New Horizons a Community-Led Action Plan for South East Northumberland: Regeneration by the People, for the People New Horizons Action Plan

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New Horizons A Community-led Action Plan for South East Northumberland: regeneration by the people, for the people New Horizons Action Plan

CONTENTS

Contents' I.! Background to the New Horizons Action Plan ...... 1! II.! Needs and Opportunities in South East Northumberland ...... 2! A.! Evidence of need: Socio-economic profile ...... 3! B.! Opportunities: the voluntary and community sector ...... 5! III.! Policy Context ...... 6! A.! Northumberland Economic Strategy ...... 6! B.! Sustainable Community Strategy ...... 7! C.! Planning Policy: Northumberland Core Strategy ...... 7! D.! Anti Poverty policies ...... 8! E.! Tourism Policy ...... 9! F.! Culture, sport and the Arts ...... 9! G.! Health and Well Being Policies ...... 9! IV.! Local Context ...... 10! A.! Ashington ...... 10! B.! Blyth ...... 11! C.! Cramlington ...... 12! D.! Smaller places: ...... 12! V.! Key Themes and Priorities ...... 15! A.! Routes to Work ...... 15! B.! Creating Sustainable Community Assets ...... 17! C.! Strengthening Retail Vitality ...... 18! D.! Growing Tourism and Culture ...... 19! E.! Health and well being ...... 20! VI.! Priority Actions for the Voluntary and Community Sector ...... 21! VII.! Management and Delivery ...... 33!

I. Background to the New Horizons Action Plan

In 2014, Northumberland County Council commissioned a Community-Led Local Development Strategy in the 20% most deprived wards in Northumberland. This was in anticipation of the possibility of a ‘Community-led Local Development’ (CLLD) element of funding within the European Union Structural and Investment Fund Programme for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership area, which includes all of Northumberland.

Wansbeck Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) were ‘The training has selected to lead the preparation of this Strategy, in reinforced my opinion consultation with local people, voluntary organisations and and idea that you businesses. Wansbeck CVS partnered with North East have to go to grass Social Enterprise Partnership (NESEP) and Your Back Yard roots level to find out CIC, a local Community Interest Company, to carry out the what people want.’ work of consultation and preparation of the Strategy.

During the course of the preparation work, the context has developed in such a way that the focus of the work has moved away from solely meeting the requirements of the CLLD model, to a wider approach to supporting and encouraging the voluntary and community sector to play a strong role in the regeneration of South East Northumberland.

This Action Plan describes the need and opportunities for regeneration in South East Northumberland, the priorities for action identified through consultation, and a series of projects that have been identified to address these priorities. It is not an overall plan to address every aspect of life in South East Northumberland; instead, it focuses primarily on deliverable actions that could realistically be delivered by the voluntary sector in the area to seize some opportunities and address some of the area’s needs.

II. Needs and Opportunities in South East Northumberland

South East Northumberland (SEN) comprises the area covered by the former Wansbeck and Blyth Valley districts (see Map 1 below). It is home to 164,129 people1 (the total population of Northumberland is 315,8002). The settlement pattern comprises three major towns and several smaller villages. The main towns are: • Cramlington (population c.40,000), on the edge of Tyneside which was classed as a ‘new town’ when development started in the 1960’s and has grown steadily since. • Blyth (population c.35,000), which developed around the Port of Blyth and has seen some of its major industries decline in recent decades but also some superb regeneration along the beach and quayside, and features part of the National Renewable Energy Centre. • Ashington (population c.27,000), a major former coal mining community, which has attracted several major new employers to replace the former mining industry, but has recently been impacted again by the closure of the nearby Alcan plant. Map 1: South East Northumberland area

The smaller settlements include: • Bedlington (population c.15,300) a former mining village, with strong heritage features • Newbiggin-by-the-Sea (population 7,000), a former fishing village and tourism resort on Newbiggin bay. • Seaton Valley (several villages totalling a population of c.15,000) which is lies between Cramlington and the coast.

1 Source: Parliamentary Constituency Population Estimates (experimental), Mid-2012 (link) 2 Mid-Year Population estimate 2013

A. Evidence of need: Socio-economic profile SEN is the most densely populated part of the county, with the highest concentration of economic activity, but also the greatest levels of poverty, unemployment and deprivation.

According to the Indices of Deprivation, while the County is ranked 144th out of 326 Local Authorities, where 1 is the most deprived, so is in the middle of the range, many wards in SEN rank in the top 20% most deprived (see maps 2-4 below).

Index of Multiple Deprivation 20103

Map 2: Ashington and Newbiggin

Map 3: Bedlington, Blyth, Stakeford and Cambois

3 Source: Open Data Communities’ Deprivation Mapper (link)

Map 3: Cramlington and Seaton Valley

Table 1 below compares key labour market indicators for the two parliamentary constituency areas covering SEN.

Table 1: Labour Market Indicators4

Employment rate Unemployment Economic Claimant Jobs Density 16 – 64 (%) (%) Inactivity (%) Count (%) 16-64 (ratio) 73.1 7.9 20.5 3.9 0.55 Blyth Valley

72.7 4.5 23.8 4.6 0.59 Wansbeck

68.1 8.8 25.2 4.0 0.67 North East

72.1 6.5 22.8 2.8 0.78 UK

Gross weekly pay in 2014 was £450 in Wansbeck Constituency, and £461 in Blyth Valley, compared to £477 for the North East, and £521 for Great Britain5.

Figure 1 below shows the highest qualification achieved for residents of South East Northumberland compared to the North East and to England & Wales.

