Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership celebrates the impact of 30 diverse projects
Northumberland County Council was delighted to host an event in Blyth recently to celebrate the impact of the projects funded through the Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership.
The Northumberland Inclusive Economy Community Partnership oversaw a £1.5 million fund, secured by the council to support the voluntary and community sector in the South East. The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority. The focus of the funding was to support impactful volunteering and social action projects to develop social and human capital in local places, and investment in capacity building and infrastructure support for local civil society and community groups.
The funding supported 30 projects, delivered by voluntary and community sector organisations, that supported residents across the South East of the county to participate in training and take up meaningful volunteering roles that contributed to their local communities.
The projects were diverse, with organisations offering opportunities to participate in arts and cultural activities, gain practical skills in woodwork and maintenance, improve physical and mental health and increase fitness, broaden digital literacy and conserve the county’s heritage. Activities took place in Amble, Ashington, Lynemouth, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Bedlington, Cambois and Blyth.
Over a quarter of the funding was for capital projects which saw the refurbishment of the Parkhead and Wansbeck Powersports gym facilities at the Hirst Welfare Centre, in Ashington, allowing it to continue to provide affordable fitness activities. A grant to renovate the former caretaker’s bungalow at Newsham Primary School also facilitated the creation of the Lighthouse Community Hub, which can now offer a range of activities, much of it led by community members.
In Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, a grant helped the newly-formed Newbiggin Community Rowing Club to take on the ‘Bella Arkle’, a skiff built by residents of the Spital Estate. Named after one of the matriarchs of the town, the boat was made seaworthy and now offers residents the chance to sail competitively and learn about maintenance.
Dry Water Arts, based in Amble, ran a broad programme of arts and cultural events that culminated in ‘From Our Hands to Your Hearts’, an audio-visual spectacle at the Little Shore in November. Attracting thousands of visitors, the event included giant puppets,
spirit walkers, an original soundscape, interactive musical instruments, a shadow play tent and live music all created and performed by residents of the town.
The event took place at Briardale House, Cowpen, who had been funded to create an outdoor sensory area and planters for community gardening and gave project leaders the chance to come together and share stories of their projects’ impact.