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Dementia-friendly music sessions, lunch clubs, and fuel poverty prevention projects are part of latest round of Mayor’s Opportunity Fund delivered by Community Foundation North East and Point North.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has announced the successful recipients of Round 3 of her £1 million Mayor’s Opportunity Fund, with £225,000 awarded to grassroots organisations delivering support for older people across the North East.
This round of the fund has a strong focus on tackling isolation, ill health and the cost-of-living crisis experienced by older residents, backing community‑led projects that help people stay active, connected and independent in later life – building an inclusive economy for all. The Mayor’s Opportunity Fund is a £1 million programme supporting projects that deliver direct, practical benefits in local communities, tackling issues residents face day to day and investing in places too often left behind.
Speaking about the latest funding round, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:
“This funding is about practical support that makes a real difference: accessible transport so people can shop independently, lunch clubs that bring neighbours together, and other projects that help older residents tackle the cost of living crisis, stay active, connected and confident.
These are trusted local organisations, rooted in their communities, stepping in where support is needed most — and I’m proud to back them as we work to tackle loneliness and support people to live well and independently later in life.”
The Mayor’s Opportunity Fund is delivered in partnership with Community Foundation North East and Point North, who ensure the funding reaches grassroots organisation that support communities across the region.
Rob Williamson, Chief Executive of Community Foundation North East, said:
“Community Foundation North East is pleased to be working with Mayor Kim McGuinness once again to deliver the third round of her Mayors Opportunity Fund.
One of the great features of the fund is that each round looks to support different communities or issues. This round supported projects working with older people. From digital confidence sessions in Newcastle to boxing classes in Blyth and a shopping bus service in Sunderland, the projects are tackling isolation, ill health, the cost-of-living crisis and more for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
Projects funded through Round 3 range from social clubs and lunch clubs, to inclusive physical activity, creative sessions, digital confidence support and transport services, all rooted in neighbourhoods where need is highest.
Among the successful recipients is Briardale House Youth and Community Projects in Blyth, which will extend its older people’s provision through seated fitness sessions, social activities and trips, helping residents aged 65+ improve their health and wellbeing while reducing isolation.
In Durham, Sacriston Community Association will expand their existing provision developed directly in response to community demand, addressing isolation, grief, fuel poverty and inactivity in an area of high demand and service need.
Michelle Cooper, CEO at Point North, said: “Across County Durham, older people are facing rising isolation, loss of independence and the harsh reality of poverty in later life, from empty cupboards and missed appointments to choosing between heating and travel. Poverty doesn’t just reduce income, it steals the chance to age well.
“We’re pleased to see funding secured by our trusted local groups across Spennymoor, Stanley, Sacriston, and right across County Durham. Our local groups are helping to rebuild connection, confidence and purpose, ensuring older people are supported to live not just longer lives, but better ones.”
More than £1 million will be invested through the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund, backing community organisations that help tackle poverty, improve wellbeing and create opportunity for people in every corner of the North East.
Other projects include accessible transport services helping older people shop independently, creative and wellbeing sessions in community centres, dementia‑friendly activities in rural areas, and tailored digital support ensuring older residents are not left behind as services move online.
Rooted in communities across the North East, the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund is helping build a more inclusive everyday economy — supporting local organisations, strengthening neighbourhood services, and making sure opportunity is felt in everyday life, right where people live.