WE GO WHERE THEY ARE.
650
APRIL 2026
CONFERENCE
14
FIRST-TIME
COMMITMENTS
10
OUTREACH SESSIONS
IN 2026
30+
TRAINED
VOLUNTEERS
THE PROBLEM
YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE NORTH EAST ARE BEING LEFT BEHIND.
The North East has the highest rate of child poverty in England. Parts of Newcastle and North Tyneside rank among the 10% most deprived communities nationally. WHISP exists to fill the gap — not from behind a desk, but on the ground.
— Social isolation — many young people have no trusted adult outside their immediate family.
— NEET rates — the North East consistently records some of the highest rates of young people not in education, employment or training.
— Mental health — youth services are overstretched; demand far outstrips provision.
— Lack of community — young people drift into harmful environments simply because nothing better is available.
HOW WE WORK
FROM THE STREET
TO LASTING CHANGE.
Our model is relational and sustained. We go where young people already are, build genuine trust, and walk alongside them — connecting them to mentorship, community, and support over time.
01
STREET
OUTREACH
Volunteers go into Newcastle city centre, parks and estates — having real conversations with young people who would never walk through a door.
04
REFERRAL &
SUPPORT
Where young people have specific needs — housing, education, mental health — we make warm referrals and actively follow up.
02
MENTORSHIP
One-to-one and small group sessions building confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose — sustained over months, not a single encounter.
05
CHURCH NETWORK
We partner with churches across Newcastle so young people are connected to ongoing community beyond WHISP events — not left without support.
03
COMMUNITY
EVENTS
Large gatherings that create belonging, celebrate young people, and connect them to a wider community of peers and role models across the city.
06
LONG-TERM PRESENCE
Active since October 2021. This is not a programme — it is a movement.
WHO WE REACH
THE ONES OTHERS MISS.
WHISP specifically engages people least likely to access structured support — those who distrust institutions, have no mentors in their lives, or have simply fallen through the gaps.
— People aged 16–30 across Newcastle and North Tyneside
— People from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities
— People who are NEET or at risk of becoming so
— People with limited family or social support networks
GOVERNANCE
ROOTED IN
THE COMMUNITY.
WHISP operates under the charitable governance of RCCG Restoration Chapel, a registered charity based in North Shields. All activity is covered by the charity's safeguarding policy, trustee oversight, and financial accountability.
"We are not here to run events. We are here to change the trajectory of a generation in the North East."
VICTOR DINA - WHISP COORDINATOR
THIS IS A MOVEMENT.
Since October 2021, WHISP has been present week after week in the streets and lives of young people across Newcastle. Our work does not stop after an event. It continues — relationship by relationship.
PARTNERSHIPS
STRONGER
TOGETHER.
We work in active partnership with organisations across Newcastle and North Tyneside to maximise reach and connect young people to the support they need.
PARISH NETWORK
A growing coalition of parishes across the North East contributing volunteers, resources and community connections to WHISP outreach.
NEWCASTLE FAITH COMMUNITY
Partner churches providing follow-on discipleship and ongoing community for young people connected through WHISP events.
VOLUNTEER NETWORK
30+ trained volunteers across Newcastle delivering street outreach, mentorship and event support.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Regular gatherings and conferences that bring young people together and build lasting community connection across the city.
GOVERNED BY
RCCG Restoration Chapel — Registered Charity
NEXT MAJOR EVENT
Street Engagement Event — July 4th 2026
LOCATION
Greys Monument — 2PM
CONTACT