Communities

We specialise in working with the people and communities of Tyneside - connecting creativity, health and wellbeing. 

For over 20 years we have developed inspiring museum programmes that recognise the positive health impacts of cultural participation.  

We believe in strategic partnerships and work with health and care professionals, local authorities, universities, charities and support services. Our programmes have been devised based on robust research identifying areas of need in our region.  

We care about the health and economic inequalities in the North East and by fusing creativity with health and wellbeing we aim to create a healthier, happier and more equal society. 

Our programmes are mission-driven: 

To welcome and connect people to the past, present and future of the North East through stories, shared spaces and experiences.

And rooted in the five ways to wellbeing: 

• Being connected 
• Being active 
• Taking notice 
• Giving to others 
• Learning new things. 

We listen, reflect, and respond to what people want and need within our programmes. 

We work with partners to run projects, host special events, offer social prescribing opportunities, provide training, create resources to be used across sectors and much more. We do this in our venues, in the community, in clinical settings and online. 

The Wellbeing Programme - for promoting positive mental health recovery and general wellbeing. 

The Platinum Programme - for over-55s.

The Recovery Programme at the Shipley Art Gallery for people in addiction recovery and/or people working with the Criminal Justice System. 

Community Network Programmes across North and South Tyneside - Including working with older people, health and wellbeing groups and refugee and asylum seekers 

Since 2018/19 we have engaged with over 15,000 people and over 1000 community, health workers and support staff through our programmes. We have collaborated with over 200 different community partners and organisations; locally, nationally and internationally to design creative programmes, resources, workshops, events and exhibitions that bring people together, support communities and improve their health and wellbeing.  

• 89% of the 6000 people we worked with reported greater social engagement beyond sessions.  
• 83% of people we have worked with showed increased confidence.  
• 98% of people who participated within our programmes reported sharing their thoughts, experiences and knowledge with others.  

Slow Museums

A welcoming environment for anyone who needs more time to visit museums and galleries. 

• New sessions coming soon

Museum Socials

A free, drop-in coffee event at the museum.

• 15 October 2024 - Discovery Museum

Meet @ the Laing

A great opportunity to meet new people, socialise and improve your wellbeing. 

• New sessions coming soon