Connected Voice Magazine Winter 2022

In this issue we hear from a number of local organisations about how poverty is impacting their work and the communities they support. Our Spotlight shines a light on the work of First Step, an organisation supporting migrant women in Newcastle's West End, and The Birtley Hub, which supports people in crisis as well as organising social events for the local community. 

Children North East shares the latest research findings and calls for us to 'unite as a force' and 'hold power to account' as our local communities now have the highest rates of poverty in the UK. A thought-provoking piece from CLES explores how we might create an inclusive economy for Newcastle, and social housing provider, Home Group, shares how they have been proactive in supporting their clients through financial hardship.

The challenges around poverty and rising living costs are something we are noticing more in supporting communities through our own services at Connected Voice. Our Advocacy service shares how their holistic and person-centred approach can be highly effective in supporting people and Haref highlights the compounding effectives of health inequalities, and what support community organisations have told us they need. We learn some expert tips from the Gateshead Volunteer Centre about volunteering in this challenging climate and our Support and Development team offers funding advice and shares a positive story from Men's Pie Club, following funding success.