A DJ and music workshop in Gateshead is helping steer young people away from violence and anti-social behaviour by offering a safe, creative space in the heart of a busy transport hub.
Having already engaged 86 young people, with up to 25 attending each week from across Gateshead, the project has also successfully supported several individuals previously linked to anti-social behaviour, helping to steer them away from trouble by offering a creative outlet.
Held every Thursday evening at Gateshead Interchange, the Good Vibes project is providing an environment where young people can take part in something positive, with transport users stopping to watch the young performers.
Developed by Gateshead Football Club Foundation, and delivered by Northern Pulse, with support from the foundation’s youth workers, these sessions give young people the chance to learn DJing, develop MC skills and build confidence through music, while also finding a sense of purpose and belonging in their local area.
Good Vibes is part of a wider programme of prevention work funded by the Young Futures Prevention Panel in Gateshead, a multi-agency initiative bringing together the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, Gateshead Council, and local drug and alcohol services to better support young people.
Through tailored support and creating accessible opportunities such as these music workshops, the panel is providing positive alternatives to crime, helping young people make safer choices.
The early success of the project is already showing how creative activities can play an important role in building confidence, developing skills, preventing crime, and strengthening community spaces locally.
The PCC joined the Good Vibes workshop to speak directly with the young people involved, gathering their views as part of ongoing engagement to help shape the refresh of her police and crime plan.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “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.”
She added: “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.”
Joanne Watson, Projects and Grants Manager at Gateshead Football Club Foundation said: “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.”
Lindsey Ojomo, Head of Community Safety and Emergency Planning at Gateshead Council, said: “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.”
Erika Allen, Quality Health Safety Security and Environment (QHSSE) Director at Nexus, said: “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.
“Community based schemes like this are a really useful way of engaging with young people and giving them something positive to do in their spare time. DJ and music workshops can steer them away from anti-social behaviour and make a real difference to their lives.
“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.”
For more information about the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, visit the website or email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk.
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