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£700,000 HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTED ACROSS 27 ORGANISATIONS THROUGHOUT GATESHEAD TO HELP ALLEVIATE CHALLENGES WITHIN COMMUNITIES 19:10, 30 May 2025Updated 14:48, 31 May 2025 Community and

volunteer organisations across Gateshead have been allocated a share of a "significantly enhanced” £700k funding pot. A total of 27 voluntary organisations throughout Gateshead have

been divided up a portion of £700,000 from the council’s voluntary, community and social enterprise fund (VCSE) which will be stretched over the next three years. Examples of Gateshead

community projects which have been successfully allocated grants include, Gateshead Older People’s Assembly, Blaydon Youth and Community Centre, and The Soundroom Community Music Project.

Deputy leader of Gateshead Council and poverty lead, coun Gary Haley said: “This was the first year of a significantly enhanced out of funding. “I am hopeful that this will be a multi-year

funding pot going forward that organisations are able to go for.” Chief executive of Gateshead Older People’s Forum, Craig Bankhead, said: “The idea is that 200 hundred older people, baring

in mind our beneficiaries in Gateshead are 50+ but average at around 72, will be directly supported by taking part in targeted financial wellbeing help. One-to-one benefits advice, financial

security information and support around gas bills. Things that will alleviate the cost of living crisis." Mr Bankhead went on to say the £20,648 allocated to the charity will also

continue to help make sure information and support is available on paper to assist older people in Gateshead without internet access. A short film is also in the works to help capture the

lived experiences of older people in Gateshead. Article continues below Other areas of focus for the funding include increasing support for people with special educational needs and their

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