Not A Design Agency

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Not A Design Agency We’re not your typical agency. No jargon, no egos just empowering Not A Statistic Northeast CIC.

We’re a community-driven project helping startups, CICs, and small businesses bring their ideas to life through branding, websites, and creative support.

28/09/2026

Another week of free, inclusive support starts tomorrow. 💜

Here’s where you can find us:

☕ Monday, 1pm–3pm

OTTO Coffee

☕ Tuesday, 10am–12pm

Diego’s Joint

💜 Tuesday, 7pm–9pm

The Old Rectory, Houghton-le-Spring

💜 Wednesday, 6:30pm–8:30pm

Washington Millennium Centre, Concord

☕ Thursday, 1pm–3pm

The Old Rectory, Houghton-le-Spring

💜 Thursday, 7pm–9pm

Beacon of Light, Sunderland

☕ Friday, 1pm–3pm

Building Blocks Day Centre, Concord

🎲 Saturday, 12 noon - 2pm

OTTO Coffee - Not a Side Quest

Every session is free and open to everyone aged 16+. There are no waiting lists, no referrals and no pressure to talk.

Next stop: OTTO Coffee, tomorrow from 1pm until 3pm! ☕💜

Your Sticker Deserves To Be Everywhere! Anyone know who created this! We'd love to print you some free stickers... get i...
28/09/2026

Your Sticker Deserves To Be Everywhere! Anyone know who created this! We'd love to print you some free stickers... get in touch please! Anyone else how about a discount code: BoatsBeforeBillionaires
Not A Statistic Northeast CIC

29/07/2026

Tonight, we begin sharing three honest lived experiences of su***de, survival, grief and asking for help.

The first Not A Su***de Story trailer launches on our YouTube today at 6pm.

https://www.youtube.com//

Real people.
Real experiences.
Honest conversations.

This project was funded by the Sunderland Su***de Prevention Action Group.

Content note: This campaign includes discussion of su***de, suicidal thoughts and mental health.

***deStory ***dePrevention

25/06/2026

🇬🇧 𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗔𝗧 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 🇬🇧

Saturday is set to be the biggest day of Sunderland Armed Forces Weekend 2026, with a packed programme of entertainment, activities and celebrations taking place across Seaburn Recreation Park and Roker Cliff Park.

The day begins at 9:30am with the Cadet Parade, as cadets march into Seaburn Recreation Park ahead of the official opening ceremony.

At 10:00am, we will be joined by the Mayor of Sunderland, who will officially open Sunderland Armed Forces Weekend with a speech before taking part in our Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony. This special moment provides an opportunity for us all to come together and recognise the dedication, sacrifice and service of our Armed Forces community, past and present.

Following the opening ceremony, visitors can enjoy a full day of entertainment, including:

🎷 Saxaholics
🎤 Simply Vocal
💃 AF Dance Academy
🥋 Kanzen Tohoku Karate Club
🎙️ Claire Louise
🎶 Brooke Havana Bailey Performer / Creative
🎤 Tahnee - vocalist NE
🎸 New Dimension
🤼 Dropkick Championship Wrestling
🎤 Karaoke

As the evening arrives, the entertainment continues at Seaburn Recreation Park with:

🎸 Corey G
🎙️ Karaoke
🕺 Roker Riviera Soul Club

⚽ ENGLAND MATCH SCREENING ⚽

We’re also delighted to confirm that we will be showing the England match live on our large LED screen. Join us from 9:00pm for our England Match Warm-Up Playlist before the match is shown live from 10:00pm.

Whether you’re supporting England, enjoying the entertainment, exploring the Market Village, visiting the military vehicles or simply spending time with family and friends, there really is something for everyone.

📍 Seaburn Recreation Park & Roker Cliff Park
📅 Saturday 27th June
🎟️ FREE ENTRY

Join us as we celebrate our Armed Forces community and enjoy what promises to be a fantastic day on Sunderland’s seafront.

