News - News - News - News

SUMMER PROGRAMME

Please note that we are now fully booked for the summer.

Apologies if this causes disappointment - please book early for next year.        We are taking bookings NOW from September onwards for the rest of the year.

We do have vacancies to hire our climbing tower.

STOP PRESS

The next charity abseil will therefore take place on July 25th. If you are raising funds for a good cause what better way to do it?

Phone us on 0191 2302830 or email admin@mobexnortheast.org.uk to find out more.

May 17th

The Directors of Mobex North East announce that the next AGM will be held on Monday May 17th, 6.00pm at 3 - 5 Stoddart Street, Shieldfield, Newcastle.

Those attending will be presented with Report and Financial Statements for year ending 31st March 2009. Other items of note are the reappointment of the Company's auditors and re-election of director's.

29th March

 On 29th March at a presentation held at the Customs House in South Shields Mobex North East received an Award from Gavin Black the current High Sheriff of Tyne & Wear "in recognition of great and valuable services to the community" particularly through our MAP project funded by the Youth Sector Development Fund. The award was accepted by Louis Edgar-Mason one of our Peer Educators. 

Get Fit in Horden and Easington

We are very excited with a new 12-month programme we will be delivering in Horden and Easington, County Durham.

With funding through County Durham Sports - Changing the Physical Landscape (CPAL) we will be working with people aged 40 - 55 years who are at risk of Cardio Vascular Disease.

Our programme will combine low level outdoor activities with art. We intend to deliver taster days to 64 people and then work closely with 22 people and their families.

CONGRATULATIONS

Staff have gained the following qualifications:

Sarah Curry - GNAS (archery) and Fencing Tutor

Hannah Calise - GNAS (archery) and Fencing Tutor

Matt Reeve - GNAS (archery), Fencing Tutor and Mine Leader Trained

Kirk Lester - Fencing Tutor

Dave Edgar - Fencing Tutor

Davey Potts - Fencing Tutor and Mine Leader Trained

Phil Crossley - Mine Leader Trained

Gary Shields - Mine Leader Trained

Nicky Sargeant - Mine Leader Trained

FOR SALE

call us on 0191 2302830

February 2010

MOBILE CLIMBING WALL

Mobex has just taken delivery of a mobile climbing wall that we can make available to groups. If you are working with 12 - 19 year olds we may be able to offer this at a large discount.

So, if you have an event you are putting on and want to attract people then go no further than having a chat with us.

For groups that fall outside of this age range we have very competative rates - give us a call on 0191 2302830 to find out more details.

We can also hire the wall out for corporate team building days.

NOT EVEN THE WEATHER STOPS SOME ACTIVITIES

The cold snap we have had has prevented some activities but allowed us to deliver others. Here you can see an igloo being built - it took two days but was worth it. 2 -3 people could fit quite snugly into the igloo and eventually it got rather warm.

CONFERENCE - please note: this conference is now fully booked. Watch out for our next conference in 2011.

On the 26th April 2010 we will be running a conference that will focus on Youth Work, Positive Activities and the Outdoors.

This conference will take place at Saltwell Towers, Gateshead and is aimed at practitioners who have an interest in the use of outdoor adventure as a tool towards personal and social development.

Speakers include Chris Dunning - Director of Youth Projects (Scotland) for the Rank Foundation; Geoff Nichols (Sheffield University) - he is the author of Sport and Crime Reduction: the role of sports in tackling youth crime (Routledge); Stuart Waiton (University of Abertay, Aberdeen) - he is Director of the research group Generation Youth Issues and author of The Politics of Antisocial Behaviour: Amoral Panics (Routledge).

The conference is supported by the DCSF through the Youth Sector Development Fund and is being organised by Tony Jeffs and Tracey Hodgson who will deliver an interim report based on our latest project (MAP) that is delivering positive activities on Friday and Saturday nights. Hannah Calise and Danny Gilchrist from Mobex North East will present an overview of the Friday & Saturday night work that has taken place to date and plans for the next 12 months.

Chairperson for the conference will be Soo Redshaw who is Chair and Trustee of the Mobex Network as well as being a member of a national steering group for values (spiritual) with young people.

For further information please download the conference flyer by clicking on this link or contact Danny Gilchrist on 0191 2302830

CHARITY ABSEILS 2010

We are facilitating more charity abseils this year in conjunction with the Vermont Hotel. All abseils will take place on the last Sunday of each month - beginning in March and ending in October.

If you have a charity or good cause you want to raise funds for then this is the ideal of way of doing it. Whether you are an individual or part of a group why not give us a call to find out more.

The registration fee is £25 per person (cheaper than many other abseils, zip wires, etc..) - you can easily get that back on your sponsorship.

