Two charities supporting young people in the north east of England have merged in a bid to strengthen services and their offer to funders.
Northumbria Coalition Against Crime (NCAC) has merged into NE Youth, with six staff transferring between the charities.
NCAC noted a “particularly challenging” few years for small charities while NE Youth said the merger would help to ensure a “sustainable future” for both organisations.
No redundancies
NCAC provides volunteer mentoring services to over 500 children and young people per year who have offended or who are at risk of offending.
It will now become part of NE Youth, which supports 2,500 young people each year and recorded an income of £959,000 in the year to March 2022.
NCAC’s six employees and over 30 volunteers will transfer to NE Youth and join its around 20 staff members.
A spokesperson for NE Youth told Civil Society that there will be no redundancies as a result of the merger and that the charity will retain its name.
NCAC: ‘Last few years particularly challenging’
NCAC has recorded a deficit in three of the past five years, according to Charity Commission data, with a total income of £206,000 against total expenditure of £268,000 in the year to May 2022.
Sheila Proudlock, chair of NCAC, said: “Small charities have found the last few years particularly challenging.
“I am confident that by joining with NE Youth, an organisation which shares the same values and dedication, our intensive mentoring programmes will be sustained and developed.
“This is a positive step forward for youth services in the region, shining a light on both charities and collaborating to create efficiencies and strengthen the much-needed services they offer.”
NE Youth: ‘We are strengthening our offer’
Martin Cave, chair of NE Youth, said: “This hasn’t been a quick process undertaking due diligence ensuring this was the right fit for both parties and the young people we support.
“Our culture and values are closely aligned and together we will champion positive change within our communities and support young people to have the future they deserve.”
Jon Niblo, chief executive of NE Youth, said: “This is such a positive story for NE Youth, expanding our teams and offer across the whole region.
“By collaborating we are strengthening our offer – not only to young people but to funders and statutory organisations.
“A strategic move that will help attract new opportunities, grow our teams and great a sustainable future for both charities and the people and communities they support.”
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