Groundwork NE & Cumbria

05/11/2026

A huge congratulations to Ellie! 👏

Since completing our Empower Her programme, Ellie has grown so much in confidence, really come out of her shell and developed a new belief in herself and her abilities. It’s been fantastic to see the progress she’s made and how much more confident she feels taking on new opportunities in everyday life.

We’re delighted that Ellie has now secured a paid work placement with Groundwork on the Northern Futures programme, where she’ll be taking on the role of Trainee Youth Worker.

This is a fantastic opportunity and we’re so proud of how far she’s come. We can’t wait to see her continue to grow and develop as she takes this next step in her journey.

A warm welcome to the Northern Futures team, Ellie! We’re so excited to have you on board. 💚

04/11/2026

The girls had a brilliant time at TopGear Karting today!🏎️💨 A chance to try something new, step outside of their comfort zones and build on friendships, all whilst having plenty of laughs along the way.

A big well done to Alex, our race winner! 😂🏆

A big thank you to for a great session!

Interested in getting involved in our next Empower Her cohort, starting in the next few weeks? Get in touch with Kathryn at [email protected] to find out more. 📩

North East Mayoral Strategic Authority

02/11/2026

It is Talk Money Week

If you are feeling overwhelmed by bills, you shouldn't have to be. Our advice service is here to help.

Take a look at what support we offer Groundwork - County Durham Advice & Guidance Service

💷 Worried about money? Let’s talk.

Feeling overwhelmed by bills or struggling to make your money stretch? You’re not alone. 💚

Taking that first step and talking to someone can make a real difference.

Reach out to us for advice and guidance. We're here to help.

29/10/2026

Follow our Connect to Work page! We are offering free support to those who are struggling to get or maintain a job.

Keep an eye on the new page for more info or visit our website: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/north-east-and-cumbria/our-projects/connect-to-work-home/

Want to work but need a little extra support?

Whether you’re looking for a job or already in work and finding things difficult, Connect to Work could help you take your next step.

We use Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to provide personalised support to help people find and stay in paid employment.

📍 Where do we work?

Across Newcastle, Jarrow, and Gateshead, through the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.

👥 Who is it for?

People aged 18+ who want to work but need extra support.

You might benefit if:

~ Your health or wellbeing affects your ability to work.
~ You’re struggling with confidence or skills.
~ Personal circumstances are making work difficult.

You don’t need a diagnosis or to be ready to start a job straight away.

🤝 How can we help?

~ One-to-one support tailored to you.
~ Help finding a job that suits your needs and interests.
~ Ongoing support once you’re in work.

🎯 We aim to help you find employment within 4–8 weeks.

Everyone’s journey is different. Let’s take the next step together. Find out more using the link in bio, or register your interest here: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/north-east-and-cumbria/our-projects/connect-to-work-home/

North East Mayoral Strategic Authority

28/10/2026

Our Empower Her girls from different cohorts came together for an adults skills session focused on learning new skills, building confidence and connecting with others. It was a great opportunity to meet new people, make friends and learn together.

The two lessons covered were Communication Skills and Everyday Numeracy, delivered as part of the Adult Skills project.

Interested in joining us?

💜Empower Her (ages 16–24)
Looking to build your skills, gain new opportunities, work towards independence, improve your employability and make friends? Contact [email protected] to find out more.

✨Open Doors Adult Skills (ages 19+)
Want to develop your digital skills, confidence, numeracy and social connections?
Contact [email protected] or [email protected] to find out more.

North East Mayoral Strategic Authority

26/10/2026

Writing a will sounds like a big job. It doesn't have to be!

We've teamed up with expert estate planners Octopus Legacy to make it simple, and free.

We're covering the cost up to £150. So a simple will is free, or a will with trust comes at a discount.

Write or update your will today:
🌐 Online
📞 Over the phone
🏠 At home or in-branch
Start your will here https://octopuslegacy.com/online-will?utm_source=charity....
Or call 020 4525 3605 and quote Groundwork NE & Cumbria.

You may also choose to include a gift to Groundwork NE & Cumbria to help create lasting change for people, nature and environment. There's no obligation to.

23/10/2026

Recently Ben from our Nature Based Solutions- Wild Oyster Project, delivered an exciting oyster session!

The session was about oysters and our work with them- including history of oysters, why they are important, and how we are helping restore them. They got involved in a science session to make bioplastic beads from kelp derivatives, showing how some marine species have sustainability applications relevant to us.

Ben said "they were a really interested and proactive group of lads, they asked loads of thoughtful and enquiring questions that showed they were really thinking about the content of the presentation".

At Groundwork NE & Cumbria we are passionate about teaching the youth of the importance of sustainability, and how we can do our bit.

Would you like to learn more about oysters? Visit our website: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/north-east-and-cumbria/our-projects/nature-based-solutions/wild-oysters/

You can also support this project by adopting your own cuddly Oyster: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/north-east-and-cumbria/get-involved/wild-oyster/adopt-an-oyster/

16/10/2026

Come along to Wallsend Jobs Fair this Monday to meet our Employment Specialists!

Looking to earn extra cash before Christmas? This Christmas jobs fair will be filled with employers looking for new employees. We are here to offer you free 1 to 1 support to help you secure a job that works for you.

Come along and speak to our friendly team, we are excited to meet you all!

Please book your spot here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Jp5rjNc0lEO37_EQyVXw_I9zWiaaxt9DgiHzS5zjg9ZUNDhBVkFTRVBXSVZBTzlUTFNUMVAySlpFWS4u&origin=lprLink&route=shorturl&fbclid=IwY2xjawU-2YpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMGZEbGtQSXk0V01kTVRyY2pzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe5YrqTwP_4Nz80oUW4L4MsNtEtC269SRSAnJabncY4GaAQnvhT_oES9fwDRY_aem_Q7RGNvuS0oHFXAf27XvjQg

14/10/2026

Connect To Work offers 1 to 1 support and guidance for adults who are facing barriers getting or maintaining a job.

One of our incredible employment specialists Kaylee has been working with Tryeece who says "The support has helped me stay focused and positive about achieving my employment goals."

If you would like to find out more about Connect to Work, or apply, take a look at our website: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/north-east-and-cumbria/our-projects/connect-to-work-home/connect-to-work-participant/