STOP PRESS - the Rainbow Trust are looking for hardy souls to raise money for their charity by taking part in the GEET BIG NORTH ABSEIL on 25th April. Follow this link for more information - Rainbow That day is also open to other charities wishing to raise funds.

January 2010

The staff at Mobex North East wish to welcome you to a new year and new beginnings.

Our year has started well with us gaining the Quality Badge awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and the Adventure Mark from The Adventure Activities Industry Advisory Committee. Both of these awards show not only the commitment Mobex North East has towards the personal and social development of young people through outdoor and art activities but national recognition that we are offering high quality experiences. We are the only organisation within Tyne & Wear and Northumberland to hold both these awards and one of a handful throughout the North East.

MAP - providing positive activities to young people on Friday & Saturday nights

Read about our Mobex Activities Project (MAP) - funded through the DCSF's Youth Sector Development Fund - in the january edition of Youth Work Now by following this link - YOUTH WORK NOW

Or follow this link - Mobex Activities Project

ARCHIVE

September 2009

Mobex North East is one of only two Third Sector Organisations in the North East and one of only 25 in the UK to benefit from the DCSF's 3rd round of the Youth Sector Development Fund (YSDF). Over the next 18 months young people will have the chance to ask Mobex to deliver services for them on Friday and Saturday evenings.

We have doubled our staff team and have created a number of new activities to the charity - including a mobile climbing tower (delivered to us January 2010), escapology and other adventurous street theatre skills, fishing, a portable archery system and a whole load of brand new kit and resources - including a new fleet of mountain bikes; a new fleet of open canoes; a new fleet of kayaks; brand new waterproofs, walking boots, wet suits - oh and I almost forgot we will have hand held GPS systems to take part in the new craze of Geo-caching.

With all this happening you know where to come to for a good time!!

And the good thing about it is that the Friday & Saturday night activities are free if you are aged between 12 and 19 - how good can it get?!!!

Leadership Training for Disabled Young People. The second year of support from the Lloyds TSB Foundation begins this month. If you know of any young people with a disability who you consider would benefit from a leadership programme please contact us on 0191 2302830.

I don't think any of the students quite knew what they were letting themselves in for when they signed up for Mobex. Perhaps if they had known what Mobex involved they may have turned the opportunity down; wrongly believing that due to their disabilities the activities on offer would in no way be accessible to them.

Now after 6 weeks of Mobex if you were to offer the same activities to these students they'd say yes with no hesitation. Now knowing full well that with the right support, equipment and a bit of self confidence that almost anything is possible.

I feel that every student involved in Mobex has got so much out of the course. each student has massively grown in confidence, with all of them coming to terms with their fears and limitations of their disabilities, pushing themselves to their limit and in some cases well beyond.

After the first activity a deep bond of trust was formed between the Mobex staff (Gary & Davey) and our students, with many awkward situations being dealt with quickly and efficiently and with a sense of humour. When students got themselves into a situation where they were genuinely scared and pushed to the limit they were given time and space to conquer their fears. Withdrawing from an activity was always made clear as an option butwas very rarely used.

Thanks very much from all Northern Counties staff and students involved in Mobex, it's been an absolute pleasure for all of us. Hope to see you all again soon.

Many Thanks

Dave Patterson (LSA) - Northern Counties College

Mobex Challenge Programme - the next programme begins the first week in September. The Challenge Programme is open to young people aged 16 - 25 who are not in employment, education or training; everything is provided including travel costs.

For more info call us on 0191 2302830.

Check out the article on Walker Challenge in the summer edition of Citylife (Newcastle City Council's free newsletter:

Citylife - Walker Challenge

June 2009

GEET BIG NORTH ABSEIL

These events have proved to be very popular - so much so that the abseil for September is very quickly becoming full (we have 30 places available).

If you are trying to raise funds for a good cause, local community group, local or national charity then what better way to do it?

And do we look after you? Well, read the following from an abseiler raising funds for the Mbarara project who travelled all the way from Leeds to take part:

Dear Danny and team,
Myself and Holly, the main organisers of the Mbarara abseil would like to give each and everyone of your team a very big thank you for all your help, assistance and calming encouragement. The abseil on Sunday 7th of June was somewhat of a traumatic experience for both myself and Holly but your team made what felt like the stuff of nightmares more bareable, and thanks to you all, we acheived something that we did not think within our capabilities. Thank you all so much for your kindness and patience.
There is a box of choccies coming your way in next few days to show our gratitude.
Kind regards, Sheena x x x

ON-LINE ART GALLERY

Please visit our new on-line art gallery. Here you will be able to browse art work created by participants on our programmes.

If there are any prints that you would like to purchase please contact us on admin@mobexnotheast.org.uk . They are on sale for £5 (A4) and £15 (A3) - all proceeds go directly into our work with young and disadvantaged people from the North East.

