Earlier this month we held an event in the North East to highlight the work that we are doing in the area. In this blog Nic Quinn, our Regional Adviser for the area writes about the event and our ambitions to launch more CAPs in the area. If you work with children and young people in the North East and want to know more about our work get in touch.

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It’s well known that the North East is passionate about its people. This passion and collective goal united over 40 organisations in Newcastle’s Common Room early in November. Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council, Sacred Heart School, Save the Children UK, Youth Focus: North East and many more came together to hear how we support children and young people in the region by reducing alcohol harm, raising aspirations, and improving wellbeing.

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Jon Niblo, CEO of NEYouth, opened the event with an insightful and engaging keynote on the youth sector in the region. He shared thoughtful perspectives on the challenges and championed collaboration and partnership working as a way forward.

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Hosted by CAP Chair Derek Lewis, the panel was exceptional, sharing experiences and unique perspectives on how underage alcohol harm impacts local communities. Diego Melo, CEO and Founder of Nudge Education Limited, talked about the power of connection. Mick Urwin, PCC Joy Allen’s Alcohol Harm Reduction Specialist, shared his experience with CAPs in Durham. Leigh Williams, CEO of CADAS, discussed links to trauma and the importance of understanding root causes.

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CAP advisers from North England gave rich examples of partnerships in action, sharing our work in alcohol education, responsible retail strategies, positive activities for young people, and early interventions.Partners Child Action Northwest, Collingwood Learning, The Talk About Trust , Wallsend Family Gateway and WithYou North East gave a showcase where attendees could spend some time after the event learning more about CAP and the exciting projects we support to help deliver an alcohol-free childhood. We received wonderful feedback from the attendees on an excellent event.

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We know that communities in the North East are ambitious for a better future, and it’s that ambition CAP would like to support in partnership with the inspirational organisations working to deliver an alcohol-free childhood. We hope this is just the beginning.