From peer support groups for people suffering with arthritis to cycling support for children and families, voluntary sector organisations are beginning an important programme of work to help tackle health inequalities across North Tyneside.
A new Health Inequalities Grant Programme, developed by members of the Better Together group, has awarded grants of between £10,000 and £30,000 to fourteen Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations. Funding has been provided by NHS North East and North Cumbria (formerly North Tyneside CCG) and North Tyneside Council, with the grant programme being administered by VODA.
All funded activities focus on delivering outcomes relating to the key themes of the recently published Equally Well strategy for North Tyneside – ‘Equal life chances for all’, ‘Thriving places and communities’ and ‘Maintaining independence’.
The grants programme aims to be more than just an offer of funding. In order to build an evidence base of what works and to help identify scalable solutions, all successful applicants will attend six-monthly learning and development sessions delivered in partnership with Goodlabs – a local management consultancy that helps charitable organisations to enhance their social impact.
Case Studies
Volunteer Story: Sadiq Rehan
Volunteer, Sadiq Rehan, has volunteered with VODA’s UKSPF social action project ‘Welcome to North Tyneside’. He is a skilled photographer and video editor, and has made a number of videos showcasing local community organisations, such as this lovely video featuring Springfield Community Centre. Sadiq also photographed the project trips, supporting the project with his voluntary […]
Charities and Elections: Staying Within The Rules
With local elections approaching in May, now is a good time for charities to review what they can and can’t do when it comes to political campaigning. The Charity Commission has published clear guidance to help trustees and staff navigate this area confidently, ensuring that all campaigning activity stays within the law and in line […]
North Tyneside Volunteering Update
Explore the variety of volunteering opportunities in North Tyneside. Whether you want to enhance your skills, make a community impact, or connect with like-minded individuals, there is something for everyone.
You can search for all available volunteering opportunities on our online database, or take a look at our round-up below.
Goal! New Funding for Women’s Football
Sported is working in partnership with The Football Association (England Football) to support community organisations delivering informal women’s football sessions (18+) through the national Just Play programme. We’re offering: £500 grant funding Access to kit and equipment vouchers Free online Just Play & FA First Aid training Promotion and session management via Book Football This […]
Leathersellers’ ACEs Main Grants Programme
The Leathersellers’ Foundation has opened Expressions of Interest for its ACEs Main Grants Programme, now in its fifth year. The programme supports UK charities and CIOs working to prevent and reduce the harm caused by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Grants of £20,000–£25,000 per year for up to four years are available. Expressions of Interest must […]
Children’s Alliance Grants for Water‑Based Projects
The Children’s Alliance is offering grants of up to £15,000 (most around £5,000) to support non‑profit organisations delivering water‑based activities that improve children’s physical and mental wellbeing. The fund is open to schools, registered charities, CICs and community groups across the UK and aims to help disadvantaged children under 18 access swimming lessons, hydrotherapy, surf […]
The Veterans’ Foundation Major Grants Programme
The Veterans’ Foundation has launched a new Major Grants Programme for 2026, designed to fund collaborative, innovative projects that support the UK armed forces community. The fund is aimed at partnerships working to improve outcomes for serving personnel, veterans, operationally qualified seafarers and their immediate families. This programme marks the VF’s 10th anniversary and focuses […]
The Adamson Trust Disabled Children’s Charity
The Adamson Trust provides financial support to families, groups, schools and registered charities to help fund holidays or respite breaks for disabled children aged 3–17. Eligible children must be UK residents with physical, mental or emotional impairments, and applications must include supporting evidence from a medical or social services professional. Grants typically cover part of […]
The Solidarity Fund: The National Lottery Community Fund
The Solidarity Fund from The National Lottery Community Fund is now open, offering major grants of £1 million to £5 million for organisations in England working to address the root causes of poverty, disadvantage and discrimination. This fund aims to strengthen long-term, systemic change, especially work led or shaped by people with lived experience. The […]
One Stop Community Partnership Funding
The One Stop Community Partnership programme supports community groups working to improve the lives of local residents. Organisations based within two miles of a One Stop store can apply for up to £1,000 to help deliver projects that make a positive difference in their area. Alongside the grant, successful groups also benefit from a tailored […]
Work funded
- Tyneside and Northumberland MIND – support people with mental health problems to improve their physical and mental health and to manage their conditions through exercise.
- Whitley Bay Islamic Cultural Centre – creation of a new community gym.
- Linskill Trust – deliver community nutritionist led cooking sessions for parents and carers.
- North East Autism Society – support children and their families to address the health and care inequalities faced by autistic people.
- LD North East – support people with learning disabilities to access health services and overcome barriers to taking part in physical activities
- Versus Arthritis – set up a local volunteer-led support group for people with arthritis
- Quadrant Leisure CIC – offers opportunities, support, and advice to individuals to improve their lifestyles and to make informed choices about their health.
- Shiremoor Adventure Playground – support local children and their families to cycle to the adventure playground using the wagon-way. Will also offer cycling proficiency and maintenance sessions, bikes and equipment will be provided and at the end of the programme families will be able to access free, or low cost children’s bikes.
- Deaf Awareness NE – offer accessible health and fitness sessions to deaf and hard of hearing people.
- Smile Through Sport – provide disability specific sessions solely for autistic young people and work with recently disabled adults to fill a gap that has been created by the pandemic.
- MHA Communities North Tyneside – support older people who are referred from the local enablement service who are lonely and isolated. Volunteers will build a positive relationship with the older people, helping them access their community.
- Out of Sight – offer a range of social activities to reduce social isolation amongst the older people it supports, alongside healthy lifestyle support.
- Age UK North Tyneside – support hard to reach older people and those older people whose health is poor, or complex. It will work with four community venues to deliver singing, dancing, technology and cooking activities, setting up 12 new weekly groups.
- Support and Grow North East – set up 15 Cuppa Clubs across North Tyneside, where people experiencing loneliness, isolation and / or have mental health issues can access support.
- Peer Talk – develop more peer support groups for people with mental health problems.