The ORBIT Project: Youth Club with a Wellness Edge
The ORBIT Project is a free-to-attend, pilot mental health recovery college in North Tyneside for young people aged 11 to 19.
Delivered by North Tyneside VODA, we create safe, supportive spaces for young people to build confidence, independence, and social skills while discovering their full potential. You do not need a formal diagnosis to attend.
What We Offer
- Friendly wellness support delivered through group activities.
- Sessions are free
- A chance to meet like-minded peers.
How Sessions Work
To keep groups relatable and relevant, we split our sessions into two distinct age brackets:
- Ages 11–16: Tailored for younger teens.
- Ages 16–19: Focused on older youth and young adults.
Who Can Attend?
You can take part if you:
- Live in North Tyneside
- Are aged 11–19 (Year 7 and above)
- Would like support to improve your mental health and wellbeing (no diagnosis is required)
- Would like to build confidence, make new friends and connect with other young people your age
This project is open to any young person who meets the above criteria and would benefit from a safe, supportive space to learn, socialise and take part in activities.
Participant Co-Production: Shaping the Project Together
At The ORBIT Project, your ideas matter. You’ll have opportunities to help shape activities, influence how the project develops and be part of a supportive community where young people’s voices are valued. Through regular check-ins, tailored sessions and a wide range of engaging experiences, you’ll help create a project that works for you and your peers.
Interested in Volunteering with ORBIT?
Volunteering with the ORBIT project is open to anyone between the ages of 16 and 25 who would like the opportunity to help us provide sessions for young people in North Tyneside. The ORBIT project aims to help volunteers build confidence and gain experience.
By volunteering with us you will have a chance to make a meaningful difference and shape the future of your local community.
Available Roles
- Behind the scenes: support staff with behind-the-scenes elements like social media and planning.
- Session support: Support staff by being involved socially within sessions
- Session Co-facilitator: Help staff to lead sessions (maybe create your own session)
Volunteers typically start with behind-the-scenes and session support roles. We can support your development if you wish to progress to a co-facilitator role.
Impact and Responsibilities
- Assist with group activities designed to improve wellbeing.
- Help maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
- Support participants to take part in the sessions.
- Promote a community resource that is free of charge and accessible.
Volunteer Benefits
- Gain experience in community-based youth support
- Build your CV
- Help build your confidence, meet new people, and learn new skills.
- Receive guidance, training and support through VODA.
- Be part of this exciting project supporting young people.
Contact Us
If you are interested in finding out more about the ORBIT Project, please contact:
- Alec Clavering on 0191 3232040 / 07563 663 551
- Email: orbit@voda.org.uk
The ORBIT Project has been created with thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.