Voluntary and Community Projects Celebrate Impact Across South East Northumberland

Voluntary and community sector organisations across South East Northumberland gathered to celebrate the significant impact of their work as part of the Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership.
The community partnership funded over 30 projects during 2024 and a further 13 throughout 2025. The project is funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority.
Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, praised the organisations for helping to reduce inequalities for residents in the county through their work, contributing to one of the council’s key priorities.
Councillor Glen said “The world revolves around voluntary groups and Community partnerships who together do so much to help improve the lives of those who most need help and assistance. This partnership has worked wonders so far and the County Council counts itself very lucky to part of this – delivering together great things right across the County.
“Long may this work continue, and the benefits it brings to a whole range of people is there for all to see. Thank you to everyone involved and for your hard work and kind hearts.”
In 2025, the projects created over 450 volunteering opportunities for residents. Participants benefited by meeting new people, becoming more active, improving their mental health, and gaining valuable skills.
At the event, Jo Burke, the Nature and Wellbeing Officer for Northumberland Wildlife Trust, shared how their project, the North East Natural Health Service, had helped people to engage with outdoor spaces right on their doorstep. Abi, who took part in the project, said, “I’ve gained confidence from the activities we do and the skills and knowledge I have gained. I’m learning new ways to connect to nature and it’s all things I can take away to do in my own time and with my family.”
In Amble, Women’s Workshop used the funding to build an outdoor kitchen space completed in three days. The kitchen was a further addition to the straw bale building which was constructed as part of the project in 2024. Other sessions offered upskilling in woodworking.
Meanwhile, in Ashington, Newcastle United Foundation continued to develop their work at the Hirst Welfare Centre supporting young people to gain skills and confidence through volunteering and participation in a social action project.

Senior Programme Manager Daniel Hancock said, “We really want the Northumberland hub to be a thriving hub to be a thriving space long term for us. We felt there’s been real connection with local people.”
Beyond volunteering, the community partnership supported more than 250 events in 2025 alone, ranging from family fun days to theatre performances and music gigs that saw nearly 15,000 directly participate.