4 Regional Labour Market: LI02 - Local Indicators for Parliamentary Constituencies, March 2015 (link) 5 Source: NOMIS

Figure 1: Highest qualification achieved6 ‘As a young person, I greatly appreciate being invited as I often feel my views 40%! aren’t heard.’ 35%! 30%! 25%! 20%! South!East! 15%! Northumberland! 10%! North!East! 5%! 0%! England!&!Wales!

Life expectancy at birth is 78.7 for males and 82.2 for females, compared to 79.4 and 83.12 respectively. Of those people in work, 77% travel to work by car (compared to 59% for England & Wales), 9% use public transport (E&W = 16%), 11% on foot/bicycle (E&W = 13%).

Other indicators7 include:

• Local child poverty measure of 17.8% • 26.7% of households are fuel poor • 6.7% of 16 to 18 year olds are NEET • The under 18 conception rate is 33.8 per 1,000 females aged 15-17 • The ‘Low birth weight’ rate is 6.5% • Breastfeeding prevalence rate at 6-8 weeks is 34.8% • Obesity prevalence of 10% in Reception year and 18.6% in Year 6 • There are 32.3 notifiable offences recorded by police per 1,000 head of population

B. Opportunities: the voluntary and community sector Despite these challenges, South East Northumberland benefits from a diverse, robust and determined voluntary and community sector that can support and deliver real improvements to the area. While many voluntary and community organisations in the area, as in all parts of the UK, are facing financial pressures, they remain a

6 Sources: Northumberland Knowledge 2011 Census Fact Sheet South East (Area Committee), and NOMIS 7 Source: TO ADD

source of energy and innovation, and a way to connect and engage directly with local people.

Particular opportunities for the sector to engage with and support regeneration include: • the concept of ‘Asset Transfer’ so that communities and VCSE organisations can run and manage community facilities. • the development and expansion of community facilities that can deliver or provide services on behalf of the public sector. • enhancing the sustainability of community facilities through the development of energy efficiency programmes and renewable energy systems. • the use of community benefit funding from wind turbines and Section 106 agreements from other developments to support existing or new community facilities • the increasing role of the sector in managing recreational open space such as parks • the development of mixed-use venues housing arts and culture, residential, retail and other business uses, led by local voluntary organisations

III. Policy Context This section sets out an overview of the key policies that are in place for South East Northumberland.

A. Northumberland Economic Strategy The new Economic Strategy for Northumberland is based around creating a strong economy, with a skilled workforce and entrepreneurial dynamism. This is to be delivered through two programmes, one focussed on the ‘Investment Zone’ of South East Northumberland plus the Morpeth area, the other a more distributed approach though the ‘Growth Network’ across the rural parts of the County.

The priority interventions are 1. Business: Growing our sector strengths and Strengthening the business base, including: • The drive to create jobs in the energy sector in the Blyth estuary area, building on the Enterprise Zone and the National Renewable Energy Centre • Recognition of the role of social enterprise and the VCS in supporting economic growth, and ambitions to accelerate the growth of social enterprises • A focus on growing the economic contribution of tourism and culture

2. People: Enabling a more inclusive economy and Developing a competitive labour force, including: • A focus on improving the ‘learning to work transition’ for young people • A commitment to provide services to help unemployed adults to gain skills and help them to access work

• A drive to increase the number of apprenticeships in the County

3. Place: Delivering infrastructure and connectivity and Supporting successful towns and communities, including: • The re-opening of the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne line for passenger services • A focus on the regeneration of Ashington and Blyth town centres • Support for town centre and community partners to develop and realise local plans for growth and development

B. Sustainable Community Strategy The 2011 Sustainable Community Strategy, ‘Northumberland: Resilient for the Future’ identifies seven ‘Big Partnership Issues’: Making climate change work to our Advantage, Maintaining and creating sustainable communities, Rebalancing our economy, Giving everyone a voice and influence, Providing healthy lifestyle choice, Supporting our young people into adulthood, and Delivering services differently. While the Strategy does not set out specific actions to address these issues, it includes a number of ‘Areas of Focus’ that are directly relevant to ESSEN, including:

• Opening up the opportunity to work and achieve financial independence • Fostering a network of communities that are cohesive and respect diversity • Encouraging volunteering, social enterprise and active citizenship • Encouraging and supporting community-led healthy living initiatives • Promoting the active participation of all in sport, leisure and cultural activities • Empowering young people to make the right choices for the lives they want • Extending opportunities for vocational learning and volunteering C. Planning Policy: Northumberland Core Strategy The key planning document for the area is the new Core Strategy, which is currently being redrafted following consultation. The Core Strategy identifies Ashington, Blyth and Cramlington as key areas for investment. Investment in these towns will be focussed on housing, employment, education, healthcare and retail to underpin their regeneration.

The BEREZ employment zone (see Map 5 below) is identified as the key strategic location for providing employment in the area. The strategic employment area is prioritised for economic development within the low carbon and environmental goods and services sector, and for renewable and low carbon energy generation. Policy will also maintain strategic access to this location including providing protection for key transport routes (road and rail network) into the site.

Map 5: BEREZ Employment Zone, Blyth Estuary

Additional housing will be provided in the SEN area, totalling over 12,000 by 2031. Of this, 25% will be affordable housing. While the Core Strategy does not contain significant strategic transport investments in the SEN area, the completion of the SEN Link Road connection with the Morpeth Northern Bypass will improve road connectivity between SEN and the AI(M). The SEN Public Transport Corridor, including reintroduction of passenger rail services on the Ashington, Blyth & Tyne line, remains a long-term aspiration.

Neighbourhood plans A number of areas in Northumberland are preparing neighbourhood development plans, using powers afforded to town and parish councils under the Localism Act. One of those areas, Cramlington is in the SEN area, and other areas, including Ashington, are considering doing one.

