What We Do

Northern Directions, delivered by Groundwork North East and Cumbria, engages young people aged 16-24 in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland to progress into the labour market, further education and training.  

The project also aims to support young people from specific groups such as ethnic minority groups, those who are neurodivergent or have special education needs or disabilities, or those who a who are rurally isolated.  

The project offers an end-to-end voluntary employability and personal development package tailored to the unique and complex needs of each participant; moving them closer to employment, progression and sustainment. 

The project supports participants through a range of activities including 1:1 mentoring support, specialist interventions for a range of issues relating to debt, benefits, wellbeing and housing, and access learning and development opportunities. 

 A number of participants will also benefit from paid employment on a 13-week temporary contract, together with training, personal development and job search activities, helping them gain vital work experience. 

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is delivered until March 2025. 

If you have any queries or would like any further information about this project, please contact:  Michael Beirne, North of Tyne Combined Authority Project Manager: Michael.beirne@northoftyne-ca.gov.uk