BlueJay Wellness

BlueJay Wellness joins South Tyneside Pledge and wins Third Sector Heroes Award.

Jarrow-based BlueJay Wellness is a community interest business which delivers yoga, mindfulness and science courses to young people in schools in South Tyneside and across the North East.  

The microbusiness, which was set up in May 2021 by Lisa Cryer, offers courses through 12 week programmes and so far has reached over 1,000 young people in the North East.

BlueJay Wellness previously attended the Microbusiness Unite Event, organised by Far North, which celebrates the importance of microbusiness in South Tyneside, and the exhibition space was funded by South Tyneside Council. The social enterprise won the Third Sector Heroes Award at the event, after joining the South Tyneside Pledge earlier this year. 

Founder and owner Lisa Cryer, who has a background in teaching and biological sciences, knows the importance of community and mental health and set up BlueJay with the desire to give something back by improving  the wellbeing of the next generation.

Lisa said:  

“Although I work all over the North East, South Tyneside has a close place to my heart as I live here and my children were brought up here. As a small business owner, I am passionate about supporting young people and local businesses to help create prosperity, jobs and more opportunities for future generations.

“The support from South Tyneside Council has been fantastic. Giving small business owners like myself a chance to learn new skills and network with others has led to new opportunities that wouldn’t be possible without its support.

“The pledge has developed a sense of community across South Tyneside, allowing local businesses to come together, build relationships and support one another. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for South Tyneside and continuing my work supporting young adults.”

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council and Chair of South Tyneside Partnership, said:

“The positive impact Lisa has had on young people and students in such a short space of time is incredible. Having a focus on mental wellbeing is so important and the work carried out by Lisa is helping shape future generations across South Tyneside. We are proud to have welcomed BlueJay Wellness to the pledge.”

Launched in January 2022, the South Tyneside Pledge aims to boost local economic activity, reduce health inequalities, cut carbon emissions and enhance civic pride for the benefit of the whole Borough. The pledge sets out nine commitments, which are all about keeping things local, through a short report every six months.