D. Anti Poverty policies The County Council’s Anti-Poverty Commission produced findings with recommendations in December 2012, and a ‘Tackling Poverty Together Strategy and Action Plan’ has been produced. These recognise the importance of poverty as an issue, and highlight specific aspects of poverty: • Children and Families • Employment and Skills (working age people) • Older People • Higher Costs – Financial Inclusion issues and Fuel Poverty (heating and travel)

• Access –Transport and Digital Inclusion However, there is little by way of specific actions proposed to inform the ESSEN approach.

E. Tourism Policy Whilst no tourism strategy focuses specifically on SEN, there are a number of documents that have some relevance for the area. The Northumberland destination management plan for 2015-2020 focuses on key themes of adventure, space, people and culture, contributing to the vision ‘to be THE destination where Independent Spirit comes to life’. While the Plan does not prioritise specific locations, there is clear scope for South East Northumberland to contribute to the Plan.

Although the Northumberland coast AONB strategy does not cover the SEN area, the priorities of extend the season, and ideas include a circular walking trail, circular cycling routes are something that the area might want to consider.

F. Culture, sport and the Arts Culture is recognised as important for community resilience, and as an area of weakness for South East Northumberland. The 2012 South East Northumberland Cultural Study made three recommendations: 1. Target resources into SEN to build quality leadership and delivery capacity 2. Plan and deliver/commission an on-going programme which works around three priorities: I. invest in creative opportunities for children and young people II. encourage artists and creative producers to live and work in SEN, and bring more artistic product in III. build the capacity of the voluntary and private arts sectors 3. Improve the existing physical facilities in SEN, so the area is capable of hosting a wider range of arts activities and events.

Most of these recommendations are now being taken forward by BAIT, a project that is working to create long-term change in levels of arts participation in South East Northumberland. Their vision is "To create long term change in levels of arts participation, driven by the creativity and ambition of the people living in South East Northumberland, and having a demonstrable effect on well-being of local people and levels of social energy and activism within communities.”

G. Health and Well Being Policies “Physical activity is vital for our The Health and Well Being Board for health; we should all be doing Northumberland has five priority areas for some activity on most days in its strategy: the week to maintain a healthy lifestyle… in Northumberland • Targeting children and families who, without some extra help and support almost 8 out of 10 people do not take enough physical activity” (Director of Public Health, Northumberland). 9

early on, might be at risk of not achieving their full potential. • Focusing on tackling some of the main causes of health problems in the county including obesity and poor diet, alcohol misuse, and smoking. • Supporting people with long term conditions to be more independent and have full control over their lives • Making sure that all organisations in Northumberland work well together and are clear about their role in helping to improve the health and wellbeing of local people. • Making sure that all public services take a more inclusive approach to supporting people with disabilities and long term health conditions to stay active for as long as possible

The County Council now has responsibility for public health, and is promoting action in a number of issues impacting on the ESSEN approach, including parks and open spaces and a Cycling Plan for the County.

IV. Local Context A. Ashington Ashington is the main focus for regeneration and development activity in the ESSEN area, with major redevelopments underway on the North East side of the Town Centre, to include a new Leisure Centre. There are also plans to relocate County Hall to the Town Centre, which is likely to increase footfall in the area. The extent to which the new developments will create additional jobs in the area is not yet clear.

The Town Team has a Strategy and Action Plan for the Town Centre (see Appendix B), designed to achieve the vision that ‘Ashington town centre is re-established as a shopping destination of choice, meeting modern consumer needs’. This sets out a comprehensive set of actions is response to the issues identified in the AMT Benchmarking Report in 2013. Many of these will be directly relevant to the ESSEN CLLD strategy. Identified priorities are to: • Develop an events programme • Improve the market – more and better stalls ‘More training • Enhance the environment centres in Ashington • Increase population living in the town centre area that offer • Attract brand names to North East Quarter & high vocational training in street practical trades.’ • Rebalance pedestrian flow • Improve parking & accessibility

Next steps envisaged to achieve this include: • Developing a Neighbourhood Plan for Ashington

• Bringing forward plans for empty retail units and making visual improvements to the market • Events and arts, including – Halloween & Christmas events – Continental or other Markets – Working with Bait to introduce high profile artistic activity – ‘Ashington presents’ Music and Arts Festival – Opportunities and ideas for murals and artwork for gable ends • Create a ‘digital high street’ – social media and website development, training, support etc

Away from the Town Centre, there is ongoing investment in new housing to the west of the town on the former Hospital site and employment uses, including Azko Nobel, in Wansbeck Business Park.

The planned redevelopment of Northumberland College in Ashington did not occur, but there are ongoing investments into the existing campus that will create new opportunities for the Town.

Ashington Community Development Trust is a locally-run regeneration body. Its main aims are to

• Improve access to employment, volunteering and training, particularly for those who are wanting to overcome barriers • Improve opportunities for young people, assisting them to develop socially, emotionally, educationally ‘Create an arts and physically based bub that • To provide effective signposting to other services, provides which address specific needs employment • Raise the levels of enterprise within disadvantaged opportunities for local people’ communities • Support and stimulate local enterprise • Improve the skills for life and employability levels of adults in disadvantaged communities • Provide affordable housing for youngpeople starting independent living and young families, especially those benefits. • Work with partners to develop and improve supported housing provision for people coming out of the care environment • Maximise income from our Social Enterprises, Housing and other assets. B. Blyth Blyth recently received investment through the development of Morrison’s Supermarket, and benefited from the Townscape Heritage Initiative (now closed).

The beach area and Ridley Park to the south of the Town Centre have both been significantly improved in recent years, and are significant assets for the area.

