Health Lottery’s funding boost for South Shields charity Bright Futures NE

A new initiative aimed at girls and young women has been launched by a South Tyneside charity following a major grant.
A group at a drop-in session for the Bright Futures NE Young Women’s Peer Led Support Group project.A group at a drop-in session for the Bright Futures NE Young Women’s Peer Led Support Group project.
A group at a drop-in session for the Bright Futures NE Young Women’s Peer Led Support Group project.

Bright Futures NE received £35,898 from People’s Health Trust – which distributes money raised through The Health Lottery scheme, in this case from players of Health Lottery North East and Cumbria – for its Young Women’s Peer Led Support Group project.

It is based around the needs of females aged 11 to 19 in South Tyneside. It is raising awareness and providing social action activities about topics such as periods, period poverty, sexual health and mental health, responding to issues raised by the members.

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Nicola Whalen, managing director at Bright Futures NE, said: “We work with the girls to provide a space where they feel they can ask any question they need to. These girls are at a very vulnerable age and we aim to make sure that they are supported outside of school.

“The young women have started a magazine, which has really strengthened their writing skills and creative passion.”

The magazine covers a host of topics chosen by the members such as mental health, bullying, sexual health and contraception, friendships, beauty tips, sporting and social activities in the local area and recommendations on books, films and games.

Nicola added: “The funding has really helped us provide a reliable and resourceful service for young women in the North East.

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“We have employed two part-time youth workers, who have been delivering drop-in sessions at schools to raise awareness of the project and see if anyone wishes to come along.

“Our members are thoroughly enjoying the project – getting the opportunity to learn, grow in confidence as young women and spend time with one another.”

The project marked International Women’s Day, which was yesterday, by hosting a workshop on sexual exploitation, spreading the word on social media to create awareness of the issue.

Bright Futures NE shares all of its workshops on its social media platforms.

The Facebook username is @brightfuturesyoungwo mensproject and @bright_futures_1 is the Instagram username.