Voluntary and Community Groups
Read about how we use teaching, research and continued professional development to make a positive impact on the local community.
Newcastle University is fostering relationships with voluntary groups and social enterprises across the north-east to catalyse regional growth, sustainability and social mobility.
Impact Acceleration Account
Awarded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) provides funding for projects that widen the impact of social science research.
We work closely with corporate and academic partners, including Durham University, to deliver social and economic benefits and make a difference to communities locally, nationally and internationally. You can find out more by following our HaSS research blog, or by contacting Eve Forrest, ESRC IAA Officer.
View examples of projects we've been involved in:
The Sustrans DIY Streets Project was a design scheme to bring the heart of residents back into the neighbourhood. Newcastle researchers supported Sustrans’ work in the creation of a pop-up social and play space. This project led to the development of the amazing Fenham Pocket Park, which opened in 2016.
With the help of IAA funding, our very own David Webb from the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape was seconded to the CHAT Trust.
This kicked off the Reclaim the Lanes project which transformed back lanes and alleys in local neighbourhoods into fantastic outdoor spaces for growing and socialising.
The project focused on engaging young people who designed and painted a beautiful mural that the whole community is proud of.
DemTalk is a ground-breaking online toolkit developed in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society that enables communication between people living with dementia and those who care for them.
IAA funding fostered a partnership between Youth Focus North East and Newcastle University, meaning that the perspectives of young carers could be incorporated when developing the new service.
Collaborative development led to the launch of the app in 2017.
Knowledge Transfer partnerships
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, primarily funded by Innovate UK, support organisations who want to improve their offering by accessing the expertise available within UK Universities.
Seven Stories
Seven Stories has a mission to save, celebrate and share Britain’s rich literary heritage in children’s literature. To increase their appeal to adult and academic audiences, they worked with Newcastle University through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership.
The project improved Seven Stories’ collection management and exhibitions, whilst generating valuable research insight for Newcastle University.
Our partnership with Seven Stories won the Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year category at the 2017 Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards.
Student employability
Our strong relationships with local employers provide invaluable work experience and graduate opportunities for our students.
I feel this internship has helped me to enhance my skills in communication, community awareness of the charity sector, working autonomously and under pressure and problem solving.
Open Air Laboratories Project
The Open Air Laboratories Project (OPAL) a community project funded by the Big Lottery. It's an award-winning inclusive scheme that provides unique learning experiences to people of all ages and abilities, across all areas of the community.
As part of this we have a partnership with Newcastle College that works to enhance the employability of their students and using the OPAL toolbox to empower young people to explore a greater range of career opportunities.
To get involved or to find out more contact Jonathan Smith (OPAL-NE Community Scientist)
Let's work together
If you're from a voluntary or community organisation and you're interested in finding out how you can work with Newcastle University contact:
Andrea Henderson
University Engagement Manager
Telephone: +44 (0)191 208 8312
Email: andrea.henderson@ncl.ac.uk