Gateshead Council Learning and Skills

Congratulations to our Family Learning team! 🎉

We've been commended in the Family Learning Awards for supporting Gateshead children’s emotional development and mental wellbeing through their programme ‘Building a Resilient Child’.

Our staff helped parents understand emotions, behaviour, regulation and communication, while building their confidence to support their children at home.

Manager of the team, Julie Bond, said: “I’m so proud of everyone in the team, and what they have achieved through this programme. They have worked hard to reach out to communities of all kinds, including those living in areas of deprivation.

“We meet those families where they are, engaging them in learning in familiar community settings. I’m delighted that the team has been recognised for making such a positive difference to the lives of children and families across Gateshead.”

Throughout sessions families explored themes such as mindfulness, communication, attachment, emotional regulation, and self-esteem through creative, hands-on activities like making sensory bottles, worry boxes and emotion mirrors.

A parent who benefitted from the programme said: “I have a better understanding and awareness of my child’s way of communicating and how to communicate back. I am more conscious of my reactions when my son is expressing his emotions.”

The team will now go on to adapt the course to support older children and will expand further with new resources and digital tools.

Come along to our interest event next week! 📣

Supported Internships help young people with special educational needs and disabilities into the world of work.

Teams from across Gateshead Council provide work placements, whilst we provide a dedicated job coach to support throughout the process as well as delivering Employment Skills sessions and English and Maths qualifications.

Cerys, 17, recently landed a job role after completing a placement with the council's Locality team.

Cerys said: “Doing a Supported Internship at Gateshead Council has given me so much more confidence”

"Last year I was nervous to take a bus by myself. As part of the programme I got help with travel training from the staff at Learning and Skills. Now I take the bus four times a week – I never thought I’d be able to do that!”

We’re hosting a Supported Internship information event next Wednesday, 24 June, 5pm at Gateshead Civic Centre.

It’s a great chance to learn more about the programme, and apply for a place for September 2026.

Email [email protected] or visit the link in the comments to register. 👇 See less

Let Nature Inspire You!

🌿 Get Involved This Week! 🐦🦋

We’re bringing a little adventure outdoors with our Nature Trail Treasure Hunt! 🌳✨

Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of plants, birds, and animals as you explore — how many can you spot? 👀✅

Printed copies are available in the kitchen, at the Interchange Centre, for all learners, so grab one and join in the fun!

Let’s get outside, get curious, and see what nature has to offer 💚

💛 Count on Your Community this National Numeracy Day 💛

Do numbers make you feel anxious or unsure? You’re not alone. Across the UK, millions of people lack confidence with maths — but the good news is, that can change.

This National Numeracy Day, we’re celebrating the power of community. With the right support, encouragement, and a safe space to learn, anyone can build their confidence with numbers.

📊 Our maths courses are designed to help you:
✔️ Feel more confident using numbers in everyday life
✔️ Reduce anxiety around maths
✔️ Learn at your own pace in a supportive environment
✔️ Connect with others who are on the same journey

Build your confidence with numbers to help with your budget, support your children with homework, increase work opportunities or generally improve your life skills. Take your first steps with us.

👉 You don’t have to do it alone — count on your community.

📩 Get in touch to find out more or join a course today! Call 0191 433 8646 or email [email protected] to book a free assessment to get you on the right course.