Groundwork logo

Who are we?

We were established in March 1991 and specialise in renewable energy, employment programmes, neighbourhood renewal, engaging local young people and providing environmental education.

Groundwork is well known for constructing the acclaimed ‘Eco Centre’ which houses the Trust’s main office. Our building is made entirely from materials that are recycled or from sustainable sources and power is generated by the onsite wind turbine and photovoltaic cells (solar panels).

The Trust also operates from five satellite offices based in communities throughout the Borough of South Tyneside and in March 2007 we opened an office in Newcastle.

We are dedicated to working closely with local residents to make environmental improvements that meet their needs, now, and in the future.

Groundwork’s projects aim to deliver benefits:

  • For people - creating opportunities for people to learn new skills and to take local action
  • For places -creating better, safer and healthier neighbourhoods
  • For prosperity -helping businesses and individuals fulfil their potential

Groundwork in the North East is part of a federation of Trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland each working with their partners to improve the quality of the local environment, the lives of local people and the success of local business in areas in need of investment and support.

Our strategy

Groundwork working in South Tyneside & Newcastle is a member of the national Federation of Groundwork Trusts and subscribes to Groundwork’s vision to build sustainable communities through joint environmental action.
 
We aim to do this by designing and delivering partnership projects that:

  • Enable an integrated and community-led approach to local regeneration
  • Use environmental improvement as a means of achieving social and economic change
  • Help individuals and organisations contribute to sustainable development

Partners

Some of the partners we work with are:
Barclays, ENCAMS, Government Office North East, Great North Forest, Job Centre Plus, Land Restoration Trust, National Grid Transco, One North East, South Tyneside Primary Care Trust, Premier, South Tyneside .

Skills & services

Our approach aims to maximise our responsiveness to local need and participation from local people. Our staff have the skills to work within complex partnerships and the flexibility to ensure that our work contributes to existing regeneration priorities. Everything we do is guided by the desire to change places and change lives.
Below are the services we offer in each of the following areas:

  • Youth and community services
  • Education programmes
  • Employment programmes
  • Business
  • Service Contacts

Communities

Groundwork has a long history of working closely with local communities to build community capacity and to engage with partners in involving the local communities in decisions that effect their lives and where they live.

Our success stories include Community Gardener and Community Caretaker schemes as well as designated Community workers dealing with a variety of projects that will enable residents to develop their neighbourhood democratically.

Our Community involvement also includes offering a n extensive range of Adult Education Courses to residents Community workers from Groundwork have also been instrumental in obtaining funding for various sporting areas within the Borough and has established sports coaching to compliment the venues.

Health

Physically active people are up to 50% less likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke, but over 70% of us are not active enough to benefit. Groundwork, Working in South Tyneside has two main Health initiatives within the borough.

Walking Works Wonders

The aim of the scheme is to develop a network of health walks across South Tyneside. Building on the successes of the Walks in the Park and Walking Works Wonders initiatives, it caters to the needs of targeted sedentary groups and complements GP referral schemes. The walks will promote improved mental and physical health to people living in deprived communities within the Tyne & Wear Health Action Zone.                                           

The Green Gym

The Green Gym ® is a scheme that inspires you to improve your health and the environment at the same time. It offers you the opportunity to 'work out' in the open air through led local, practical environmental or gardening work.

> Read about Lionel Hehir, Executive Director for Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle

Contact:

Hayley Ward
Project Development Officer

Groundwork South Tyneside & Newcastle
Tel:     0191 2773498
Email: hayley.ward@groundwork.org.uk

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