Looking back on Know Your Neighbourhood

Our Know Your Neighbourhood project came to an end in March 2026 after two fantastic years of helping people with learning disabilities and autistic people in South Tyneside.

The project was designed to help people develop their skills, confidence and social networks to reduce social isolation and help people become more involved in their local communities.

Over the last year, 29 people took part in the project, supported by eight volunteers and two staff members with lived experience.

Activities focused on helping people plan and take part in social opportunities, with workshops covering communication, planning, friendships and travel skills. Participants then put these skills into practice through activities and trips across the North-East, including visits to the Great North Museum, Beamish Museum and regular trips to the cinema.

Through these activities, participants built confidence using public transport, planning journeys, accessing local facilities and forming new friendships and support networks.

Feedback about Know Your Neighbourhood

“I enjoyed the whole project of Know Your Neighbourhood. I loved the days out and everything about it, my favourite thing was the cinema trip and the trip to Beamish Museum. I have felt I’ve learnt a lot while on this project. I plan to go many other places in the future.”

“I plan to go out a lot more and try new places and do new things. I’ve enjoyed the whole project.”

“Enjoyed the whole project, spending time with a nice group of people and going to different places. It has given me a chance to meet new people.”

“I thought the project was fab, enjoyed going to the cinema and beamish. I plan to go again in the future.”

Know Your Neighbourhood has been an incredibly rewarding project for Your Voice Counts. We’ve seen friendships formed, confidence grow and people discover new activities and hobbies. We hope everyone who took part continues to stay connected and enjoy getting out and about in their communities.

Thank you to all of the participants and volunteer who made Know Your Neighbourhood possible.