At NE Youth we’ve been working with young people for 90 years. In that time, one thing has never changed: when young people are given the chance, they amaze us with their resilience, creativity and determination.
But too often, those chances just aren’t there.
The recent Child of the North campaign says what we see every day. Too many young people in our region are growing up in poverty. Too many are struggling with their mental health. Too many are missing out on the opportunities they deserve simply because of where they were born.
That isn’t fair. And it isn’t inevitable.
Youth work changes lives. It might not make the headlines, but it makes all the difference.
- A safe space to go.
- A trusted adult who listens.
- A chance to take part, speak up, and shape your future.
That’s what we do at NE Youth. And we don’t do it alone. Through our membership and the North East Youth Alliance, we stand shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of S organisations across the North East who are all working to give young people a better deal.
But let’s be honest. Our sector is under pressure. Local youth services have been cut year after year. Many youth clubs are fighting to keep the doors open. Demand is going up while resources go down.
This is why Child of the North matters. It shines a light on the reality we face. It shows that young people in the North deserve more than words — they deserve real investment, real opportunities, and real hope.
At NE Youth, we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done: backing young people, building their confidence, and giving them the tools to succeed. But we’ll also keep raising our voices. Because youth work isn’t a luxury. It’s essential.
Every child of the North deserves better. And together, we can make that happen.
Jon Niblo
CEO, NE Youth
