Two youth charities based in the North East of England have merged in an effort to strengthen their support for youth across the region.
NE Youth, which runs youth programmes across 12 local authority areas, has today added the Northumbria Coalition Against Crime (NCAC) to its portfolio of services.
Six staff and 30 volunteers have joined NE Youth from the NCAC, which was founded 30 years ago and educated children and young people on the impact of crime.
An NE Youth spokesperson told Third Sector that no redundancies were made as a result of the merger.
NE Youth will retain its name and branding.
In a statement announcing the merger, Jon Niblo, chief executive of NE Youth said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome the NCAC team to NE Youth. Their unique diverse service will add so much value to our work and efforts to make a positive difference to the lives of thousands of young people in our region.
“By collaborating we are strengthening our offer – not only to young people but to funders and statutory organisations.”
Niblo said the merger was a strategic move that would “help attract new opportunities, grow our teams and create a sustainable future for both charities and the people and communities they support.”
Heather Armstrong, head of youth community programmes at NCAC, has retained her responsibilities after the merger, the charity confirmed.
A spokesperson for NE Youth confirmed that Armstrong would form an integral part of the youth work and programmes team and the services NE Youth offers.
In a statement, Armstrong said: “As the landscape for small charities has changed and continues to be increasingly challenging, now is a brilliant time for us to merge with NE Youth; to not only sustain our vital work but to grow and develop and offer our unique support to more children, young people and families, as well as offer greater opportunities and development for our dedicated and talented staff and volunteers.”
Martin Cave, chair of NE Youth, said the charity’s trustees had “collectively and unanimously decided to welcome NCAC to NE Youth”.
He said: “This hasn’t been a quick process, undertaking due diligence ensuring this was the right fit for both parties and the young people we support. Our culture and values are closely aligned and together we will champion positive change within our communities and support young people to have the future they deserve.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone that has been involved in making this merger happen. It will help deliver even more impactful work in communities across the whole region.”