Our Strategic Vision
Overview
At Gateshead Youth Initiative, we believe every young person deserves the chance to feel safe, valued and supported within their community. As a volunteer-led organisation, we create inclusive spaces that help young people build confidence, develop new skills and form positive relationships.
Our work also plays an important role in reducing anti-social behaviour and improving community wellbeing. By working closely with local partners, families and schools, we aim to give every young person the opportunity to grow, succeed and make a positive difference in their own lives and in the wider community.
Our Key Priorities
1. Expanding Access to Youth Work
We are committed to reaching more young people across Gateshead by increasing the number of sessions we deliver and introducing new programmes such as our Youth Drop-In. Our goal is to ensure that every young person, regardless of background, has access to safe, supportive and inspiring spaces.
2. Reducing Barriers and Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour
Through positive youth engagement, we aim to reduce anti-social behaviour and help young people build the skills and confidence they need to make positive choices. We will continue to work closely with families, schools and local partners to create a community built on respect and understanding.
3. Supporting Our Volunteers
Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do. We will invest in their development, provide ongoing training and create opportunities for them to grow alongside the young people they support.
4. Building Organisational Sustainability
To ensure long-term stability, we will focus on strengthening our structure as we grow. This includes developing a clear staff framework alongside our volunteer base, expanding leadership capacity and securing sustainable funding. By building a strong foundation, we can continue delivering high-quality youth work that remains free and accessible for all.
5. Amplifying Youth Voice
Young people shape everything we do. We will continue to listen to their ideas, feedback and experiences to make sure our sessions and projects remain relevant, engaging and youth-led.
Looking Ahead
Our strategic vision is not just about growth; it is about creating lasting impact. By combining community partnerships, strong leadership and a commitment to inclusivity, we aim to make GYI a leading example of youth work that truly changes lives. To ensure accountability and transparency, we plan to publish our first Annual Report by August 2026, sharing our progress, outcomes and future goals with our community and partners.