New drop in group launches in South Shields

Our Communities team has launched a new weekly drop in group to extend its services across the South Tyneside area.

The Haven Point drop in takes place every Wednesday from 10am to 12 noon at Haven Point Leisure Centre, South Shields.

The group provides a safe, accessible and welcoming space for people with a learning disability and autistic people to meet others, share ideas and find out about activities, volunteering opportunities and local support.

Our Communities team is already well established in South Tyneside, with regular groups running in Jarrow and Boldon, alongside activities delivered in popular community venues across South Shields.

Through these sessions, the team offers a wide range of health, wellbeing, educational and support services. The new Haven Point drop-in builds on this work, creating more opportunities for people to connect with their community.

Leah Kennedy, Head of Communities at Your Voice Counts, said:

“We want people to feel included, valued and supported to take part in community life. We have a team of passionate and caring enablers that help people build confidence, develop skills and form relationships that connect them to their communities so they can both contribute and receive support.

"As we begin 2026, our focus is on strengthening community connections and ensuring people have circles of support to turn to during times that can feel isolating or uncertain. Our new drop in group is another way for us to reach the people who need us and I'm excited to see it develop alongside our other services as we move through the year."

Karen Baines, Client Services Lead at Your Voice Counts, said:

"We are delighted to be launching a new regular session at Haven Point and are grateful for the support we have received from the staff here. This drop in will provide an opportunity for people who have a learning disability and autistic people to build connections, feel supported and get the help they need in a welcoming environment. We can't wait to get it up and running."

About the drop in

The Haven Point drop in offers:

• A welcoming, safe and inclusive environment

• Activities shaped by the people who attend

• Opportunities to meet others and build confidence

• Advice and support from our team, including peer support workers with lived experience

• A chance to become a visible, valued part of local community life.

Find out more

If you’d like more information or would like to make a referral to the Communities team, please contact us:

• 0191 478 6472

• mail@yvc.org.uk

• www.yvc.org.uk/support