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Earlier this month, Community Foundation North East proudly hosted the first-ever North East Roots Homecoming, a landmark celebration of our region’s global community and the spirit of generosity that connects us all. From 5 – 8 December, a series of events brought together people who care about the North East, wherever they live, to reconnect and explore how they can make a difference across the region.
Homecoming is part of our wider North East Roots initiative, which focuses on celebrating success stories, inspiring people with a passion for the North East to give back, and building pathways to opportunity for those who need them most. At the heart of this initiative is the North East Roots Fund, established in 2023 to strengthen local communities with the support of those who share a special connection to the region. Its mission is clear: inspire giving, celebrate global impact, and grow an active global network that helps tackle poverty upstream by boosting access to economic opportunities.
The celebrations began on Friday 5 December in Blyth with A Northumberland Homecoming at the Energy Central Learning Campus and Blyth Tall Ship. Guests enjoyed a keynote from Dr Dan Jackson, performances from Shanty Singers, and a special naming ceremony for a restored coble boat — made possible by Community Foundation donors.
On Sunday 7 December, Sunderland took centre stage as we partnered with Music Against Child Poverty to help raise £100,000 for charities tackling poverty. We pledged £50,000 in match funding from the North East Roots Fund to support five organisations: Youth Almighty, Back on the Map, Southwick Neighbourhood Youth Project, Easington Lane Community Action Point, and Blue Watch Youth Centre.
On Monday 8 December, the Homecoming Summit at Northumbria University brought together leaders from Greggs, North East Combined Authority, Sutton Trust, North Standard, Develop North plc, New Writing North, North East Screen, and returning expats to discuss how we can ‘bring opportunity home’.
The celebrations concluded that evening at the Boiler Shop with the Homecoming Awards and Showcase, hosted in partnership with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness. Performances from Paul Smith, Kay Greyson, and David Almond OBE set the stage for awards honouring inspiring figures. The Spirit of the North East Award was presented to Ann Cleeves OBE, Roisin Currie (CEO, Greggs), Ian Gregg, Thom Lewis, The Great Run Company & Sir Brendan Foster CBE, and Ringtons. The Hometown Heroes Award recognised Live Theatre, Children North East, and Equal Arts, while the Homecoming Ambassador Medal celebrated Fiona Hill CMG, Malcolm Gerrie, Rob Wood, George Clarke, and Tim Healy.
Homecoming was made possible thanks to the generous support of Newcastle Building Society, Northumbrian Water, Develop North plc, Naylors Gavin Black, Sir James Knott Trust, The Watson Family Trust, and Arts Council England, alongside key partners including North East Combined Authority, Sunday for Sammy, Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Gateshead College, Newcastle City Council, and North East Museums.
This is just the beginning. In April 2026, we will take the Homecoming initiative to Dubai to connect with our global North East expats living in the UAE. This is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen ties, share stories, and build support for communities back home.
We are inviting people to become North East Roots Ambassadors if they can offer time, expertise, or financial support to help champion local giving and lasting impact. Ambassadors play a vital role in sharing their stories, building connections, and inspiring others to give back. You can also support the North East Roots Fund, which we aim to grow to £1 million, unlocking opportunities for young people and families across the region.
Together, we can continue to bring opportunity home and build a thriving future for the North East.
Find out more and get involved: northeastroots.org.uk
