Young lives demand better. Young lives deserve better.

Children North East’s new five-year strategy for 2026 – 2031 sets out our vision to ensure that all babies, children and young people grow up happy, healthy, safe and supported.

For more than 130 years, Children North East has worked alongside communities to tackle the challenges facing children and families. The new strategy builds on this legacy while responding to the growing pressures of poverty, inequality, poor mental health and increasing demand on public services.

At the heart of the strategy is a clear mission: all babies, children and young people grow up happy and healthy.

The organisation’s direction has been shaped by the voices of children, young people, families, partners and funders, who consistently identified the need for earlier help, stronger family support and services that understand the realities of poverty and inequality. Children North East believes that no child should be disadvantaged by where they are born or by the barriers they face. Through collaboration with schools, health services, local authorities, community organisations and families themselves, the charity aims to create lasting positive change across the region and beyond.

Download our 2026 - 2031 Strategy Here

The strategy focuses on five key priorities identified through extensive consultation and analysis of regional data and evidence.

Early Intervention and Prevention

Children North East will focus on providing support as early as possible, including during the first 1,001 days of a child’s life, helping families access timely support before challenges escalate into crisis.

Mental Health

With increasing levels of anxiety, depression and unmet need among children and young people, the charity will continue to expand access to emotional wellbeing support and challenge the stigma surrounding mental health.

Poverty

Recognising the significant impact of poverty on children’s lives and opportunities, Children North East will strengthen its poverty alleviation work and continue influencing systems and services to reduce hardship and improve outcomes for families.

Neurodivergence and SEND

The charity is committed to creating a more inclusive society for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, embedding neuro-affirmative practice and supporting families to access the right help at the right time.

Family Support

Building on decades of experience, Children North East will continue delivering practical, community-based family support that strengthens relationships, improves wellbeing and helps children thrive.

 

Three Strategic Goals

To deliver on these priorities, the organisation has identified three strategic goals.

Empower Voices by ensuring babies, children and young people are at the centre of decision-making and that their experiences shape services, policy and advocacy.

Extend Our Reach by growing services, reaching new communities and increasing support for children and families across the North East and beyond.

Increase Our Impact by using evidence, research and data more effectively to improve services, influence policy and demonstrate meaningful outcomes for children and families.

 

Looking Towards 2031

By 2031, Children North East aims to be recognised as a leader in poverty-informed practice and systems change, helping to shape service design across the region and nationally. Most importantly, the organisation wants children and young people’s voices to be influencing the decisions and policies that affect their lives.

 

Together, we can create real, lasting impact, giving every baby, child and young person the happy start in life they deserve.