About us
Barnabas Safe & Sound are a Morpeth based Charity whose purpose is to make a difference to the lives of young people in Morpeth and Northumberland. We are the realisation and vision of a remarkable local lady called Cecilia Brown. Cecilia cared deeply about her community and wanted to make a social impact by offering young people at risk accommodation and support. Today, the Charity has a diverse and dynamic team of people on board, who are passionate about achieving positive outcomes for young people. Our frontline staff work within the community, offering a range of services for young people. The work we do is embedded within our values:
TRUST – We listen to young people, without judgement because we care about what they think and feel.
COURAGE – We encourage young people to accept themselves and appreciate their own worth so they can build confidence and self-esteem.
INDEPENDENCE – We help young people prepare for real life, by understanding society and how meaningful activity makes a significant contribution to the local community.
Our team wholeheartedly live and work to promote these values.
OUR SERVICES
Our services are based on the needs of young people and follow them on their journey to adulthood.
SAFE & SOUND YOUTH (PREVENTION)
For ages 11 to 19 years
Supporting young people’s journey to independence by raising aspirations. At Barnabas we work hard to build positive relations with young people. Our youth work team are trained to keep young people safe. We understand the issues young people find important, and promise we will always listen, and value young people’s opinions. There is currently no local authority youth provision in Morpeth, so we are the only universal provider of youth work within the town.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD SCHEME – building skills, self-esteem, confidence, and resilience among young people.
PEER MENTORING PROGRAMME – young people supporting young people. Young people have told us they would often rather talk to a peer, than with an adult. Through training, our Mentors are supported to offer a listening ear when young people are in need.
SAFE & SOUND ADVICE (INTERVENTION)
For ages 16 to 25 years
Our advice project is here when young people need help and do not know who to ask. Young people are often too anxious or feel uncomfortable approaching a more formal advice service. Our friendly staff are experienced, supportive, and non-judgemental. We can help make sense of things in an informal setting. Currently, this support is offered on ad hoc basis in response to demand – we work very closely with partner agencies i.e., DWP. In the current quarter, January 2022 to March 2022 we have offered advice to 18 young people. Main themes are around housing crisis, benefits, and wellbeing.
SAFE & SOUND HOMES (CRISIS)
For ages 16 to 25 years
Offering solutions around housing crisis and helping young people to live independently within the community. We have been providing housing solutions to young people in Northumberland since 2001. Over 300 young people have benefitted from our housing project since inception. Young people have a dedicated support worker and are offered a tailored package of support to help them achieve their goals and reach their full potential. We are currently supporting 10 young people within our accommodation project. We are based within the heart of Morpeth town and currently have supported accommodation in both Morpeth and Ashington.
DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH
We are currently refurbishing our undeveloped garage space at our office premises to create a safe space where young people can engage in activities important to them, but more so, a space where they can become invested and feel a sense of belonging. Funds for this are limited so we are continuing works as we fundraise.
Your donations make a BIG difference to our local community project - from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support.