The AMT Benchmarking Report in 2013 identified a high level of ‘convenience’ shopping units/low level of ‘Convert empty ‘comparison’ shopping and falling turnover for many shops. shops in Blyth town Shoppers reported a perception of a poor level of choice centre into and a poor quality environment, and a poor leisure/cultural affordable housing’ offer. Much of this was seen as due to low levels of local prosperity/high levels of poverty.

In terms of investment, the main focus is on developing the BEREZ sites for employment use. The Quayside area is already under development, led by ARCH. Further development will depend on inward investment. A key issue will be the extent to which these developments integrate with and benefit the rest of Blyth, bit physically and in creating ‘Improve the employment opportunities and other benefits for local facilities to attract people. visitors to Blyth: Shuttle bus service that links Town While the national renewable energy centre is clearly an Centre, Beach and important business within Blyth, and a key factor in attracting Ridley Park.’ businesses to the BEREZ, it is driven by national innovation and energy policy, and so is (arguably) unlikely to act as a major source of local opportunities relevant to ESSEN.

C. Cramlington Cramlington is a former New Town development, and is host to a significant cluster of pharmaceutical companies. A large number of residents commute to work in Tyneside. As a result, most of Cramlington has relatively low levels of disadvantage and deprivation. Cramlington acts as the main service centre for much of the southern part of South East Northumberland.

D. Smaller places: Bedlington and Cambois

Bedlington is a secondary retail centre, primarily catering for a very local market, with a very mall level of footfall. A large proportion of the shops are independents, bringing both unique character, and increased resilience (less likely to close) but also a risk of less investment. The market is very small, potentially non-viable. There is seen to be little leisure/cultural offer in the town.

Bedlington has a Conservation area, seeking to protect ‘Promote local and enhance the character of the area, and the history/ tourist attractions to attract visitors to Bedlington’12

Development Trust is supporting this primarily through public realm improvements such as seating. However, there does not appear to be a comprehensive plan for the Town.

To the east of the town, the East Bedlington Parish Plan 2013 sets out a number of opportunities for community-led development in the area, including: • Community: o Information via web site o Community grants scheme o Funding advice sessions, training o Community events and shared calendar • Leisure & Recreation: o Increased youth provision o Use of School Sports facilities o Increase use of Downhill Cycling facility o Improvements to and more use of Cambois beach • Environment o Planting, signage, litter, seating, pruning and dealing with dog waste and fly tipping • Transport o Re-establish rail services to Bedlington Station o Improve (subsidise) bus services o Car share scheme • Crime/Community Safety o CCTV, diversionary activities, Neighbourhood Watch

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is also a secondary retail centre, and has been awarded Portas Pilot funding in recognition of the challenges it faces, and the potential for partnership working to improve the town. It has benefited from significant investment in the beach area – the beach, Couple artwork and Maritime Visitor Centre, but the town’s retail offer remains weak.

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea has a comprehensive Town Plan, developed in 2010, which sets out the following objectives: • Raising aspirations: Encourage children to ‘Poor banking participate in arts, sports, literary and other facilities so raise community activities, provide tuition for 7 to 10 the profile and year old children, and facilitate the training of increase use of community workers Credit Union in • Improving our environment: Increase woodland, Newbiggin’ promote responsible dog control, maintain

Northumbria in Bloom status • Increasing tourism: look to host a regular town farmers’ market, support sporting, arts and community events throughout the year, improve tourist information, parking and toilet facilities • Increasing skills: support for apprenticeships and training opportunities • Supporting the elderly: improve community transport

The Town Team identified its priorities as being “transport, marketing, empty shops, money leaving the town and the need for businesses to work together”. Ideas include better links with caravan parks, creative use of empty shops, resident discounts, more activities and events.

V. Key Themes and Priorities The review of the policy context, and consultation with a number of local stakeholder organisations, has given rise to a number of emerging key themes which are set out below A. Routes to Work B. Creating Sustainable Community Assets C. Growing Tourism and Culture D. Strengthening Retail Vitality E. Health and Well Being

This section focuses on an analysis of these themes, in terms of where SEN is currently at, what initiatives are already taken place and where the gaps appear to be that the Action Plan will address by way of specific project interventions.

In analysing where SEN is at present, we have focussed on “assets and opportunities” – things that are good about South East Northumberland, and things we could build on to make it better – rather than on the problems and challenges that the area faces. We’ve also focussed on the things that are most likely to be supported through the CLLD funding opportunity, rather than on other things that are just as important, but are not likely to be able to attract funding through the CLLD route.

A. Routes to Work This is all about how people get the skills they need to secure jobs, are able to find and travel ‘Improve public transport. Improved bus services to to work, and how local employers are able to Cramlington Railway Station recruit from local unemployed people and needed. Bus commute costs school leavers. need to be reduced to help people access low wage jobs. Assets Improve access to Newcastle and North Tyneside job South East Northumberland has a network of opportunities.’ employability support organisations and projects that work together to help people into work.

There are also several employers that are actively seeking to take local people on, provide training and create local opportunities, such as AZKO Nobel. ARCH is bringing forward a significant programme of capital investments, and seeking to attract private sector investment, which is creating new employment opportunities such as the Ashington Leisure Centre. The schools and College in South East Northumberland are vitally important in providing skills and advice to local people to help the find and secure work.

