Community Connections
We’re not the only ones out here supporting your wellbeing. Below you can find community connections, here to support you.
Redwood Yoga & Fitness Studio
Yoga has a variety of benefits for both your physical and mental health, challenging the body and settling the mind. Redwood Yoga & Fitness Studio (based in Ponteland) hosts a variety of yoga classes, designed for beginner and intermediate customers. Whether you’re interested in a lunchbreak session or evening stretch, there could be a class for you.
The newly opened Redwood Yoga & Fitness Studio features a Local Mind Resource Corner, for any guest, or person passing through, in need of mental health information. Studio owner, and a charity partner of Tyneside and Northumberland Mind Diane, designed the corner cubby as a safe space to help guide people to the services they need, and help them feel more supported in a community environment. Locals are encouraged to pop by the Studio and pick up any resource they need.
Find us at: Redwood Yoga & Fitness Studio, First floor 25 Main Street Ponteland, NE20 9NH
Contact email: Redwoodyogastudio@gmail.com
Find us online here:
Tyne Derwent Way
The Tyne Derwent Way is a nine-mile walking / cycling route from urban Gateshead to the rural Derwent Valley (as far as Gibside National Trust), connecting people to the nature, culture and heritage on their doorsteps. Alongside, this fantastic local nature space the Tyne Derwent Way also offer a variety of events and activities for the local community.
One of the Tyne Derwent Way project’s main aims is to support local people’s wellbeing, they do this with the following activities:
Ramblers Walk: St Mary’s to the Staiths (Wednesday 24th June 10am – 12pm)
Join Kath, a trained walk leader with the Ramblers, as she explores Gateshead’s riverside’s past and present. You will walk as far as Dunston Staiths and back, via bridges, sculptures, the industrial heritage and more. A brilliant opportunity to get outside, have a chat and learn about Gateshead’s history and culture. Booking required, click here.
Monthly Open-Days at St Mary’s by the Tyne (Wednesdays, 10am to 2pm) Information here.
Weekly drop-ins at Dunston Staiths (Thursdays, 11am to 5pm, with free crafts 3-5pm)
The Tyne Derwent Way also have a programme of events that includes guided nature and heritage walks, guided tours, forest bathing and art / craft sessions. Many of these events and activities are free. Where they charge for events, they have a sliding pay scale, based on what people feel able to pay at the time.
You can find more information about upcoming events and activities by here.
The Tyne Derwent Way also offer volunteering opportunities, which are friendly and informal, but make a real difference to the local environment. Find more information about volunteering with the Tyne Derwent Way here.
Find us online here:
Converge Northumbria
Here at Converge Northumbria, we offer FREE educational campus-based opportunities to those 18+ in the community who have or are experiencing challenges associated with mental health.
Participants are enrolled as a ‘Converge Student’ and become part of the wider community working alongside university students and academics.
Based in the heart of Newcastle at Northumbria University, our bespoke courses and opportunities give you the freedom to learn, create, challenge, and inspire yourself.
Our aim is to support recovery, wellbeing, and personal growth through learning, creativity, and connection. Courses include a wide variety of subjects such as drama, fine art, music, sports, and wellbeing.
Converge is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. In addition to group learning, we offer one-to-one support through our dedicated Converge Community Facilitator.
This support helps students build confidence, settle into courses, and work towards individual goals. We also help people develop practical and interpersonal skills that support future steps into volunteering, further education, or employment.
We’re proud to offer volunteering opportunities within Converge for our students, creating space to build experience, contribute to the community, and grow in confidence. These roles can be a valuable stepping stone for anyone looking to reconnect with the workplace or explore a new path.
Our Ongoing Courses can be found here
Find us online here:
Contact details
📞 T: +44 (0)191 243 7393
💬 M: 07468700881
📧 E: converge@northumbria.ac.uk
The Converge Logo is a registered trademark of York St John University
Student Feedback
“Volunteering with Converge is like being adopted into a little family. Everyone cares about each other and are so supportive. Best decision I’ve ever made!” Northumbria Student.
