Community Welcomes The Friendly Bench at Howdon, Wallsend: A Hub of Well-being and Inclusivity"

We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to The Friendly Bench Network, and this time it's in the heart of Howdon, Wallsend.

Located right outside Howdon Community Hub, The Friendly BenchⓇ will be managed and operated by Family Gateway, a remarkable charity dedicated to supporting children, young people, and their families across the North East. Their services range from youth and crime diversion to education, mental and physical well-being, making them a perfect fit for our community-focused initiative.

This new Friendly Bench promises to be a hub of activity and support for the entire neighbourhood. It will serve as a meeting point for the Bread and Butter club, provide a space for Peter's gardening club for young people, and offer a gathering place for various well-being groups, dementia groups, young people gardening, and nature enthusiasts, mental health support and disability groups, walking groups, and violence reduction groups. It's a diverse and inclusive space for all to come together.

Lyndsey Young, Founder of The Friendly Bench CIC, said, "We are absolutely thrilled to introduce The Friendly Bench to Howdon, Wallsend, and to have Family Gateway as our newest Network Member. Working with a team so devoted to the well-being of their community is truly inspiring. We are eager to see the wonderful activities and events they have in store for The Friendly Bench Howdon. We believe it will become a welcoming space where everyone is embraced, support is readily available, and positive friendships will flourish and thrive."

Finally, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Graeme Heron, OP‑REGEN Volunteer Coordinator & Hub Administrator at Walking with the Wounded and the local Veteran's comm

unity for their invaluable support in bringing this project to fruition.

More information about what will be happening at The Friendly BenchⓇ Howdon can be found on their social media pages Twitter: @FamilyGatewayUK Facebook: @FamilyGatewayUK or you can email Peter White at peter.white@familygateway.co.uk