Community partnership secures further funding through 2025
The Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership has been awarded further funding to continue its work throughout 2025.
Between October 2023 and March 2025, the partnership allocated £1.3 million to 31 projects delivered by voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations across South East Northumberland. The projects were identified and funding allocated based on the areas that could most benefit based on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation. The projects offered meaningful volunteering opportunities and training for residents, as well as improving the facilities of VCS organisations to help them to continue their work for years to come. Almost £920,000 in revenue funding was allocated, alongside £400,000 in capital.
The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is delivered by Northumberland County Council, with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority
A further £475,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has now been allocated to Northumberland by the North East Combined Authority which will fund more than a dozen projects until the end of December 2025. Initiatives include the Volunteer Passport, developed by Thriving Together Northumberland, that will support organisations to recruit and embed volunteers in projects across the area, as well as funding organisations such as North East Museums and Blyth Tall Ship to further enhance volunteering opportunities across the county.
Creative projects will also receive funding including Amble based Dry Water Arts, curated by Frances Anderson and Paula Turner, and The Tute, Cambois, led by Alex Oates and Esther Huss, helping residents to celebrate and tell the stories of where they live.
The Hirst Welfare Centre in Ashington will continue its successful collaboration with the Newcastle United Foundation to work with young people in the area to create opportunities and harness aspirations.
Volunteering opportunities will not only give residents the chance to develop new skills but will also provide pathways to training, job search, and improved health and wellbeing.
The North East Combined Authority (North East CA) was formed on 7 May 2024. It is led by Elected Mayor Kim McGuinness and the Cabinet and covers the seven local authority areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.