A charity that helps refugees settle into life in North Tyneside is set to benefit, thanks to the fundraising efforts and compassion of a group of young people.
North Tyneside Council’s Youth Council has announced that Wallsend-based ‘Walking With’ will be the focus of its support over the next year.
The Youth Council is made up of 50 youth councillors, aged between 11 and 19-years-old, who represent the views and ideas of other young people in the borough.
Each year the youngsters choose a charity to support and they unanimously decided on ‘Walking With’ – a charity that provides assistance to asylum seekers, refugees and those in need – for the next 12 months.
As well as fundraising and collecting donations of clothing and food, they’ll also offer friendship to the young people the charity helps.
Young Mayor, 16-year-old Kieran Archer said: “We are really pleased to be supporting ‘Walking With’.
“It saddens me to know that innocent people must flee their homes to escape conflicts they have no part in.
“The Youth Council and I look forward to helping this very worthy charity to carry out its admirable goal of supporting refugees who have entered the country.”
The announcement comes as the Youth Council is thanked for a successful year supporting Age UK North Tyneside, which saw over £550 raised through bag packs and raffles.
Alma Caldwell, Chief Executive, Age UK North Tyneside, said: “We were delighted to receive this donation and support from the borough Youth Council. It is wonderful to see our young people recognising the needs of some older people in our community.
“We have already used the funds to support and train another 10 volunteer ‘befrienders’ who reach out to lonely older people who may otherwise see or talk to no one all week. I’m know those older people would very much like to thank them too.”