Information
Who can attend?
Our sessions are open to young people aged 6–18 who live in or attend school in the communities we serve, including Sherburn Hill, Sherburn Village, West Rainton, Pittington, Shadforth and Bournmoor. Most of our provision is open access, which means young people can come along, get involved and help shape what we do.
What age do young people need to be?
We welcome young people who are in Year 2 at Primary School which are age 6/7. At the age of 11 and in year 6 they start the transition into our senior group.
When and where do sessions take place?
We run evening youth sessions across our community venues, along with school-based support, outreach projects and holiday programmes throughout the year.
Up-to-date session times, locations and any changes are shared through our social media channels and directly with families and young people.
How much does it cost?
We aim to keep our sessions affordable and accessible to everyone. Some activities may have a small charge to cover resources or trips, and any costs will always be shared in advance. If cost is ever a barrier, please speak to a member of the team — support is often available.
Our weekly sessions cost £1, with the money being reinvested back into the village for new resources and activities for young people.
Inclusion and additional needs
We are an inclusive organisation and welcome young people of all abilities, including those with additional needs such as autism and ADHD. We will always do what we can to adapt activities and remove barriers so everyone can take part safely and confidently.
While we are unable to provide one-to-one support, we work closely with parents, carers and partner professionals to create individual support plans and make reasonable adjustments wherever possible.
Safeguarding and wellbeing
The safety and wellbeing of young people is our highest priority. All staff and volunteers are appropriately trained and DBS checked, and our sessions provide a safe, supportive environment where young people can build trusted relationships, access guidance and feel heard.
Food and holiday provision
During school holidays we deliver funded programmes in partnership with organisations such as Fun and Food. These sessions provide healthy meals alongside enriching activities and experiences, helping to tackle food poverty and social isolation.
Volunteering and leadership opportunities
We offer a growing young volunteers programme where young people can:
- develop confidence and leadership skills
- gain experience for college, university or employment
- have a real influence on our projects and community
Working with us
We work in partnership with schools, local organisations and support services to provide the best possible opportunities for young people. If you would like to refer a young person, collaborate on a project or find out more about our work, please get in touch.
Need more information?
If you have any questions about sessions, accessibility, costs or the support we offer, our team is always happy to help.
📩 Contact us: info@durhamareayouth.org.uk
📱 Follow us on social media for the latest updates Facebook@DurhamAreaYouth
Click on the link below to read our annual report