About the jobLocation: Sunderland, Washington, Houghton-le-Spring and surrounding areas Hours: Part-Time – 15 Hours per ...
25/06/2026

About the job
Location: Sunderland, Washington, Houghton-le-Spring and surrounding areas

Hours: Part-Time – 15 Hours per Week

Salary: £12.82 per hour ( Living Wage)

Contract Type: Permanent (subject to successful completion of probation period)

Reporting To: Managing Director and Principal Design Director

About Us

Not A Statistic Northeast CIC is a community interest company dedicated to reducing social isolation, improving mental wellbeing, and creating inclusive spaces where people can connect, share experiences, and support one another.

We deliver peer support groups, daytime drop-ins, one-to-one support, community outreach activities, events, and wellbeing projects across Sunderland and the wider North East.

Alongside our community work, we operate Not A Design Agency, a social enterprise creative agency providing design, marketing, branding, and content creation services. Income generated through the agency directly supports the delivery and growth of our mental health services.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate, and proactive individual to join our growing team and help support both sides of our organisation.

About the Role

This unique role sits across both Not A Statistic Northeast CIC and Not A Design Agency.

Approximately half of the role will focus on supporting the delivery of our mental health and community services, including peer support groups, drop-ins, outreach activities, and community events. The remaining aspect of the role will involve supporting the growth and operation of Not A Design Agency through administration, content creation, marketing, and creative project support.

As a growing organisation, flexibility is essential. The successful candidate will be expected to adapt to changing priorities, support new projects as they develop, and contribute positively wherever needed.

No two days will be the same, and we are looking for someone who enjoys variety, takes initiative, and is passionate about making a positive difference.

Benefits

Living Wage Employer (£12.82 per hour)
Workplace Pension Scheme
Statutory Holiday Entitlement
Ongoing Training and Professional Development
Supportive and Inclusive Working Environment
Opportunity to make a genuine impact within local communities
Opportunity to contribute to both social enterprise and community development projects

Working Pattern

The role requires flexibility and will include a combination of daytime, evening, and occasional weekend work.

The successful candidate must be available for:

Regular evening sessions
Friday afternoon working
Community events and activities as required

Working hours will be agreed in advance and may vary depending on organisational needs.

Key Responsibilities

Community Support

Support the delivery of peer support groups, drop-ins, outreach activities, and wellbeing programmes.
Assist attendees in accessing appropriate support and signposting services.
Help create safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all participants.
Provide practical support to service users where appropriate.
Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and partner organisations.
Support colleagues during challenging situations and contribute positively to team wellbeing.
Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed and concerns are reported appropriately.
Represent the organisation professionally within the community.
Events and Community Engagement

Assist with the planning and delivery of community events, awareness campaigns, networking activities, and fundraising events.
Support event setup, delivery, and pack-down.
Engage with attendees and partner organisations.
Promote organisational activities within the community.
Occasionally represent the organisation at meetings, conferences, and networking events.
Creative and Administrative Support

Support the day-to-day operation of Not A Design Agency.
Assist with social media content creation and scheduling.
Create promotional materials using Canva and other digital tools.
Support branding, marketing, and creative projects.
Maintain accurate records and administrative systems.
Assist with client communications where required.
Contribute ideas for campaigns, projects, and organisational growth.
Leadership and Development

Work independently and use initiative to solve problems.
Support volunteers, session facilitators, and newer team members.
Contribute to organisational development and continuous improvement.
Participate in supervision, training, and professional development opportunities.
Demonstrate leadership qualities and act as a positive role model.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must be able to demonstrate:

Experience & Knowledge

Experience supporting vulnerable individuals or community groups.
Experience working with people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).
Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding principles and procedures.
Strong computer literacy and confidence using digital systems.
Experience using Canva or similar design software.
Experience creating content for social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Understanding of social media engagement and digital communication.
Skills & Abilities

