Good Vibes project gives young people the chance to learn DJing, develop MC skills and build confidence.
A vibrant DJ and music workshop is offering a safe, creative space in the heart of a busy transport hub in Gateshead. Participants learn practical skills, and gain a sense of belonging and purpose. At the same time, it’s helping to steer young people away from violence and anti-social behaviour.
Photo care of Gateshead Council
The Good Vibes initiative has already engaged 86 young people from the region, with up to 25 attending each week. It has successfully supported several individuals previously linked to anti-social behaviour, the creative outlet helping to steer them away from trouble.
Good Vibes sessions are held every Thursday evening at Gateshead Interchange, with transport users stopping to watch the young performers. The project has been developed by Gateshead Football Club Foundation and is delivered by Northern Pulse, with support from the foundation’s youth workers.
The initiative is part of a wider programme of prevention work funded by the Young Futures Prevention Panel in Gateshead. This multi-agency initiative comprising the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, Gateshead Council, and local drug and alcohol services. The panel offer a range of tailored support and accessible opportunities such as these music workshops, with the aim of providing positive alternatives to crime.
Sessions are free to attend at the Interchange every Thursday, from 5pm to 7pm. No booking is required.
Susan Dungworth, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, says: ‘The Good Vibes workshops are helping steer young people away from harm, creating a safe space to take part in something positive, and importantly, of interest to them. It is helping improve confidence, develop skills, and provide meaningful alternatives to crime and anti-social behaviour, which supports our efforts to reducing violence and preventing issues from escalating. This is exactly the kind of project that makes a real difference in our communities and shows the importance of prevention work in action.
“The project is one of a number of pathways available to young people through the Young Futures Prevention Panel in Gateshead, bringing together the Violence Reduction Unit, Gateshead Council and local drug and alcohol services, working to identify needs early and provide more support for young people. This is a fantastic example of how investing in young people and community-based projects can have a lasting impact – not just for the young people involved but for the wider community as a whole. It’s exactly the kind of approach that helps us build safer, stronger communities for everyone.’
Lindsey Ojomo, Head of Community Safety and Emergency Planning at Gateshead Council, adds: ‘It’s fantastic to see how popular these creative workshops have been. By providing safe, free and accessible activities for young people, we can help to steer them away from anti-social behaviour in our hotspot areas. This is just one of several new projects to reduce ASB in the town centre, and it’s been great to work with our partners on the Young Futures Panel to learn from innovative ways to prevent and deter young people from getting involved with crime in Gateshead.’
Joanne Watson, Projects and Grants Manager at Gateshead Football Club Foundation, says: ‘This project has been a labour of love for the Foundation and all involved. We are immensely proud of the Good Vibes Project and our collaboration with Northern Pulse, Gateshead Council and Nexus. We cannot thank the PCC and the VRU enough for their funding and belief in our project. Music brings people together and has the power to changes lives.’
Erika Allen, Quality Health Safety Security and Environment (QHSSE) Director at Nexus, adds: ‘It’s great for us to support such a worthwhile outreach project at Gateshead Interchange, which is allowing young people to channel their creativity through the medium of music. Gateshead Interchange is a great public space for live music, and it’s been getting a great response from those taking part since it started. It’s proven popular with young people, who are engaged, keen to learn, and showcase their creativity. Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour on the public transport system is a top priority and outreach schemes play a vital part in that.’
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