Northern Rights Social Enterprise Ltd

🎉 First Job Success: Congratulations, Elle! 🎉

When Elle joined Northern Rights, she was looking for support to secure her very first paid job. She also happened to be the first participant on Advisor Luke's caseload, making her journey an especially memorable one.

Already demonstrating commitment and motivation through her volunteer role at Roots for Change, Elle built valuable workplace skills, confidence and experience by regularly supporting the charity shop and taking on increased responsibilities.

To further prepare for employment, Elle attended workplace-focused training sessions delivered by Leigh, helping her understand workplace expectations and build confidence for the transition into work. Elle also attended targeted job search sessions with the Employment Consultants, opening up even more opportunities.

It was during one of these sessions that Employment Consultant Antonia introduced Elle to a Trainee Machinist opportunity with Barbour. Antonia supported Elle with her application, leading to her first ever job interview. With additional interview preparation support from Smart Works, including interview clothing and confidence-building guidance, Elle felt ready to take on the challenge.

We're delighted to share that all of Elle's hard work paid off and she was successfully offered the role!

At her final review, Elle reflected on how much the support from Luke and the wider Employment Consultant team had meant to her.

Congratulations, Elle! 👏 We are incredibly proud of everything you have achieved and wish you every success in your new role with Barbour.

🎉 Congratulations Syeda! A New Chapter Begins at Barbour

Congratulations to Northern Rights participant Syeda Begum, who secured a role as a Sewing Machinist with Barbour and started work in June!

Syeda joined the TARA Year 1 programme in December 2025 and worked closely with her advisor, Akhi, throughout her journey into employment. Akhi provided consistent one-to-one support, helping Syeda build her confidence, identify opportunities, and prepare for the recruitment process.

With encouragement and guidance from Akhi and the wider team, Syeda fully engaged with the programme, attending interview preparation and mock interview sessions, life skills workshops, a Smart Works appointment, and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority Event in Newcastle. Her positive attitude, commitment, and willingness to take part in every opportunity helped her move closer to her goal.

Syeda also brought a wealth of experience as a sewing machinist, and through her hard work and determination, successfully secured a position with the iconic North East brand, Barbour.

Syeda's success shows the impact that personalised support, dedication, and belief in your own abilities can have when working towards employment goals.

👏 A huge well done to Syeda on this fantastic achievement, and we wish her every success in her new role!

💗 **A huge THANK YOU!** 💗

Thanks so much to everyone who helped us raise an amazing **£158 for Breast Cancer Now!** 🎀

A special mention to all our wonderful **Star Bakers** ⭐🧁 and a massive thank you to **Katie, Kassy and Elliot** for managing the cake stall and helping make it such a success! 🍰👏

A huge thank you to everyone who supported us and helped make it such a success! 💕🎀

Been out of work for a while? We get it.

Whether it’s low confidence, health issues, or just not knowing where to start — we help people take that first step.

📍 South Shields Business Works, Henry Robson Way, NE33 1RF
🌐https://northernrights.org.uk/
📞0191 917 7910

🌟 Restart Success Story – Congratulations Nabila! 🌟

We’re delighted to share the fantastic journey of Nabila, who was referred to our Restart team.

Following some recent challenges, Nabila’s confidence had taken a little dip. Her Restart Advisor Shelagh supported her to complete courses covering Self-Confidence, Resilience, Self-Awareness and Working with Others.

Nabila really enjoyed the sessions with Skills Trainer Leigh and found them incredibly beneficial in helping her rebuild her confidence, recognise her strengths and start believing in herself again. 💪✨

As Nabila’s confidence grew, her Advisor also worked with her to tweak and strengthen her CV. Before long, Nabila started securing interviews — giving her confidence another fantastic boost!

Her hard work and determination truly paid off. 🎉 Nabila attended an interview for a Medical Receptionist/Pharmacy role and we’re delighted to say that she was successful! 🥳

A huge CONGRATULATIONS, Nabila! 🎊 Your journey is a brilliant example of how rebuilding confidence, developing new skills and never giving up can lead to fantastic opportunities.

We wish Nabila every success in her new role! 🌟

🎉 Success Story: Congratulations, Rubin! 🎉

A huge congratulations to Rubin, who has recently secured a role with Vistara Consulting Group and started on Monday 20th July! 👏

Rubin currently studies a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts at South Tyneside College. Alongside his studies, he volunteers as a chaperone for the Drama Geeks group and previously worked with Psychopath Acting – an experience he thoroughly enjoyed.

Although Rubin had enjoyed his previous experience with Psychopath Acting, the thought of stepping into a new employment opportunity was understandably daunting. His advisor Nikki took the time to build a strong understanding of Rubin as an individual — getting to know his interests, strengths, and the areas where he needed additional support.

