The Hargreaves Foundation supports Cornerstone Benwell

The trustees of the Hargreaves Foundation are pleased to announce that funding has been awarded to Cornerstone Benwell, a community charity that works to provide a range of compassionate, practical and creative initiatives for residents of Newcastle’s West End. These efforts are targeted at reducing isolation and promoting inclusion among young people and other vulnerable groups.

Young people growing up in poverty face limited opportunities, lower confidence and fewer chances to develop practical life skills. In Newcastle’s West End, which is one of the most deprived areas in the UK, many children lack access to creative, hands-on learning that builds self-esteem and independence. Children from low-income families are more likely to struggle at school, face long-term unemployment, and be influenced by traditional gender or cultural expectations. In the construction industry, just 11% of workers are women (1% on the tools) and only 5.4% are from BAME backgrounds.

This funding will enable Cornerstone Benwell to provide design and construction classes for 444 children and young people through the Sturdy Foundations project. This project engages young participants to help design and construct everything from bird boxes to seating areas, forest school structures, and upgrades to local buildings, gaining experience in teamwork, tool use, design thinking, and leadership. By helping children discover their potential and make visible, positive contributions to their area, a sense of ownership, belonging and pride in both their work and themselves is fostered. The project inspires future aspirations while creating tangible benefits for the wider community.