Community Exchange is a wellbeing programme created by to bring people together across the northern wards of Newcastle through conversation, connection, shared experiences and culturally welcoming activities.
Running across areas including Castle, Parklands, Gosforth, Kenton, Dene & South Gosforth, Fawdon & West Gosforth, Manor Park & North Jesmond – the project supports African, Asian, Middle Eastern and other marginalised communities who may experience isolation, loneliness or limited access to activities and spaces where they feel represented and understood.
At its heart, Community Exchange is about people. It’s about creating relaxed and welcoming spaces where community members can meet others, build friendships, share experiences and feel part of something local and supportive.
What We Will Offer
Throughout the programme, Teakisi delivers small and accessible sessions in trusted local venues including community centres, libraries and family hubs. Sessions are designed to feel informal, welcoming and community-led rather than structured or intimidating.
Activities may include:
- Listening circles and community conversations
- Shared meals and social gatherings
- Light wellbeing workshops
- Creative and cultural activities
- Gentle movement and mindfulness sessions
- Skills sharing and peer learning
- Discussions around identity, belonging and community life
- Confidence-building and social connection activities
Each session encourages people to take part in ways that feel comfortable for them. Some may come simply for company and conversation, while others may want to share ideas, experiences or skills with others in the group.
Why The Project Matters
Many mainstream activities and services can feel inaccessible or unfamiliar for people from marginalised backgrounds, particularly when there are language, cultural or confidence barriers. Community Exchange responds directly to this by creating spaces that feel welcoming, culturally aware and rooted within local neighbourhoods.
The project will help reduce social isolation, strengthen emotional wellbeing and encourage peer support between people who may otherwise not have opportunities to connect.
Community Exchange also recognises that wellbeing does not always come from formal services alone. Sometimes it grows through simple things like conversation, laughter, shared food, creativity and knowing there are people around you who understand your experiences. Community Exchange is not only about reducing isolation in the present moment — it is about helping create stronger community relationships for the future.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Residents of the areas mentioned that would like to come to at least one of the sessions, should register below – someone from Teakisi will get in touch with further details about session dates and locations.