Opportunities

There are exciting opportunities arising from the redevelopment of Ashington Town Centre, and the investment that is being sought in the ‘BEREZ’ area in Blyth, which has Enterprise Zone status, linked to NAREC. These investments will create opportunities in two ways: • They will create direct employment opportunities, and with the right training and links, local people should be able to access at least some of these jobs • They will create additional spend in the local economy Improving vocational educational and training is seen as a major area of opportunity, giving young people and others practical skills that will help them find, secure and progress in work. Ideas suggested in this area include: • Strengthening or rebuilding links between local businesses and schools to improve young people’s understanding of work opportunities and the skills needed • Encouraging local employers to provide longer-term work placements both for young people, and unemployed adults (which would ideally be paid) • Supporting local employers to take on apprenticeships/trainees through providing a subsidy or “pooling” apprentices across groups of small employers • Better linking with employers by training providers, ‘Create localised so they understand employers’ skills and business hubs. Will employment needs at a local level help create local jobs and utilise existing/ • Providing training on an outreach basis, in the redundant facilities.’ community • Making use of the area’s outdoor assets for woodland and outdoor skills training • Using the skills and experience of older workers to support young people, and vice versa

There is also potential to increase people’s ability to find and secure work through localised support services using established voluntary and community organisations, that help in overcoming barriers to employment such as addictions, chaotic lives, and a lack of literacy & numeracy skills, through local community based activity. These organisations are able to provide a more localised, customised and flexible support to help people secure work than the formal structured programmes offered through Job Centre Plus.

Finally in terms of routes to work, there are seen to be lots of opportunities within and relatively close to South East Northumberland, if people were better able to

travel to reach them. Increasing bus and perhaps rail service provision, and/or increasing subsidy for fares, to make it easier to travel to work in SEN and Tyneside would help people realise these opportunities. Improved integration between bus and rail services (e.g. to Cramlington station) would also help.

B. Creating Sustainable Community Assets

Assets

South East Northumberland has several active community organisations and buildings, too many to list in full, but including: • Ashington, Newbiggin and Bedlington Development Trusts ‘Support the VCS to become more • Ashington, Blyth and Newbiggin-on-Sea business like and Town Teams develop business to business • Blyth Community Enterprise Centre opportunities or • Improving Croft and Cowpen Quay business to customer opportunities’ • Hirst Welfare • AZURE in Cramlington Other significant assets to consider include the wind farms that generate investment for local communities, and Northumberland ARCH which reinvests some of its profits in projects to benefit the community. Lynemouth Development Trust is not in the area under consideration, but is a good model to learn from, and provides some benefits that impact on the area.

Opportunities

Research to date has identified three main opportunities to develop stronger, more sustainable community assets for South East Northumberland. These are: • Increasing the stock of viable buildings held and managed by community- based organisations, especially through Asset Transfer from Northumberland County Council • Combining voluntary sector organisations through creating stronger partnerships, consortia, mergers or other joint structures to create stronger, more viable community-based organisations • Accessing public sector contracts by making public sector contracts more accessible to small, local organisations, making use of the Community Right to Bid

Several suggested opportunities have focussed on new or stronger approaches to providing support to social enterprises and other voluntary and community organisations. These include: • Increasing the capacity and capability of CVS support organisations (‘infrastructure bodies’) to better support smaller/frontline VCSOs to be more viable • Creating more or stronger hubs of community and social enterprise to support community-led enterprises to start up, grow and succeed • Expanding on or replicating models of social enterprise that work in creating employment for local people, especially those with physical and mental health issues, or disabilities. ‘VCS Assembly to be • Support for existing social enterprises and more proactive in VCS organisations to diversify and develop bringing organisations new/stronger income generating sources together and representing/ Establishing joint ventures between VCS • championing their organisations and public (and private) sectors views.’ to deliver services in SEN • Developing social enterprises that provide local services (e.g. Handy Person, gardening, decorating for the elderly). This could be linked to the Local Currency/Time Share approach mentioned below • Providing Enterprise Mentoring for older people (50+) and for young people

C. Strengthening Retail Vitality

Assets

The area benefits from a relatively high number of small, independent shops, has a strong retail centre in Cramlington, and has seen recent investment in supermarkets in Ashington and Blyth. The Town Teams for Ashington, Blyth and Newbiggin-by-the Sea are key organisational assets that will help to strengthen the towns’ offer for the future.

Opportunities

The main opportunities to strengthen retail vitality in SEN come from the investment being brought in to Ashington and Blyth through ARCH. • In Ashington, the development of the North East Quarter, expected to include a relocated County Hall, will bring significant additional activity and footfall into the Town Centre, with a number of ‘anchor tenants’ likely to attract a wider range of shoppers. The town needs to maximise the benefits of this change for the existing Town Centre retail providers.

• In Blyth, the main focus for investment is on the Quayside, with the development of a small hotel. As the Quayside area develops, there is an opportunity to integrate this area with the Town Centre, and a possibility to attract more niche independent retailers to open in the town. There are also opportunities arising from the redevelopment of former Co-op premises in Blyth centre, and of Headway Arts’ centre. In all parts of SEN, there is an opportunity to encourage more local vitality by reducing rates on empty shops for new starts, to encourage take up, and to encourage ‘pop-up shops’.

As town centres’ roles change, the importance of social and ‘New culture hubs in cultural activity to town centres is increasing. There is an Towns to help add opportunity to maximise the impact of BAIT and other to the mix of retail cultural projects to create “more to do” in the town centres of and tourist offer.’ SEN.

Finally, there are seen to be opportunities to encourage more local purchasing and procurement, which would help to increase the re-circulation of spending within SEN. One way to do this would be by developing a local currency on the Bristol Pound model.