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and use initiative.
Strong organisational skills.
Creative thinking and problem-solving ability.
Ability to manage competing priorities.
Ability to adapt to changing organisational needs.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Personal Attributes

Lived experience of mental health challenges and/or supporting others through mental health difficulties.
Compassionate, approachable, and emotionally aware.
Reliable, trustworthy, and professional.
Strong moral compass and commitment to inclusion, equality, and respect.
Willingness to learn and undertake training.
Flexible approach to work and responsibilities.
Confidence representing the organisation in person and online.
Comfortable appearing in photographs, videos, and promotional content.

Other Requirements

Ability to travel independently throughout Sunderland and surrounding areas.
Availability to work evenings on a regular basis.
Availability to work Friday afternoons.
Commitment to the values and mission of Not A Statistic Northeast CIC.

Desirable Criteria

Mental Health First Aid qualification or equivalent.
Experience within the voluntary, community, charity, or social enterprise sector.
Experience facilitating groups or workshops.
Experience supporting people with mental health challenges.
Basic photography or videography skills.
Understanding of trauma-informed approaches.
Experience in marketing, design, or content creation.
Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.

Safeguarding

Not A Statistic Northeast CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals who engage with our services.

The successful applicant will be required to:

Undertake safeguarding training.
Adhere to all organisational safeguarding policies and procedures.
Complete an Enhanced DBS Check prior to employment.

Probation Period

This role is subject to a six-month probationary period.

Performance, attendance, conduct, suitability for the role, and alignment with organisational values will be reviewed throughout the probation period.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Not A Statistic Northeast CIC welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and actively encourages applications from individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, neurodivergence, disability, military service, caring responsibilities, and other underrepresented groups.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please send the following to [email protected]:

A copy of your CV
A covering letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining:
Why you are interested in the role
How your skills and experience meet the person specification
What you feel you could bring to Not A Statistic Northeast CIC and Not A Design Agency

Key Dates

Closing Date for Applications: Thursday 25th June 2026 2300

Interviews: Week Commencing 29th June 2026

Applications should be emailed to:

📧 [email protected]

Please use the subject line:

Application – Community & Creative Support Coordinator

Informal Discussion

We understand that applying for a new role can be a big decision. If you would like an informal chat about the position before applying, please feel free to contact:

Shane Knox
Managing Director
Not A Statistic Northeast CIC
📞 07308 117083

We welcome conversations from anyone interested in learning more about the role, our organisation, and the work we do within our communities.

Please note that an informal discussion does not form part of the recruitment process and is offered to help prospective applicants decide whether the role is right for them.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and Not A Statistic Northeast CIC reserves the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified before the closing date.

💜 We're Hiring! 💜Not A Statistic Northeast CIC and Not A Design Agency are looking for a Community & Creative Support Co...
09/06/2026

💜 We're Hiring! 💜

Not A Statistic Northeast CIC and Not A Design Agency are looking for a Community & Creative Support Coordinator to join our growing team.

This is a unique opportunity to work across both our community mental health services and our creative social enterprise, helping us support hundreds of people across the North East while contributing to exciting creative projects.

We're looking for someone who is:

✅ Compassionate and people-focused
✅ Creative and confident using social media/Canva
✅ Proactive and able to work independently
✅ Experienced in supporting people, communities, or vulnerable groups
✅ Flexible, reliable, and willing to learn

📍 Sunderland, Washington, Houghton-le-Spring & surrounding areas
⏰ 15 Hours per Week
💷 £12.82 per hour (Real Living Wage)
📅 Closing Date: Friday 26th June 2026
📅 Interviews: Week Commencing 29th June 2026

For full details and to apply, visit our LinkedIn job advert:

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4424181302/

Applications should be sent to:
📧 [email protected]

If you'd like an informal chat about the role, please contact Shane on:
📞 07308 117083

Please share this post and help us find the right person to join our team.

