We run and support a range of activities that bring people together and help our communities thrive. These activities bring people together, helping neighbours connect, learn new skills and take part in events in their community.
We’re out in our communities every day, creating opportunities for people to get involved. We support green spaces, clean spaces, warm spaces and active spaces.
Below are some of the ways we help people and communities. You can also read our annual report to find out more.
To see what’s coming up, visit our events calendar, where you can find upcoming activities and register your interest.
Drop in to our hubs in Newbiggin, Bedlington and Ashington.
Get advice and support
Learn skills such as cookery and gardening
Get help with maths, English and digital skills
Open Monday to Thursday, xxx am to yyy pm.
We have a number of community hubs that local groups can use to run activities and support their community.
Our hubs are located in:
Seahouses
Silksworth
Ashington (Bothal Cottages)
Pelaw View, Sherburn Road Estate, Durham
Pelaw View hosts a range of groups and activities, including a lunch club, parent and toddler groups, and fitness sessions.
We support a range of community projects delivered in partnership with local organisations. You can see examples of this work in our news feed.
If your organisation runs projects that bring real benefits to local people, we’d be happy to hear from you. Get in touch and we’ll consider how we may be able to support your project.
We offer grants to community groups running small projects that support Bernicia tenants or the areas where they live.
Grants are available between £x and £y to help fund activities that bring people together, improve wellbeing or support local communities.
Your group may be able to apply if:
Your project benefits Bernicia tenants or communities where they live
Your organisation is a community group, charity or local organisation
The project delivers clear benefits for local people
Complete the online application form
Tell us about your project and how it will support local people
Our team will review your application and contact you with the outcome
Applications are reviewed regularly throughout the year
You will normally hear back from us within xx weeks
Examples of projects we have supported include:
Community activities and events
Wellbeing and support groups
Skills and learning sessions
Projects that improve shared spaces
Contact us to find out more about applying for a community grant.
Here you can see the community activities and events planned for 2026.
Find out what’s coming up in your area and register your interest to be notified when new activities and opportunities open.
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APRIL |
April 2026 – date and time to be confirmed Young Peoples Easter Activities📍 Location to be confirmed Join us this Easter for fun activities for young people in our communities. It’s a great chance to meet others, try something new and enjoy the school holidays. Activities include games, creative sessions and outdoor fun. Want to join? Register your interest with us. |
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OCT |
October 2026 – date and time to be confirmed Halloween Party📍 Location to be confirmed Join us for a fun Halloween party in your community. Come along in your favourite costume, meet new people and enjoy a spooktacular evening. There will be games, music and activities for young people and families to enjoy. Want to join? Register your interest with us. |
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DEC |
December 2026 – date and time to be confirmed Christmas Party📍 Location to be confirmed Join us for a festive Christmas party in your community. It’s a great chance to celebrate together, meet neighbours and enjoy some seasonal fun. There will be music, games and activities for young people and families to enjoy. Want to join? Register your interest with us. |
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Our case studies share real examples of how Bernicia Communities is making a difference.
They highlight the people, projects and partnerships that help bring our work to life, from supporting someone into work to helping communities come together through local activities. These stories show how our programmes, partners and the work of Bernicia help people build skills, gain confidence and take part in opportunities in their community.
Bernicia worked with Big River Bakery to support people looking to build skills and move towards employment. The free ten-week ‘One Loaf at a Time’ course gives tenants and people in local communities the chance to learn baking skills, gain qualifications and build confidence in a…
Learning new skills, meeting tenants, and taking guidance from his mentors have been a priority for him.
I really identify with the Housing People, Helping People culture and values. It’s something I believe in, and that’s why I definitely wanted to work at Bernicia. I love my colleagues, it’s a great company to work for with a day-to-day job I love. It’s such a satisfying feeling being able to help people.
Interested in working at Bernicia? Take a look at our current job vacancies and apprenticeship opportunities to see what roles are available and how you could start your career with us.
Interested in working at Bernicia? Take a look at our current job vacancies and apprenticeship opportunities to see what roles are available and how you could start your career with us.