Good Neighbour Project, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

Neighbourhood Centre

The project is on an estate which has been left out of all major regeneration initiatives though it shares the disadvantages of long term unemployment and lack of opportunity in the area. This results in anti-social behaviour, vandalism, drugs, etc. The project began in 1998 as an initiative of the local churches to build community in the estate and organise facilities for the children, the pensioners and all the residents. There is now a neighbourhood centre for activities, made up of two semi-detached houses with a flat above and a community garden. The project is staffed by a social worker, part time staff and volunteers.

The Good Neighbour Project:

Provides developmental activities for children, from toddlers to teens, in after school and holiday activities
Gives practical help for pensioners to prolong independent living and develop social networks
Supports a Tenants and Residents Association for improvement to the area
Organises regular community events
Produces and delivers a monthly newsletter.

We are looking for volunteers who will:

Have a commitment to being "Good Neighbours" on the estate and form supportive relationships with residents of all ages and backgrounds through sharing the reality of daily life.
Use their gifts and talents in some of these areas: after school activities, holiday activities, parents and toddlers, community events, gardening, decorating, producing the newsletter, supporting pensioners.
Be active members of one of the local church congregations (Anglican, Catholic, Methodist…)

Qualities we are looking for

We are looking for people who live life as a whole and can work flexibly; mornings are often free and activities may be planned in afternoons, evenings or weekends, while the church services and activities are usually at weekends. No specific educational qualifications are required, only openness, enthusiasm, a love of people and a willingness to use their talents in a variety of activities. For this project volunteers must be committed Christians and willing to participate in the life of one of the local churches.

Call this work?!

Activities in the centre

Gladys at work

Kids Kabin - Walker, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Kids Kabin is an alternative education project based in Walker, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. It offers young people creative and purposeful alternatives to boredom, which can lead to youth disorder. Young people from the ages of 8 - 13 attend Kids Kabin to do wood work, pottery, painting, fine arts and crafts, cooking and gardening. It also runs residential trips, day outings and camping expeditions. Kids Kabin operates on a drop in basis; young people coming and going as they choose.

History of the Project

The origins of the project date back to 1993 when the Sisters of the Assumption moved to Walker, an area of high unemployment and widespread poverty of opportunity. The Sisters immediately saw the need for a project for the lively young people who invaded their space, the living room of a maisonette and painted, drew and played games. The enjoyment of creative occupation provided the inspiration for the first motto: “Let's make not break”. To test the viability of this idea, a pilot scheme was launched for the holidays of 1994. At this time, we acquired part of the shop premises. An extension would come alter. SCAN volunteers were already involved in the planning and running of the pilot scheme and have continued with the project ever since.

Principles of the work

Over the years, a particular ethos has developed. The aim is to promote an atmosphere of mutual respect. There is a high adult to child ratio in the hope of developing good working relationships through good communication and an absence of confrontation.

The aims

To offer encouragement & praise and celebrate achievement.
To discover that every individual has talents and skills and offer them the opportunity to develop these and their self-esteem.
To give young people a positive learning experience and teach them that failure is not the end but an opportunity to start again.
To encourage young people to be involved in agreeing a set of rules to help create a happy and orderly working environment.
To encourage young people to play a role in planning their own activities.

Inside Kids Kabin

ALVP volunteers in Walker