In the heart of Throckley, Newcastle, a remarkable youth project is quietly making a big impact. Throckley Youth Group, organised by our Corporate charity partner, NE Youth, runs twice a week and serves as a haven for 11-16 year-olds. It's a place where young minds can freely express themselves, discuss the challenges they face, explore new experiences, and forge new connections. With a dedicated group of over 30 regular attendees, this initiative has become even more vital in light of the growing cost of living crisis, which is deeply affecting their families. This has resulted in food insecurity, difficulties affording energy bills, and a decline in mental health within households.
On the 24th of August, 2023, these resilient young people took it upon themselves to give back to their community. They hosted the 'Bringing Throckley 2gether' event, a testament to their commitment to supporting their neighbours who are grappling with the cost of living crisis.
Building on the resounding success of last year's social action event, which raised funds for a defibrillator at the Throckley Sports Pavilion, where the group convenes, NE Youth's passionate Throckley Youth Group decided to stage another remarkable community fundraiser.
The 'Bringing Throckley 2gether' event witnessed the coming together of 138 community members, comprising families, children, and young people. Their aim was clear: to provide a day of fun and unity, allowing families to momentarily forget their financial woes while raising funds for an exciting community outing.
The event was a dynamic blend of enjoyment and fundraising. The young people gathered funds through various activities on the day, alongside securing funding from UK Youth's Inspire 2022 programme and The Key. With these financial resources in hand, they offered an array of free activities to families, which included:
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Inflatables
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Face and Glitter Painting
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Football Sessions, courtesy of Newcastle United Foundation
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Tombola
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Name the Teddy
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Pick and Mix
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Smoothie Bike
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Sand Art
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Hot Dogs
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Wrap Making, with the support of Healthworks
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Food parcels from Feeding Families
Remarkably, the young people managed to raise a total of £700.
One of the young people expressed their thoughts, saying, "We loved making people happy, seeing our hard work pay off. It was such a successful day. We raised a grand total of £700, which we will use to take the community on a trip. We not only grew individually but as a team. We enjoyed the process and loved Bringing Throckley Together."
Events like 'Bringing Throckley 2gether' serve as a poignant reminder of the incredible strength and determination of young people who wish to make a positive difference in their community. Without the services provided by NE Youth that bring these young people together and inspire hopeful futures, their opportunities for engagement and personal growth would be far more limited. The positive impact of NE Youth's services on mental health, reduction in anti-social behaviour, and
the development of life skills among young people is undeniable. It's a testament to the power of community and the transformative potential of youth-led initiatives like this one.
If you would like to donate a prize for our raffle or silent auction for the BH Festive Fundraiser, in aid of raising money for NE Youth, please contact Lesley.parry@bradleyhall.co.uk
Find out more about NE Youth and their amazing work here: https://neyouth.org.uk/
