Youth justice charities announce merger

The move sees NCAC’s services, delivering volunteer mentoring support to young offenders and those at risk of offending, merged into NE Youth’s broader network of services for young people that spans 12 council areas in the North East of England.

NCAC’s latest accounts filed with the Charity Commission show it spent £267,619 for the financial year ending May last year, however its income over this period was £206,355.

• Children's Workforce Guide to Qualifications and Training 2023/24

• Youth organisations face changing landscape of residential schemes

“Small charities have found the last few years particularly challenging,” said NCAC chair Sheila Proudlock.

“I am confident that by joining with NE Youth, an organisation which shares the same values and dedication, our intensive mentoring programmes will be sustained and developed.”

Heather Armstrong, head of youth and community programmes at NCAC, added: “As the landscape for small charities has changed and continues to be increasingly challenging, now is a brilliant time for us to merge with NE Youth; to not only sustain our vital work but to grow and develop and offer our unique support to more children, young people and families.”

Through the merger NCAC’s six staff and 30 volunteers will join NE Youth, which had an income of almost £958,582 and spent £873,560 for the year ending May 2022, according to the Charity Commission.

The merger “will add so much value to our work and efforts to make a positive difference to the lives of thousands of young people in our region,” said NE Youth chief executive Jon Niblo.

“By coming together, we will strengthen our offer, attract more opportunities, and ensure young people get the support they need.” 

According to its 2022/23 annual report NE Youth supported 2,384 young people over the last year.