D. Growing Tourism and Culture

Assets

SEN has a large number of locally significant tourism and cultural assets, including: • Seaton Delaval Hall • Woodhorn Museum in Ashington • The Seaton/Blyth coastal area • Northumberlandia • Newbiggin-by-the-Sea Maritime Heritage Centre, Beach and ‘The Couple’ • Ridley Park • Blyth Town Centre and Quay • The website www.VisitSouthEastNorthumberland.co.uk • The BAIT project

Opportunities

The opportunities in this area are primarily about developing and improving each of these assets. Specific opportunities include:

• Investment in a hotel on Blyth Quayside ‘Better coordination amongst community • Ongoing development of Seaton Delaval Hall groups promoting tourism/ heritage Building on, continuing and expanding the work • agendas.’ of BAIT • Improving transport links into Blyth centre to maximise the potential tourism and culture offer of Ridley Park, Blyth Town Centre and Blyth Quayside. This includes bus and cycle routes, parking provision. • Making more use of the area’s outdoor assets (parks and beaches), including through new approaches to park management • Strengthening and joining up efforts to promote SEN as a visitor destination, building on existing approaches • Making more use of cultural activities as a way to engage people in social activity

E. Health and well being

Assets

• SEN is well provided with parks and open spaces • Easy access to the coast • a number of active sports clubs

There are opportunities to make better use of these, as part of a wider approach to improving health – especially mental health – as a way of addressing barriers to work. Public Health Commissioning will be an important element of this. For example, health providers could be commissioned to provide wrap-around support for those with multiple/complex needs, such as people with addictions.

Opportunities

• There are a number of existing initiatives around health and well being that could be extended into the SEN area, or used as a model for the SEN area • The Tour of England race in September 2015 will be coming through the SEN area, and the Tall Ships will be visiting Blyth • New cycling routes are being developed, such as the coast and castles route, from Edinburgh to Newcastle, and the Morpeth to Newbegin, via Ashington, that will go across parts of the SEN area • There is a new government emphasis on well being as an indicator of a country or areas prosperity, • The setting up of the new ‘what works centre for well being’ • The new Northumberland Cycling Plan, to be launched in 2015

VI. Priority Actions for the Voluntary and Community Sector Based on the above analysis and consultation, the following eight projects have been identified as those offering the best potential for the voluntary and community sector to contribute to economic and social regeneration in South East Northumberland.

They are presented in rough order of ‘deliverablity’, as summarised below

Projects 1. Strengthening Community Asset DO NOW Management 2. Arts & Cultural Centre in Blyth

DO SOON 3. SEN Social Inclusion package 4. Employers/Schools partnership (some further development required) 5. Enhancing the Visitor Offer

DO LATER 6. Well being in SEN 7. Building skills (significant further development required) 8. Healthy Living Parks and Trails

Project 1 Strengthening Community Asset Management

Priority themes addressed: • Community assets • Routes to Work

Description Supporting VCS organisations through working together to improve the management and viability of local assets. These assets would typically be community centres, but might also include: • Workspace and residential buildings owned by VCS organisations • parks and other open space owned or managed by VCS organisations Areas of support to be provided are still to be determined, and would be shaped by the steering group, but might include: • shared/pooled approaches to building management and/or maintenance • joint approaches to management and organisational development • joint approaches to developing new uses, activities and revenue-generating activities (e.g. through outreach provision for public services) • shared exploitation of renewable energy opportunities • shared exploration of new funding models such as Community Share Ownership and Crowdfunding • joint bids for investment in new/improved facilities Another angle to explore could be the creation of building trades apprenticeships – perhaps in partnership with a Housing Association or private construction company – to carry out improvements to community facilities. An important aspect of this would be a peer-to-peer learning approach to develop shared approaches to common problems and opportunities.

Evidence of • Localism Bill provides resources and powers for community need/opportunity groups to take on assets/services/facilities from local authorities • Austerity programme has put certain public services and some community facilities at risk • Community right to challenge (services), community right to bid (assets of community value) powers • Rapid pace of change in everything from the nature of public services to renewable energy incentives makes it hard for each community organisation to keep up

Options • Focus exclusively on community buildings, or include parks and/or services • Identify one building/park/service to be an ‘exemplar/pathfinder project for trialling different ideas, e.g. creating a multi-purpose community hub

Potential • CLLD sources of • BIG Lottery: Community Buildings and Reaching funding Communities, Power to Change • Community Assets (through Locality) pre-feasibility and feasibility • Sustainable energy grants such as Shell Springboard • investment programmes such as NCC Loan Fund, Key Fund, BIG Society Capital, Unity Trust, BIG Issue Invest, Community Generation fund • possibly individual, e.g. through crowdfunding!

Key • Active Northumberland partners/Delivery • Development Trusts model • Blyth Valley CVA & Wansbeck CVS • NAREC

Constraints/risks Securing funding Partners agreeing to work together

Benefits Stronger asset management Builds the capacity and sustainability of the community/third sector Economies of scale

Case studies Glendale Gateway Trust, Wooler. Seaton Valley Community Partnership

Project 2 Arts & Cultural Centre in Blyth

Priority themes addressed: • Things to See and Do • Vibrant Shopping Centres

Description Developing an arts/cultural centre in Blyth that would provide a venue for small cultural businesses, for small exhibitions and other cultural activity. Headway Arts in Blyth are developing a proposal, which could be the focus for this project. Stage One of this project would be a detailed feasibility study, building on the work already undertaken by Headway Arts.

Evidence of Shortage of arts venue/exhibition space throughout SEN identified need/opportunity by the Arts Council, BAIT supported to encourage participation due to low levels of people engaged in arts. Ashington has Woodhorn Colliery, Newbiggin has Maritime Centre, Blyth has no dedicated visual arts/cultural space. Potential in Blyth to link to wider visitor offer (beach, park and quayside)

Options • Around nature of facility – what activities to be accommodated/provided? • May be a rationale to also consider provision in other parts of SEN (e.g. Bedlington, Cramlington, Ashington town centre)

Potential sources • EU SIF (ESF via Skills Funding Agency) of funding • Arts Council/Arts Lottery • Lottery Power to Change Trust • NCC • Crowdfunding

Key Headway Arts partners/Delivery Blyth Town Council model

Constraints/risks Securing capital funding Demonstrating viable business plan

Benefits Attracts visitors, improves tourism offer Improves services for arts and culture Creates job opportunities

Project 3 SEN Social Inclusion package

Priority themes addressed: • Routes to Work

Description A cross-organisation partnership approach to social inclusion for those furthest from the Labour Market – building on the work of the County Council’s employability team, BRIC, BAIT and others helping people with multiple barriers access the labour market. Could include action around financial inclusion (particularly linked to managing the impact of transition from fortnightly benefits to monthly payment of Universal Credit and salary, availability of affordable credit and household goods) and digital inclusion.

