HoodEx Charity

A huge thank you to everyone who made ‘Into The Unknown’ a success!

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been inspired by the incredible teamwork, determination and generosity shown by everyone involved in EE Payments Support Team’s ‘Into The Unknown’ challenge in support of HoodEx Charity.

A very special thank you goes to Michael Fawcett for organising this fantastic challenge and bringing people together for an adventure that was about so much more than the miles travelled.

Your commitment and enthusiasm have helped raise vital funds while shining a light on the work we do with young people across Tyneside.

We’d also like to thank every member of the EE Payments Support Team who took part, challenged themselves, encouraged each other and helped make the event such a memorable experience.

Thanks to everyone’s incredible efforts, donations and support, the challenge has raised an amazing £1,700 (approx) through charity merchandise sales at The Hub, JustGiving donations and participant entry fees.

Every pound raised will help HoodEx continue providing mentoring, fitness, volunteering opportunities and pathways into education, training and employment for young people who need support, encouragement, and someone to believe in them.

We’re incredibly grateful to have the support of organisations like EE who share our belief that working together can create real opportunities and brighter futures.
Thank you again to Michael, EE Payments Support Team and everyone who donated, participated, or cheered the teams on. We couldn’t do what we do without you.

This weekend, HoodEx trustee Harry will be taking on the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis – and he won't be doing it alone.

Joining him will be one of the young people supported through our Turn-Around Project, making this much more than just a fundraising challenge. It's a chance to celebrate the power of encouragement, resilience and believing in what's possible.

The trek is being led by our Chief Executive, Ron Overton, in his role with Implement UK, alongside supporters from several charities coming together to make a difference.

Every donation will help HoodEx continue supporting young people to build confidence, develop life skills and create brighter futures.

If you'd like to support Harry and HoodEx, you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/charity/hoodexcharity

Good luck to everyone taking part – we're all behind you!

A huge thank you to the incredible EE Payments Support Team!

Yesterday marked the start of their 'Into The Unknown' fundraising challenge in support of HoodEx Charity, and what an amazing start they've made.

Together they're taking on a unique team challenge that celebrates collaboration, resilience and community spirit while raising vital funds to help young people across Tyneside.

We're thrilled to share that they have already raised £67 at The Hub and a further £100 through their JustGiving page – before their entry fees have even been added.

The adventure continues, with more EE Payments Support Team colleagues taking on the challenge today (17 July) and again on 20 and 21 July.

We can't wait to see more teams embracing the challenge and helping to raise even more funds for HoodEx.

Every pound raised helps us provide mentoring, fitness programmes, volunteering opportunities, vocational training, and practical pathways into employment for young people aged 13–22 who need someone to believe in them.

To everyone at EE Payments Support Team – thank you for choosing HoodEx as your charity partner. Your enthusiasm, commitment and generosity are already making a real difference, and we wish every team taking part over the coming days the very best of luck.

We'll be sharing updates as the challenge continues, so keep an eye on our page and join us in cheering everyone on!

Last week we spent some time at NE29 Youth, an event organised by Northumbria Police, that brought together local organisations and Police Cadets from across the area.

It was a great opportunity to meet people who care about many of the same things we do – creating opportunities for young people, helping them build confidence, and supporting them to make positive choices for their future.

One of the best things about events like this is simply making connections. A conversation today can become a partnership, an opportunity, or a source of support for a young person tomorrow.

A big thank you to everyone involved in organising the event. We're looking forward to seeing YouthFest grow and to being part of future events.

Photo caption: Darren Stapleton with Christiane Hiley, Turn-Around Project Coordinator

Last weekend, six brilliant volunteers completed their HoodEx mentor training.

Over the training sessions, there were some really honest conversations, lots of learning, and a shared passion for wanting to support young people in a positive way. These mentors are now ready to be matched with mentees through our Turn-Around Project — and we couldn’t be prouder of them.

A big thank you as well to Christiane and Ron who helped organise and deliver the training. Creating spaces where people can learn, connect, and grow together is such an important part of what makes this project work.

The Turn-Around Project is all about giving young people support, encouragement, and someone to talk to — someone who believes in them and helps them see new possibilities for their future. That kind of support can make a real difference.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a mentor, this is your sign to get involved. You don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers. Just being willing to listen, encourage, and show up for a young person can have a huge impact.
Our next mentor training sessions will be taking place in June and July.

Interested in becoming a mentor or finding out more about the Turn-Around Project? Contact Christiane on [email protected] — we’d love to chat.

Something special is growing at HoodEx
In our latest newsletter:
* We introduce The Hub
* Share new partnerships forming around the charity
* Highlight mentoring stories that remind us why this work matters

If you’d like to follow the journey — and hear about events, volunteering, mentoring, and ways to support local young people — join our mailing list below:
👉 [SIGN-UP LINK] https://nut.sh/ell/forms/379497/e0Hoin

We’re excited to be attending the NE29 Youth event tomorrow. It’s always great to connect with young people, families, and organisations making a difference in the community. If you’re coming along, make sure to stop by and say hello to the HoodEx team - we’d love to meet you! We’ll be there 12-3 pm. NE Youth

We’re delighted to be invited by our local police to take part in this community event.

Opportunities like this matter — bringing people together, building trust, and creating positive connections across our community.

We’re looking forward to being there, meeting local residents, and sharing more about the work we do at HoodEx.

Scale Ben Nevis for HOODEX
“48 Hours Left. This Is It.”

FINAL 48 HOURS
This is it.
Your last chance to join Team HOODEX for the Ben Nevis trek.
After this, registration closes.
No more time to think about it.
No more putting it off.
👉 Sign up now: REGISTER NOW https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ben-nevis-trek-tickets-1985989440879?aff=oddtdtcreator
👉 Take on the mountain
👉 Help change lives
You’ll be glad you did.