Home > News and Events > Community Foundation distributes £135,000 to organisations in South Tyneside

Community Foundation distributes £135,000 to organisations in South Tyneside

In partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund, Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Government has announced the Know Your Neighbourhood fund, a package of up to £30 million to create volunteering opportunities and increase connections across the country.

Volunteering helps to connect communities, helps people to develop their skills and grow their networks; and helps public services serve local communities and places more effectively.

However, we know that some of the most disadvantaged areas in England are missing out.

The Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland is delighted to be distributing £135,333 of the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund to support initiatives in South Tyneside that can help to boost volunteering and tackle loneliness, helping participants improve their mental and physical wellbeing, develop new skills and form social connections.

The funding will go to those who do not usually have access to volunteering opportunities.

Examples of where this funding is going include:

● Bright Futures North East for the development of a Volunteer Coordinator role providing opportunities for women and girls across South Tyneside.

● The Cultural Spring for creative workshops and volunteering opportunities for people who are isolated in South Tyneside

● The Customs House Trust Ltd to support young people’s volunteer and planning roles as part of annual ‘Takeover Festival’ – South Tyneside

Minister for Civil Society and Youth, Stuart Andrew, said:

“During the Covid-19 pandemic we saw communities come together and volunteer to help one another in a time of need.

“We want to see this brilliant community spirit continue, which is why I’m delighted to be able to announce the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund to create meaningful and impactful volunteering opportunities.

“With rising living costs increasing the risk of isolation, it’s more important than ever that those at risk of loneliness feel supported, and this funding will be vital in helping people build personal connections and develop new skills.”

Nils Stronach, Head of Grant Practice and Programmes at the Community Foundation, said:

“We are delighted to be able to support meaningful and impactful activities in South Tyneside that encourage volunteering and tackle chronic loneliness. Our first round of grants from the DCMS South Tyneside Know Your Neighbourhood Fund have supported a diverse range of activities and we welcome applications from organisations in South Tyneside for the next round by 3 April.”

You can read the criteria and apply to the fund here.