Music project hits right note in Gateshead

A Gateshead-based youth initiative is helping young people turn away from anti-social behaviour through creative music sessions in a public setting.

The Good Vibes project, delivered at Gateshead Interchange, has already engaged 86 young people, with weekly sessions attracting up to 25 participants.

Developed by Gateshead Football Club Foundation and delivered by Northern Pulse, the programme offers DJ and MC workshops designed to build confidence, skills and a sense of belonging.

Held every Thursday evening, the sessions provide a safe and visible space for young people to express themselves, with passers-by often stopping to watch performances.

Part of a wider prevention programme funded by the Young Futures Prevention Panel, the initiative brings together organisations including Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and Gateshead Council.

Early results show the project is successfully supporting individuals previously linked to anti-social behaviour, demonstrating the role creative activities can play in reducing crime and strengthening communities.

Susan Dungworth, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, 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.

“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, added: “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, added: “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.”

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