💜

Behind every “small business post” is usually someone juggling about 17 other things at the same time.Client work.Emails...
27/05/2026

Behind every “small business post” is usually someone juggling about 17 other things at the same time.

Client work.
Emails.
Invoices.
Family life.
Mental load.
Self-doubt.
Trying to remember if they’ve eaten lunch.

Social media often shows the polished version of running a business.

But the reality?
Most founders are just doing their best with the time, energy, and headspace they’ve got available that day.

That’s why we believe creative support should feel human.

Not intimidating.
Not overwhelming.
Not packed with buzzwords designed to make people feel behind.

At Not A Design Agency, we want people to feel supported - not pressured.

Because building something meaningful already takes enough energy without feeling like you have to “beat the algorithm” every five minutes.

So here’s your reminder for today:

You’re allowed to build slowly.
You’re allowed to ask for help.
And you don’t have to do everything alone.

A lot of people think good branding starts with logos, colours, or websites.Honestly?It usually starts with confidence.C...
26/05/2026

A lot of people think good branding starts with logos, colours, or websites.

Honestly?

It usually starts with confidence.

Confidence to:

- put yourself out there
- talk about your business
- share your story
- stop hiding behind “I’m not ready yet”

We’ve worked with brilliant people who had amazing ideas…
but felt overwhelmed by the digital side of everything.

The pressure to constantly market yourself can make even passionate founders doubt what they’re building.

That’s why Not A Design Agency isn’t just about design.

It’s about helping people feel supported while they grow.

No corporate jargon.
No pressure.
No pretending you need to become a full-time content creator overnight.

Just honest creative support from people who understand how hard building something can actually be.

Because behind every business is still a human being trying their best.

Not everyone gets a Bank Holiday.Small business owners.Founders.Community leaders.People building something from scratch...
25/05/2026

Not everyone gets a Bank Holiday.

Small business owners.
Founders.
Community leaders.
People building something from scratch.

A lot of us are still replying to emails, planning content, fixing websites, chasing invoices, and thinking about next week before this week has even finished.

And while social media tells us we should always be “on”…

The truth is:
constant pressure leads to burnout.

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your peace, family time, or mental health just to keep your business visible online.

That’s one of the reasons Not A Design Agency exists.

To help take some of that pressure away.

Because sometimes the best support isn’t about “going viral” or posting 3 reels a day…

Sometimes it’s simply having someone in your corner who understands the workload and helps you reclaim a bit of balance again.

So if you ARE working this Bank Holiday -
we see you.

But we also hope you still manage to take five minutes for yourself somewhere along the way.

You’ve earned it.

Burnout in business doesn’t always look dramatic.Sometimes it’s just:- replying to messages at 11pm- stressing over what...
22/05/2026

Burnout in business doesn’t always look dramatic.

Sometimes it’s just:

- replying to messages at 11pm
- stressing over what to post tomorrow
- feeling guilty for taking a day off
- staring at Canva with zero energy left
- knowing your business needs marketing… but having absolutely nothing left in the tank

The pressure to constantly “show up online” is exhausting.

Algorithms don’t sleep.
Trends move fast.
And suddenly you’re trying to run your business while also becoming a full-time content creator, designer, marketer, photographer and copywriter.

It’s too much for one person.

That’s one of the reasons we created the Not A Design Agency Project.

Not to add more pressure.
Not to sell you complicated strategies.
Not to bury you in jargon.

But to help take some of that weight off your shoulders.

Sometimes the most valuable thing a creative partner can give you isn’t just branding or content…

It’s breathing space.

Space to focus on:

- your actual work
- your family
- your wellbeing
- your ideas
- your life outside the screen

You don’t have to do everything alone to build something meaningful.

And honestly?
You probably weren’t meant to.

Address

Not A Statistic Northeast CIC, The Old Rectory
Houghton Le Spring
DH44BB

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