Help to Support our Young People in South Tyneside

Founded in 2005 Escape Intervention is a South Shields based charity that has supported hundreds of young people from across the borough through counselling, outdoor activities, and complementary therapies.

In the last year alone counsellors and pyschotherapists have delivered almost 3000 counselling sessions for young people aged from 4 – 25 years, and their parents /carers, across a broad range of issues including bereavement, domestic abuse, substance misuse, anger management, divorce, self-harm, anxiety, depression and stress.

A range of free activities have been provided for over 300 young people aged 11-18 years designed to improve health and wellbeing and increase self-esteem and confidence. Evening, day and residential experiences have also provided respite from stressful situations.

For those young people helped, each journey is different and the approach is holistic, and the charity works in partnership with many statutory and voluntary organisations from across the borough.

Funding continues to be a challenge for the South Tyneside Pledge organisation and the charity is now calling for more local support to ensure these invaluable services can continue in the current economic climate.

Service Manager Lynne Yousef explains:

“Like many charities and organisations we are feeling the pinch, More charitable organisations are applying for the same funding streams, putting enormous pressure on funding bodies to distribute their contributions equitably.

“We have been grateful for the impact that volunteers and sessional staff have made to enhancing the life chances of some of the most disadvantaged young people and families living locally. We still require volunteers to drive our minibus, to provide support during activities and to assist with administration, so any time devoted to our cause would be amazing.

“We continue to struggle financially, despite our long-standing, positive reputation locally, so financial donations or sponsorship of some activities would help us enormously.”

Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships, and Equalities, said:

“Lynne and the team make such a positive impact with so many of our young people across South Tyneside and it’s really important that they can continue delivering these vital services.

“I’d encourage any business or individual to support the charity any way they can – be it through collaboration, a financial donation or volunteering.”

If you can help in any way, please contact Lynne Yousef lynneyousef@escapeintervention.org.uk

For more information about Escape Intervention Services please see: https://www.escapeintervention.org.uk/