Last night, The Activity Den stepped into a world of pure imagination at the High Sheriff Youth Awards – a spectacular Willy Wonka–themed evening hosted by Point North.
Representing the organisation were our Development Coordinator and Youth Worker, proudly accompanied by three of our young people. For them, the evening was more than just an awards ceremony — it was an opportunity to represent their community, build confidence, and experience something many had never done before.
We are delighted to share that The Activity Den was awarded £2,500, along with an additional £200 Golden Ticket donation, in recognition of our commitment to supporting young people in Tanfield Lea and the wider North Durham area.
Listening to Young People — and Acting on It
The funding will allow us to extend our offer through enriching off-site and high-quality on-site activities that support learning, personal development, positive mental health and social connection.
Through our work as Co-Anchor for North Durham YouthPrint, we regularly gather youth voice from across the region. Young people consistently tell us they want more structured activities and opportunities to experience new things.
Many have shared that more trips would allow them to “experience things we’ve never done and make memories.” Others speak openly about financial pressures at home, lack of transport, or fears about “falling into the wrong crowds” without safe, supported alternatives.
This award enables us to respond directly to that feedback — creating safe, supported opportunities that build confidence, strengthen friendships and open up new experiences.
Why It Matters
The Activity Den is the only project in Tanfield Lea solely dedicated to providing activities for children and young people. Many of the families we support are experiencing poverty, and heavily subsidised provision ensures no child is excluded due to financial hardship.
Alongside rising mental health challenges and limited local provision, projects like ours provide safe spaces, trusted adults, food security, and opportunities for growth.
Our young people tell us:
“I made new friends.”
“I started to enjoy sports.”
“I feel good after coming here.”
Watching three of them stand proudly on stage at the awards ceremony was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
New Connections, New Opportunities
We were fortunate to share our table with an inspiring group of individuals passionate about youth provision. One charity representative was particularly keen to explore how they might support our work further — so watch this space.
In another special moment, a representative from Durham University generously gifted one of our young members her “Golden Ticket,” resulting in an additional £200 donation to The Activity Den — a gesture that perfectly captured the collaborative and uplifting spirit of the evening.
A Word from Our Development Coordinator
“Young people told us clearly what they need — opportunities, experiences and safe spaces to grow. This award recognises not just our work, but their voices. We are incredibly proud of them and excited about what this funding will help us achieve.”
Thank You
We extend our sincere thanks to Point North and their supporters for hosting such an inspiring event and for investing in youth organisations across County Durham.
Most importantly, we thank our young people. Their courage, honesty and ambition continue to shape and strengthen everything we do.
