About Northumberland Stronger Communities
From pandemic response to lasting community impact - here is the the story of the Council's Northumberland Stronger Together team from 2020 to today.
2020
where it all began...
When the pandemic changed life overnight, Northumberland Communities Together (as we were known at the time!) was there to help.
Volunteers stepped up, communities rallied, and support reached those who needed it most. In just three weeks, more than 1,000 volunteers signed up to help keep Northumberland connected, supported and safe.
Through phone calls, wellbeing checks, grants and practical help, we reduced isolation, improved wellbeing and showed what communities can achieve when they come together.
Our initial response
Dedicated helpline open 7 days per week with17k+ phone calls made and recieved
£14k+ in small grants distributed to 31 community organisations
2k+ home wellbeing checks
£5k+ in individual hardship grants given to residents
2021
life after lockdown...
As communities began to reopen, our focus shifted from crisis response to helping people reconnect, recover and thrive.
We opened the doors to Cramlington Community Hub, creating a welcoming space where people could meet, learn new skills, access support and take part in local activities. At the same time, we helped families facing financial pressures through school uniform support and the launch of the Household Support Fund.
Thriving Together was awarded the commission to provide support for Northumberland's voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, strengthening the network of organisations that help communities thrive.
From tackling hardship to creating opportunities to connect, we continued to support communities as they took their next steps forward.
2022
Supporting people through change
We continued to help people find the right support at the right time including launching an online Cost of Living Hub and working with 140 community partners to create a network of Warm Spaces offering warmth, connection and support when people needed it most.
We helped launch Northumberland Frontline, making it easier for professionals and organisations to connect people with trusted health and wellbeing services. And when families fleeing the war in Ukraine needed support, communities across Northumberland came together once again, donating essential items and showing the true strength of local kindness.
2023
building opportunities...
As communities moved forward, we focused on creating opportunities and making support easier to access.
We launched Work Smart Live Well, bringing careers advice, training, volunteering opportunities, wellbeing support and local employers together in one place. Our growing network of community hubs continued to connect people with activities, advice and local services close to home.
As the cost of living continued to affect households, we distributed Household Support Fund payments and helped residents access benefits and financial support they were entitled to. At the same time, our Locality Coordinators worked directly within communities across Northumberland, connecting people with services, strengthening local partnerships and helping residents find the support they needed.
By bringing together volunteers, community organisations, health services and local support networks, we made it easier for people to access help, opportunities and advice in the places they know and trust.
2024
reaching more people...
As communities faced new challenges, we focused on helping people access support, stay active and feel safe where they live.
Following changes to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility, we launched a major Pension Credit campaign to help older residents access the financial support they were entitled to. Working alongside partners including Age UK and Citizens Advice, we connected people with advice, benefits and practical help.
We also worked with communities to shape plans for new PlayZones across Northumberland, creating more opportunities to be active, social and healthy close to home. At the same time, funding secured to tackle anti-social behaviour allowed us to embed specialist community staff in local hotspots, helping to improve neighbourhood safety and build stronger relationships with residents.
Through targeted support, local partnerships and community-led solutions, we continued to make sure help was available where it was needed most.
2025
a new chapter...
In 2025, we became Safe & Resilient Communities. While our name changed, our mission stayed the same: helping people stay connected, supported and empowered within their communities.
Our network of community hubs welcomed more than 36,000 visits – a huge milestone – cementing them as trusted places where people could access advice, take part in activities and connect with others. We also played a key role in shaping support for people living with dementia, our support planners playing an important role in helping residents access community-based support earlier and live well for longer.
Working with the Police and Crime Commissioner through Project Shield, we helped communities feel safer and more resilient. We launched Super Spuds, our award-nominated campaign encouraging young people to make positive choices and helping tackle anti-social behaviour through creativity, engagement and community action.
As we looked to the future, we continued building strong partnerships, strengthening local support networks and finding new ways to reach the people who need us most.