Recognising that traditional appointments were not always the best approach for Rubin, Nikki adapted sessions to suit his needs.

It quickly became clear that Rubin's biggest strength is his incredible personality. His passion for performing, confidence in engaging with others, and natural charisma pointed towards roles in retail and sales. Together, they worked on strengthening his CV, identifying suitable opportunities, submitting applications, and preparing for interviews so Rubin felt confident and ready to take the next step.

Ahead of starting work, Nikki also provided practical support by helping Rubin access suitable workwear and travel costs, ensuring he had everything he needed to begin his new role with confidence.

The hard work has certainly paid off! 🌟

Rubin has settled into his new role brilliantly, receiving fantastic feedback from his team leader. Even while still in training, he has already achieved his first sale – an incredible accomplishment and a sign of great things to come.

Watching Rubin's confidence, determination, and character grow throughout his journey has been fantastic, and we couldn't be prouder of everything he has achieved.

👏 Massive congratulations, Rubin! We can't wait to see what you achieve next. Wishing you every success in your new role! 🎉

We're incredibly proud to have played a small part in this truly inspiring journey. 💙

Congratulations to the amazing Year 13 students from Harton Academy on completing such an unforgettable expedition to Kenya. From supporting local schools and communities in Embu to conquering Mount Kenya and experiencing Kenya's incredible wildlife, you've shown compassion, resilience and determination every step of the way.

At Northern Rights, we were honoured to provide educational resources for the schools the students visited. Education has the power to create opportunity, and we're proud to support initiatives that inspire learning, build connections and make a lasting difference across communities.

A huge well done to every student, the staff, Moving Mountains charity, and everyone who made this life-changing experience possible. You've all made a real impact and should be incredibly proud. 👏🌍💙

Live in South Tyneside and Looking for Work? We’re Here to Help! 💼

If you're currently out of work, not in training or education, and feel like you're stuck or unsure what to do next — our North East Mayoral Strategic Authority funded Connect to Work programme is here to support you. 🧭

We offer free, 1-to-1 support to help you move forward at your pace — whether that’s preparing for employment, finding the right training, or rebuilding confidence.

Whether you’re
✅ Returning to work after caring for family
✅ Living with a health condition or disability
✅ Facing housing or financial challenges
✅A young person unsure about your next steps
✅At Risk of losing your job
Or simply need some extra support to get back on track

We’ll support you with:
💡 Career advice and planning
📝 Help with CVs, applications, and interviews
🎓 Access to local training and qualifications
📲 Help with digital skills
🚶 Confidence building and personal development
🤝 Real links to local employers actively recruiting

To find out more: https://northernrights.org.uk/connect-to-work/
Or call us on 0191 917 7910

👷‍♀️ Are you a local employer with vacancies?
We work in partnership with employers across South Tyneside — if you're hiring, message us! We can help connect you with the right people who are ready and keen to get into work.

📩 Drop us a message to chat about joining the programme or tag someone who might benefit from this support 👇

On Monday our Health Champions Andrea & Janine went to the Better Health at Work Awards ceremony hosted at the Town Hall.

They collected our Silver Better Health at Work award which we worked towards over 2025, we ran campaigns on Mental Health & Stress Awareness, Work Life Balance, Social Isolation & Loneliness & Physical Health Awareness. Through these campaigns our lunch break room was developed and also the Northern Rights Support Wall which has a variety of support services for not only staff but our participants to access and take away any of the leaflets for the services they would like to find out more about.

A surprise on the day was that Andrea, our Health Champion and Senior Occupational Therapist was awarded the Special Recognition Award for her outstanding efforts throughout our Better Health at Work journey.

Awards were given out by the South Tyneside Mayor Cllr Stan Wildhirt who was very interested in the work going on in local organisations. Mayoress Dawn Wildhirt very kindly gave Andrea & Janine a tour of the Mayors chambers and told them a bit about the history of the town hall and the duties involved with being Mayor and Mayoress of our amazing South Tyneside area.

Many thanks go to Patrick McKeown & Caroline Hall for their support during our journey with Better Health at Work.

🌟 We're at Hebburn Central today until 4:30pm! 🌟

Looking to boost your health and wellbeing? 💚

Come along to the Connected Health and Leisure Event for a FREE afternoon of movement, learning, and local support.

✨ Discover local health and wellbeing services
🏃 Find fun ways to get active
🤝 Meet friendly local organisations
💬 Get advice, information, and support

Whether you're taking the first step on your wellbeing journey or looking for new opportunities to stay active, we'd love to meet you!

📍 Hebburn Central
🕟 Today until 4:30pm

Come and say hello – we look forward to seeing you! 😊