Evidence of Unemployment and youth unemployment are above the national and need/opportunity Northumberland averages, 11% of young people are NEET. Priority groups excluded from the labour market – young people, people with disabilities, older people, people with mental and physical health barriers.

Options Led by a VCS organisation or by Northumberland County Council? Could be part of a wider geography to be determined by the BIG Lottery

Potential sources BIG Lottery Social Inclusion of funding ESF via Skills Funding Agency/DWP contracting CLLD

Key • NCC partners/Delivery • BRIC model • Real Deal • Buzz Learning • Northern Learning Trust • Other employability providers (via NLEAP)?

Constraints/risks Partnership development

Benefits • People engaged in training and confidence building activity • People volunteering

Strategic fit NCC strategy, BIG Lottery Social Inclusion plans

Case studies Former NEWS partnership approach

Project 4 Employers/Schools partnership

Priority themes addressed: • Routes to Work

Description The establishment of a partnership between schools and businesses in the SEN area. The overall aim would be to develop pupils' understanding of the 'World of Work' and employability skills from an early age. There could a focus on certain sectors, potential growth sectors, such as renewable energy, engineering, housing etc. BITC could be a key link – building on their Business Class Programme. Northumberland college, business ambassadors, STEM ambassadors etc could also be involved in the partnership. This project could help provide information on ‘what employers are looking for’ that could inform the employability provision for adults proposed in Project 3.

Evidence of • In one survey, 88% of young people reported need/opportunity wanting better access to employers to bridge the gap between education and work. • Anecdotal evidence the links between schools and businesses are weak • According to a Deloitte survey, more than half of schools have no contact with businesses, and more than three quarters of primary schools

Options • Target certain sectors? Or certain age groups e.g. primary school children • Broaden to encompass adults seeking work? • Provide a small budget for each school to develop entrepreneurial projects • Build on the work of Blyth Resource and Initiative Centre • Adapt/build on the BITC Business Class Programme

Potential sources of Schools funding NCC

Key partners • Schools, NCC • Northumberland College • BITC Business ambassadors • BRIC • Stem ambassadors • Leading Links (Bedlington)

Constraints/challenges Securing funding, finding willing business/school partners, sustainability

Benefits Plug skills gaps Raise aspirations amongst local schoolchildren Provides better skilled workers Creates new partnerships Makes links between subjects, and careers (e.g. maths and engineering)

Case studies Liverpool compact Education business partnership, social mobility business compact

Project 5 Enhancing the Visitor Offer

Priority themes addressed: • Things to See and Do • Vibrant Shopping Centres

Description Increasing the engagement of voluntary and community heritage and cultural organisations in events and promotion that will raise the profile of SEN as a visitor destination. The sector has the potential to contribute in many ways to bringing people to SEN, including: • Providing volunteers as part of festivals and events • Running cultural activities (e.g. Phoenix Theatre) • Operating local attractions (e.g. Seaton Sluice Watch House) • Supporting attractions (e.g. Friends of Ridley Park) Greater involvement of voluntary and community sector organisations in developing the visitor offer could strengthen community engagement with visitor facilities, increase revenue for VCS-run attractions, and increase the vibrancy and diversity of the area’s offer to visitors.

Evidence of • Untapped potential need/opportunity • Opportunity of Tall Ships visit to Blyth • Development of Seaton Delaval Hall • No visitor strategy or plan currently focussed on the SEN area

Options Alternative is that each area/town pursues own strategy

Potential sources of • CLLD funding • NCC/Northumberland Tourism • Town Councils • Rural tourism action plan

Key partners/Delivery • Northumberland Tourism model • SENTA • Town teams • Town Councils

Constraints/risks Securing funding, agreement from parties to work together, sustainability of impact. Role of Northumberland Tourism Focus on more established offer of rural Northumberland

Benefits • Attracts visitors and improves tourism offer • Improves job opportunities • Brings stakeholders together

Project 6 Well being in SEN

Priority themes addressed: • Well being

Description The development of a package of measures to address mental well being, which is central to helping people move towards employment and creating thriving and resilient communities. Working collaboratively with residents and local organisations to mobilise the skills and talents of people and to empower them to gain a greater sense of control over their mental health and wellbeing. Could include an in-work element, delivering support services to employers across the SEN area, helping them embed wellbeing practices into their organisations. Could create a new social enterprise (e.g. Wellbeing Enterprises in the North West).

Evidence of South East Northumberland has a higher than average level of need/opportunity inactivity due to ill health. Physical and mental health are key barriers to economic and social activity for many.

Options Develop a programme of measures in one area or develop pathfinder projects in different areas? Focus on out-of-work adults or in-work?

Potential sources BIG Lottery Social Inclusion of funding CCGs/NCC Public Health Charitable funders who focus on health such as FIZEL

Key CVSs partners/Delivery Age UK model Other third sector organisations

NCC Public Health department Northumberland Wildlife Trust BAIT ADAPT

Constraints/risks Securing funding How will it be sustained Identifying where health services stop and this starts

Benefits Builds local networks Allows people to play full part in society/community Creates partnerships across health and other sectors

Project 7 Building skills

Priority themes addressed: • Routes to Work • Community Assets

Description The creation of a fund to refurbish run down commercial or residential buildings in the SEN area. Works would be carried out by unemployed people as parted of a structured training/apprenticeship scheme, under the supervision of a project manager. Buildings to be acquired and sold on, or rented out, the proceeds of sale being used to purchase further buildings and sustain the project. There are many examples of similar projects working successful across the country.