“Volunteering with Converge is like being adopted into a little family. Everyone cares about each other and are so supportive. Best decision I’ve ever made!” Northumbria Student.
“It’s so good to keep going and feeling like you’re working towards something.“ Converge Student.
“I hear despairing things in the news about human beings, but coming here restores my faith in humans. It balances it out. “ Converge Student.
“The experience has provided me with valuable skills and connections that have been invaluable in my personal and professional life.” Northumbria Student.
Reading for Wellbeing Groups
The Reading for Wellbeing groups are informal, accessible spaces for people to discover the joys of reading in a relaxed, open environment. These are not your standard book clubs – you don’t have to read anything before or in between groups, no homework, no fancy language or academic analysis, just a chance to explore a range of books and stories. Drop in for ten minutes or stay for a chat and a cuppa! Everyone is welcome and attendance is free.
Tuesday
📚 Steps and Stories: Guided audiobook walks in the City’s green spaces. 2nd Tuesday of each month, 10.30am -12noon. (More information below)
Wednesday
📚 Open Book Club: A visual reading group for people with learning disabilities and/or autism. Alternate Wednesdays starting 15 January, 10.30am – 12pm. East End Library.
📚 Library Book Pick ‘n’ Mix at Blakelaw: A drop-in session exploring a collection of books on a different theme each session. 1st Wednesday of the month 11am -12.30pm, Blakelaw Library, Leisure United, Cragston Ave, NE5 3TS.
Friday
📚 Library Book Pick ‘n’ Mix at City Library: A drop-in session exploring a collection of books on a different theme each week. Every Friday, 10:30am – 12:00pm, City Library, Level 4 Book Gallery.
📚 Culture Fridays: A group for people aged over 55 to explore books, film, music and local history. 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, 12:30pm – 1:30pm, Fenham Library.
📚 George Street Social Pop up Library: Weekly Pop-Up Library to find lots of great books, talk about your favourites, and discover new stories. Every week on Friday mornings, 10:30am – 12pm, George Street Social, 45 – 51 George St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7JN
Download the poster here
‘Steps and Stories’ – Audiobook Walks by Newcastle Libraries
Discover the joy of audiobooks with Steps and Stories – audiobook walks delivered by the Newcastle Library Service. The sessions are held on the second Tuesday of each month 10:30 – 12pm and rotate around locations in Leazes Park, High Heaton / Jesmond Dene and Tyne Riverside Country Park (Newburn).
All events are free to attend and facilitated the by trained Walk Leaders via Ramblers Association.
More details are available on the Eventbrite webpage, where you can register for each event. Additional dates will be added in the coming months.
Free Adult Squash Coaching at Northern Squash Club in Gosforth
Northern Squash Club provides free introductory sessions for anyone wanting to try, improve or return to playing the great game of squash. The sessions are run by a Level 2 England Squash Coach who will assess and signpost participants in the best direction to further their interest for the game.
Taking place Sunday 9am-1pm.
More information: Northern Squash Club provides structured group courses available for starters/improvers at a very reasonable price and is open to non-members as well. Ran by a Level 2 England Squash Coach, and a fully qualified Assistant Coach. Emphasis is on learning in a fun, informal and supportive environment. Every individual is provided all necessary equipment, including a racquet if needed. There are no specific times for the sessions. A time/date will be arranged to play, suitable for all parties.
For more information go to: Northern Squash Club
Download the poster here
Find Local Social Prescribing Support
Social Prescribers exist to ensure you have access to the support you need to help you feel your best. Local agencies such as local charities, social care and health services (like your GP) refer people to a social prescribing link worker who can give you the time to work together to understand what support you need in that very moment.
Social Prescribers use a ‘what matters to me?’ approach to coproduce a simple personalised care and support plan, and support people to take control of their health and wellbeing. They are there to listen to you, and put you in touch with the people and activities that might help you feel better. This may include community groups, local club, legal advice, or debt counselling-it all depends on what you need in that moment. Your Social Prescriber will help you access the local resources you need.
For more information go to: https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing
