Youth charities announce merger

Two North East based youth charities have announced they are merging.

The move sees Northumbria Coalition Against Crime (NCAC) become part of larger charity NE Youth, which delivers a range of services for young people.

According to the Charity Register NCAC’s income for the end of May 2022 was £206,355, however its spending was £267,619.

In contrast over the same period NE Youth’s income of £958,582 exceeded its £873,560 spending.

Sheila Proudlock, NCAC chair said recent years had been “particularly challenging” for small charities.

“I am confident that by joining with NE Youth, an organisation which shares the same values and dedication, our intensive mentoring programmes will be sustained and developed.”

Heather Armstrong, NCACs head of youth and community programmes, added: “As the landscape for small charities has changed and continues to be increasingly challenging, now is a brilliant time for us to merge with NE Youth; to not only sustain our vital work but to grow and develop and offer our unique support to more children, young people and families as well as offer greater opportunities and development for our dedicated and talented staff and volunteers.”

NCAC specialises in providing volunteer mentoring services to young offenders and those at risk of offending. Through the merger its six staff and 30 volunteers will join NE Youth, which covers 12 council areas and supported more than 2,300 young people last year, according to its 2022/23 annual report.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome the NCAC team to NE Youth, their unique diverse service will add so much value to our work and efforts to make a positive difference to the lives of thousands of young people in our region,” said NE Youth chief executive Jon Niblo.

“By coming together, we will strengthen our offer, attract more opportunities, and ensure young people get the support they need.

“This is such a positive story for NE Youth, expanding our teams and offer across the whole region. By collaborating we are strengthening our offer - not only to young people but to funders and statutory organisations.

“A strategic move that will help attract new opportunities, grow our teams and great a sustainable future for both charities and the people and communities they support.”