We run a wide variety of groups and activities, based at Hexham Community Centre and other community venues, with the aim of encouraging young people to develop their own projects and ideas and play a full and active part in their community. We work with many disadvantaged young people to help them overcome difficulties and lead full and active lives free of fear and stigma. We provide groups, drop-in activities, parental support and counselling to over 500 children and young people.

Hexham can be a divided Community. Families can experience all the difficulties of the inner city without any of the services. Young people with little family support can easily feel excluded and early problems at school, with drugs and alcohol or with peer pressure can set people up for a lifetime of underachievement. We make a real difference by supporting young people to break established cycles and to look at what positive changes they can make in their own lives.

Many young people have gone on to employment or proper engagement with education and further education following involvement with the Youth Initiative. Young people have been able to play a full and active role in their own Community, raising funds for equipment in the park and for Easter and Summer activities for the whole community. By gaining confidence and self-esteem from getting involved in small projects, young people gained the skills needed to lead a full and active community life