Last week’s Willington Quay Youth Group session was fantastic! We were fortunate enough to have Ric Renton come and speak to 18 of our young people about his personal experiences with drug addiction, suicide, crime, the criminal justice system and turning his life around. Despite the heavy subject matter, Ric’s story was incredibly inspiring and left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.
The young people were engaged from the moment Ric began speaking, asking thoughtful questions and offering their own insights. It was clear that they were deeply moved by Ric’s story and his message of hope and resilience. Ric spoke of his life in the acting industry which sparked interest in many of our young people, encouraging them to sit and give thought to what they could go on to do when they’re older. Ric also discussed his success despite the barriers that he continues to face as a result of his criminal past and encouraged the young people to consider their actions because of this impact throughout the remainder of their lives.

Ric’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult things may seem, it is always possible to turn your life around and create a better future for yourself. His message resonated with the young people in a profound way, and we are so grateful that he was able to share his story with us.
We believe last week was a turning point with our Willington Quay Youth Group, 13 of our young people reengaged with the programme, with many of them expressing interest in returning again for the following sessions!
If you’re feeling inspired by Ric’s story and you have your own life lessons to share, we encourage you to get in touch and see if you could attend a session with our young people. Together, we can make a difference!
Discover more about Ric!
Ric Renton will be returning to the North East in November with his powerfully humane production ‘One Off’; his story, relived and performed by him. Read more here: https://www.live.org.uk/whats-on/one
Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest events!

Read more news stories:
Housing Case Study: A New Chapter of Independence
Supported housing plays a vital role in empowering individuals with learning difficulties to live more independently, offering a safe and nurturing environment that balances support with autonomy. One powerful example of this is a young woman with learning...
Ten Years of Growth
Last Friday lunchtime, the backyard of the housing transformed into a vibrant celebration as we marked the 10th anniversary of this vital supported accommodation. What started as a haven for a small group of young people has blossomed into something truly special....
Staff VS Young People Football Match
On Wednesday the 9th of April the football pitch at the Parks turned into a battleground—not of rivals, but of friendly fire as our North Shields Youth Group faced off against the YMCA Staff Team in what can only be described as a match for the ages (and possibly some...
Assisted Living Project Partnership
Earlier this month a new partnership was announced between YMCA North Tyneside and the Assisted Living Project, marking a significant step forward in tackling the UK’s housing crisis and supporting those most in need. YMCA North Tyneside has leased two fully...
Volunteer Case Study: Jacqui and Albie
Community initiatives often rely on the sustained effort of individuals, not just initial bursts of enthusiasm. At YMCA North Tyneside, the Community Meal programme, launched in January 2023, is a testament to this fact. Offering free hot food, it’s become a vital...
Recent Comments