New Hope North East

Building stronger communities through friendship, support, and shared activities across the North East.

Welcome to Our Community

New Hope North East began in 2018 when a small group of volunteers in Newcastle recognised that many people in our region were looking for genuine connection and support. What started as informal Tuesday evening gatherings in a community centre has grown into a thriving network of activities, peer support groups, and social events that bring together people from all walks of life.

We're based primarily in Newcastle upon Tyne, but our members come from across the North East including Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland, and surrounding areas. Whether you're new to the region, going through a difficult transition, or simply want to meet like-minded people who value kindness and community, you'll find a warm welcome here.

Our approach is simple: we believe that meaningful connection and a sense of belonging are fundamental to wellbeing. We're not a charity or formal organisation, just local people who give their time to create spaces where everyone feels valued and heard.

What We Offer

Our weekly programme includes a variety of activities designed to suit different interests and comfort levels. Every Tuesday evening we hold our main community gathering at a community hall in Jesmond, where members can drop in for a cuppa, play board games, or join one of our informal discussion circles. These sessions are relaxed and there's never any pressure to participate in anything you're not comfortable with.

Wednesday afternoons are for our walking group, which explores different parts of the North East. We've walked sections of Hadrian's Wall, strolled through Jesmond Dene, and discovered hidden corners of Durham. Walks are typically between three and five miles and always end at a café or pub for those who want to continue chatting.

Thursday evenings alternate between our book club and creative writing workshop. The book club reads a mix of contemporary fiction, memoirs, and occasional classics, with members taking turns to suggest titles. Our creative writing sessions are open to all abilities and provide a supportive space to share work or simply practice writing in good company.

Peer Support Circles

One of our most valued offerings is our peer support circles, which meet fortnightly on Monday evenings. These are small, confidential groups where people going through similar life challenges can share experiences and support one another. We currently run circles focused on life transitions, bereavement, social anxiety, and general wellbeing.

These groups are facilitated by trained volunteers who ensure the space remains safe, respectful, and confidential. While we're not therapists or counsellors, many members find that connecting with others who truly understand their situation makes a real difference. Each circle has between six and ten regular members, creating an intimate environment where lasting friendships often develop.

If you're interested in joining a support circle, get in touch and we'll arrange an informal chat first so you can learn more about how the groups work and decide if it feels right for you.

Monthly Social Events

Beyond our regular weekly activities, we organise monthly social events that range from quiz nights and film screenings to seasonal celebrations and day trips. Recent highlights have included a visit to Alnwick Garden, a pottery painting afternoon, and our popular summer picnic at Tynemouth Longsands.

These events are open to members and their friends or family, making them a great opportunity for newcomers to experience our community in a relaxed, social setting. We keep costs as low as possible, typically between five and fifteen pounds depending on the activity, and nobody is ever excluded for financial reasons.

Our December gathering has become a much-loved tradition, with a shared meal, live acoustic music from talented members, and our annual quiz where the wooden spoon trophy is fiercely contested.

Getting Involved

Joining New Hope North East is straightforward and there's no membership fee or formal commitment. Simply turn up to one of our regular sessions or drop us an email if you'd like to know more before visiting. First-timers are always greeted by one of our volunteer welcomers who can introduce you to others and help you feel at ease.

If you're interested in volunteering, we're always grateful for help with practical tasks like setting up rooms, making refreshments, or co-facilitating activities. We also welcome people with particular skills who might lead occasional workshops in areas like gardening, cooking, music, or crafts. Volunteering with us is flexible and fits around your other commitments.

Many of our most active volunteers initially came along simply looking for connection and found that giving back to the community became an important part of their own journey.

Our Values

New Hope North East is built on principles of respect, inclusivity, and kindness. We welcome people regardless of background, age, beliefs, or circumstances. Our only requirement is that members treat others with consideration and respect the confidential nature of what's shared in support circles.

We're a secular community, though we respect that spirituality and faith are important to some members. Political discussions are welcome as long as they remain respectful, though we avoid partisan activism as we want everyone to feel comfortable regardless of their views.

We recognise that everyone's journey is unique and we never push people to share more than they're comfortable with. Some members attend for years and remain fairly private, while others find they want to open up more over time. Both approaches are equally valued.

Recent News

This spring we're excited to launch a gardening project at a community plot in Walker, where members can learn about growing vegetables and spend time outdoors together. Sessions will run on Saturday mornings starting in March, and no previous gardening experience is needed.

Our creative writing group has compiled an anthology of members' work which will be available in May. It's a lovely collection of poems, short stories, and personal essays that reflect the diversity and talent within our community.

We're also planning a weekend trip to the Lake District in June for those who'd like a longer adventure together. Details will be shared at our Tuesday gatherings and via email over the coming weeks.