Evidence of Unemployment is at X%, youth unemployment at Y%, empty need/opportunity commercial properties on high streets, 11% of young people are NEET

Options • ‘Borrow’ building from owner • Acquire property(s), rent out when refurbished • Acquire property (s) then sell on • Restrict to young/long term unemployed or • Open out to any unemployed

Potential sources of CLLD/Social Inclusion BIG Opt In funding NCC/ARCH DWP or SFA Sub-contracting or ESF Opt In Northumberland College

Key partners/Delivery Rather than set up new enterprise, the project could be model developed and managed by an existing Development Trust, such as Ashington Development Trust who already own and refurbish buildings in their area, or a Registered Social Landlord such as Bernicia, Homes for Northumberland, ARCH or another third sector organisation, or private sector e.g. Esh Group.

Constraints/challenges Securing funding, finding suitable buildings, return on acquisitions (especially in non-residential properties).

Benefits • training and job opportunities • environmental improvements and refurbished buildings • creation of sustainable income

Case studies Sheffield, Bradford, Rochdale, Community Campus (Stockton/Middlesbrough).

Project 8 Healthy Living Parks and Trails

Priority themes addressed: E. Well Being D. Things to See and Do

Description A variation on the concept of healthy living centres. A programme of activity in parks and on trails in SEN would be developed by a partnership (e.g. Council/Active Northumberland, a GP Practice, Clinical Commissioning Group, a University, College, schools). This team would also organise events, create maps, develop fitness routes, run fitness classes etc. The project would change the ways in which parks and walking/cycling trails in SEN are managed and used in order to bring health benefits to the population. It could also encompass a range of other activities to promote healthy living and activity by voluntary sector organisations, such as a healthy eating component, e.g. designating a part of the park as place for growing healthy food, using a horticultural college to help manage this aspect. Activity would be targeted at people with obesity problems, mental health issues, learning disabilities. This could create new revenue streams through CCG commissioning and/or GPs prescribing exercise. Developing and promoting better trails (foot and cycle paths) and promoting their use could also support measures to encourage tourism.

Evidence of An increasing body of research shows that spending time outdoors need/opportunity and enjoying nature is good for us, many parks are under threat from budget cuts. High levels of poor health and low activity in South East Northumberland.

Options Could start with a research project-to measure links between interventions and health improvements, or the efficacy of improving the environment/health opportunities as opposed to interventions aimed at the individual

Potential sources EU SIF (Social Inclusion) of funding Lottery CCGs

Key • Active Northumberland partners/Delivery • Health practices model • CCGs • Public Health team • Schools • A research arm of the university could also be employed, to monitor the impact of the project on the patients

Constraints/risks Identifying the ‘gap’ that is not supported through statutory provision.

Securing funding

Benefits Helps sustain a key community asset Improves health Improves the environment Creates new partnerships Has the potential for developing models (of funding, management, etc, that could be rolled out in other areas)

CROSS-CUTTING APPROACHES The above projects could include measures to increase social capital and promote digital inclusion, creating stronger local networks etc. The package could include a Timebanking scheme, an expansion of existing credit union schemes, digital inclusion initiatives aimed at getting people on line (could target over 50’s), a friendship/networking project to tackle loneliness. Digital inclusion could also provide other support, e.g. around doing benefits claims on line.

VII. Management and Delivery Northumberland!CVA!(the!operating!name!of!Wansbeck!CVS)!will!support!local! partners!to!develop!and!deliver!these!projects,!working!with!local!partners!and! bringing!in!specialist!additional!support!as!required,!subject!to!available! resources.! ! Northumberland!CVA!is!an!infrastructure!organisation!delivering!support! services!to!the!Voluntary!and!Community!Sector!throughout!Northumberland.!! They!have!developed!a!wide!range!of!expertise!and!skills!in!their!service! delivery!that!will!be!deployed!to!design!and!deliver!training,!advice,! consultancy!and!project!management!services!to!meet!the!needs!of!these! projects.!! ! Through!Northumberland!CVA,!a!resource!package!will!be!provided!to!‘kick! start’!delivery!of!these!projects,!starting!with!Project!1!and!moving!on!to!other! projects!as!resources!allow.!!The!support!will!include!a!feasibility/proof!of! concept!fund!to!develop!the!project!ideas!into!funded,!deliverable!projects.! ! The!process!we!envisage!is!shown!in!the!diagram!below.!

! ! ESSEN 1 Potential Delivery Plan: Identify potential project leads and partners

8 3 2 Develop bespoke 4 project plans Identify Discuss terms of development and reference/ Propose support training needs partnership package from arrangements ESSEN partners

Periodic project Project review meetings development and delivery Bespoke support Memorandum of provided by understanding/ ESSEN partners agreement signed Ongoing project management support 5

Networking 1. Ongoing meetings and discussions event to attract 2. Drafted by ESSEN partners 3. Diagnostic to be completed 4. Objectives/ timescales/ outcomes/ delivery agent 5. Strategic overview/networking/ team 7 6 building 6. Terms of reference/ structure/ support Agree Establish project needs management leads and/ or 7. Coordination and support from ESSEN support for leads/ partnerships partnerships 8. Feasibility/ development/ implementation/ timescales/ resources/ shared activity 9. Coordinate meetings/ note taking/ collate updates/ procurement/ development needs/ communications/ governance/ budget monitoring/ sharing best practice/ bid writing/ opportunities