A powerful new project supporting LGBTQIA+ people in Gateshead has brought people together through storytelling, thanks to funding from the Community Cohesion and Resilience Programme (CCRP).
The project, titled Stories of Strength, was delivered in partnership between Pride Action North and the PLUS group, offering LGBTQIA+ people a safe, inclusive space to share personal experiences, build community connections, and develop resilience through creative storytelling.
Held in Gateshead, the project featured peer-led support sessions and storytelling workshops. Participants explored themes of identity, wellbeing, and mental health, using storytelling to build confidence and reduce isolation. The sessions were designed to create trust, empathy, and cohesion among a diverse group of participants, those who are often underrepresented in community engagement.
The project directly suppoted two of CCRP’s core aims: bringing communities together in areas facing extremism and division, and raising awareness of the lived experiences of marginalised communities.
“Everyone is talking about queer kids right now, but is anyone actually listening? Stories of Strength gave LGBTQIA+ people in Gateshead the space to speak and be heard.”
A standout output from the project is the creation of a digital storytelling booklet and zine, developed with the support of North East based creative Amy Langdown. These resources showcase the voices of participants and are now being shared with stakeholders to promote better understanding of LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Visit the digital resource hub and access the zine at linktr.ee/storiesofstrength
Funded by Gateshead Council through the Integrated Security Fund (ISF), the CCRP enables voluntary and community organisations to reduce division and strengthen cohesion in at-risk areas.
Through storytelling, Stories of Strength has brought people together, amplified LGBTQIA+ voices, and shown the power of listening in building a more connected, compassionate Gateshead.