A Message from the Director of Homes and Places

It has certainly been a pivotal quarter for our Housing teams!

When we talk about the “Offer More Homes” pillar of our strategy, it’s about much more than just bricks and mortar; we’re providing the fundamental building block for a fresh start: a safe night’s sleep and a place to call ‘home’.

Our Housing teams see daily how the stability of a secure home allows our residents to turn their focus toward education, employment, and healing. It’s the foundation upon which they begin to thrive and rebuild their lives.

In Quarter 2 alone, we achieved an incredible milestone: 5,539 safe nights were provided under the YMCA North Tyneside roof. That means over 68 residents woke up every morning in a stable, secure environment where they could access the support they needed.

Our commitment to efficiency means we are making the most of every resource—we achieved an impressive 99.08% average occupancy this quarter. This efficiency directly translates into more impact. It enabled 6 young people in Sir James Knott House, North Shields, to make a positive, supported transition to independent living. Equally inspiring, 21 young people currently living with us are actively engaged in education or training, building skills for their futures.

This staggering growth is just the beginning. Our Housing Development team has been relentless in working with local authorities and investors to become problem-solvers where housing is needed most. We are thrilled to confirm our significant expansion:

• We will shortly be adding 9 new self-contained flats in North Shields as an extension of Sir James Knott House.
• We have added 2 new self-contained flats in Stockton.
• We are soon bringing 2 new properties on board in Scarborough to house 8 additional residents.
• We are actively expanding our Specialised Housing service, adapting properties to better serve residents with learning difficulties and additional needs.

Every new room, every new property, is a direct investment in the futures of people in our community.

Thank you to every staff member and partner who has worked to make this growth possible. Your belief in our residents, and your commitment to our strategy, ensures that we continue to provide stability, support, and hope for our residents.

Steve

Director of Homes and Places

A Message from the Director of Social Enterprise and Community

What a day! Picnic in the Park was brilliant – our third time organising and hosting it, and it just keeps getting better and better. It’s always such a special day, bringing people together and raising money, but more than that, it shows how strong the sense of belonging is here. That’s what makes our community so special.

In my role, I see daily how powerful connection and shared purpose can be. Events like this aren’t just a nice day out – they’re a reminder that we’re all part of something bigger. They give us a chance to connect, build relationships, and work with our communities.

YMCA North Tyneside has been rooted in this community for 146 years, and we’re still here, walking alongside people of all ages – supporting, listening, and learning. Our new strategy is about building on that foundation. It’s about doing more together: tackling poverty, creating job opportunities, opening up access to education, and supporting individuals to thrive.

In 2024, we served over 900 community meals, supported more than 1500 children and young people, and delivered over 600 hot meals to older residents in Teesdale. And we’re not stopping there.

Our cafe, gym and nursery are key to our success. Every penny spent in our social enterprises helps us do more – more meals for local families, more activities for young people, more support where it’s needed most. They’re not just services; they are spaces that create happier, healthier and more connected communities.

Thank you to everyone who supports YMCA – whether you’re a member of our gym, a family from our nursery, a customer in our cafe, a volunteer, a donor or someone who champions our work in the community. Your support, energy, and belief in what we do makes everything possible. Let’s keep that spirit alive and continue building a happier, healthier and more connected community, together.

Helen Thompson

Director of Community & Social Enterprise

Coming February 2026!

Coming May 2026!