Because YOU CAN!

We understand that sometimes things which might appear to be easy for some people are not easy for everyone, all the time. At different points in our lives, we all experience barriers to pursuing our goals, being motivated or taking part in activities outside of our comfort zone. Often, sharing your experiences of challenges with another person or asking for help can be a step towards overcoming them.

The CAN project helps 14 – 25 year olds from Newcastle and Gateshead who may require support to transition into adulthood or make steps towards improving their confidence and reducing isolation. CAN aim to support young adults to overcome any barriers affecting them to move forward in their lives.

A mentor programme with a difference, it connects them with someone who can provide assistance tailored to their needs and ambitions. In the past, the programme has helped young people to:

–  access different support services to improve their living situation –

–  settle into independent living –

–  attend community activities they did not feel confident to participate in alone –

–  identify positive ways to grow their social networks –

–  explore their hopes and goals for the future –

Want to hear from someone who has taken part? Read Omar and Kim’s experience of the CAN project.

If you are a young person who could benefit from a CAN mentor:

A CAN mentor will be matched with you based on what you want to get out of the project, and your interests and experiences. So, whether you want someone to talk to, someone to help you take part in activities or to connect with others, CAN is here to support you… because YOU CAN!

Applications can be made via our online application form, or if you would like to talk to someone first, contact the team at [email protected].

If you know a young person who could benefit from a CAN mentor:

If you think the CAN project could benefit a young person you know, we can accept referrals onto the project. Whether you’re a parent, carer, youth worker, teacher or health practitioner, after referral we can work with you and the young person to understand and explain how the project could help them.

Referral applications can be made via our online application form, or if you would like to talk to someone first, contact the team at [email protected].

We are not currently taking on any new volunteers for this role. If you are interested in other volunteering opportunities, please check out this page.

Why Children North East?

Children North East exists because growing up can be hard. We create life-changing differences for babies, children and young people in their families, schools and communities. since 1891 we have worked across our region giving help to young people at the times it can make the biggest difference and for over 20 years our Young People and SEND & Neurodiversity Teams have run specialist services for teenagers and young adults.

We work hard to ensure our services meet the needs of young people from a diverse range of backgrounds and needs, with resident expertise on LGBTQ+, SEND, Sexual Health and Gender Diversity, as well as on-site counsellors. Our organisation has long-standing experience of delivering impactful mentoring programmes, reaching hundreds of young people in 2020 through the CAN programme, peer-mentoring support and schools mentoring projects.