

This year, our team at Changing Futures North East is taking on the challenge of climbing Helvellyn, one of the highest and most iconic peaks in the Lake District 🗻

All money raised will go to our fantastic Independent Visitor service, helping young people in care and their volunteers create special memories together!

https://app.collectionpot.com/pot/3478971

Any donations or just sharing the post would be much appreciated! 💖

10/03/2026

A new Stay & Play group is launching at St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School!🐦

The group is open to all parents, carers, and children aged 0–3, offering a friendly space to play, chat, and connect.

Nest aims to help families build meaningful connections while also providing support and signposting for anyone who may need a little extra guidance during the early years🪧

It’s a relaxed, welcoming environment where everyone is invited to come along and feel part of the community.

📅 Every Wednesday, 9:00–10:30am
📍 St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Hartlepool
▶️ Starting April 22nd

08/01/2026

👏🏻 We can’t wait to welcome many more volunteers throughout 2026 here at Changing Futures!

Learn more about becoming an Independent Visitor here https://futures-through-friendship.co.uk/

We made our first new match of 2026 yesterday! 💫

We hope to have many more planned for the rest of the year! 📅

If you want to be a part of our volunteering community, find out more 👉 https://futures-through-friendship.co.uk/apply/

01/01/2026

We are wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous 2026! 💫