Escape Intervention

Escape Intervention was founded in 2005, before becoming fully operational in 2008. It was set up by former Youth Offending Service Parenting Officer, Lynne Yousef.

The charity, based in Market Dock, South Shields, offers counselling, outdoor activities, and complementary therapies with the aim of assisting young people aged 4 to 25 – and their carers.

Specifically, Lynne wanted to reach the local young people she saw as being written off while they were still young.

For those they can help, each journey is different and the approach is holistic. Their assistance is accessed by individuals or via schools, social workers or health professionals.

The charity was awarded a National Lottery Community Fund Grant of £152,000 in April 2022 but funding continues to be a challenge for Lynne and her colleagues. However, it’s South Tyneside’s community spirit and willingness to help each other that gives Lynne hope for the future.

Lynne said:

“I pledged simply because I believe in the ethos of it all. I am local, I believe in this area and through the assistance we bring and the job opportunities we can offer – we’ll help in any way we can.

“I started Escape Interventions because I kept meeting young people who were well into their teens and were illiterate because they had been failed. It broke my heart – I thought, how can this happen? As I qualified counsellor, I felt there was so much more we could offer young people and families.  Because every area is a sum of its people. When we talk about building up a region – we do that person by person.

“And it’s been quite a journey and it relies on the funding being there. It’s very hard work and it can be difficult but, you know, the rewards of this job always outweigh the stress.”

This summer, Escape Intervention will also take a group of young people on the training ship, the James Cook.

Lynne adds:

“Even with a discount, it’s an expensive undertaking for an organisation to give people an opportunity like this. But we do it because we know how much young people get out of it – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it’s absolutely inspirational”

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

“Our young people are our future, and we need each and every one to be a positive force for this area. Investment now, and the expertise and dedication of Escape Intervention, will pay back for South Tyneside for decades to come.

“Lynne and her team are a tremendous example of kindness in action – their work is inspired by the desire to serve our communities. They don’t give up and they face the challenges of helping young people and maintaining this wonderful charity, day-in, day-out.”

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.

Organisations, public and private, big businesses and small firms, can sign up at any time and become part of the Pledge South Tyneside network at www.southtyneside.gov.uk