GALLERY LINK

ART EXHIBITION - Artwork produced by Walker Challenge over a 3-month period was exhibited at our premises throughout May. Part of this work involved the making of a short video. Between the Sun & Moon is a short story constructed by the group and shown here using lanterns created for the performance.

(click on this link to watch the video)

The Walker Challenge group is for individuals with mental health issues who are seeking to develop skills in self-esteem and independence using the challenging mediums of outdoor activities and the arts.

GEET BIG NORTH ABSEILs

Three GEET BIG NORTH ABSEILs have taken place this year with 150 hardy souls venturing from the top of the Vermont Hotel in Newcastle.

The charities and good causes that have benefited from these abseils include - Tyneside Rape Crisis Centre; Newcastle Falcons Community Foundation; Northumbria Coalition Against Crime; Disability Sports, Kenton Nursery; The Bridge Project, the Mbarara project, Raleigh International, Kenya Acorn Project, St Oswalds Hospice and Open Doors.

As you can see this abseil stands above the famous rail arches near the Quayside - no wonder we believe it to be the highest abseil in the North East.

The final GEET BIG NORTH ABSEIL for this year will take place:

Sunday September 27th

There will be six GEET BIG NORTH ABSEILs happening in 2010 - If your organisation is thinking of raising funds then this is a very good way to do that while at the same time publicising your work. Get in touch to find out more - 0191 2302830.

The Vermont Hotel next to the Castle Keep in Newcastle is the venue for what we believe to be the highest abseil in the North East. This truly is a 'GEET BIG' abseil, with views from the roof that tower over the Tyne Bridge, Baltic, Hilton Hotel and the Malmaison.

ARCHIVES

PROJECTS & GRANTS

MobART - after piloting a new programme that merges the arts with outdoor activities we are in the process of raising funds to develop this work further. We wish to develop a programme of Arts projects that involve sculpture, photography, video, dance, textiles, storytelling, sound and much more linked to the outdoors and illustrating the myths and legends that abound in this part of the British Isles.

If this is a project that excites you either as a participant or as a potential funder please contact us on 0191 2302830.

November 2008

It is with great pleasure that we announce the following:

Funded by a grant from the Northern Rock Foundation and starting in January 2009 Mobex North East will be delivering a personal and social development project aimed primarily at young people who are NEET. This is a 3-year project delivering 4 programmes per year with up to 8 young people on each programme; there are three stages:

Stage 1 - over 2 days young people are introduced to the programme. If young people want to move from Stage 1 to Stage 2 then all we ask for is the commitment to see Stage 2 through.

Stage 2 - this is a 7 day programme where the young people will be asked to produce a Personal Action Plan and work through this using outdoor activities.

Stage 3 - a 7day programme that takes what has been learnt over the previous 9 days and supports people through various awards, i.e. canoeing, mountain biking and navigation.

R W MANN TRUST

Assisted by a grant from the R W Mann Trust and in partnership with Age Concern North Tyneside we will be delivering a pilot outdoor activities programme aimed at enhancing the quality of life for people aged 65 and over. It is hoped that if successful that this programme will attract funding to develop the programme long-term.

THE CLOTHWORKERS' FOUNDATION

In our bid to purchase an accessible minibus for our work with disabled people The Clothworkers' Foundation are supporting us with a grant of £10,000. This brings our total raised to £17,000 - some way from the £25,000 we need to raise, however if you are in the position to help us achieve our target please contact us and ask to speak to Danny Gilchrist our Project Director

LEADERSHIP FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

If you work with young people with disabilities you may be interested in a new programme we are delivering. With funding from the LloydsTSB Foundation we are able to offer a 6-day leadership programme that will focus on communication skills, working in a team, raising confidence and aspirations as well as developing leadership skills.

For further information please contact our office on 0191 2302830

ITV PRS Donations

A significant donation from ITV PRS has allowed us to offer discounts on many of our delivery days until June 2009 - some of these days will be free. Please be aware that if you wish to take advantage of this you will need to contact us ASAP.

SAND SCULPTURE

August 2008 - the summer holidays have come to an end but luckily the weather didn't prevent any of our activities from taking place; in fact for some activities the weather has helped.

Northbourne Youth Initiative based in the West End of Newcastle wanted a day of BEACH ACTIVITIES so we took along a vast range of resources to give them a day to remember. The most popular activity was sand sculpture - the sand was perfect, all the rain we have had meant that what you built stayed built.

Giant sandcastles at Druridge Bay in Northumberland - what a day!!

For more images see our ARTS page

ARTS CAMPS

August 2008 - as we say in all our literature - Mobex North East ... Not Just Climbing. Our Arts Development Workers have been busy this summer working with a range of groups of all ages and abilities in our Arts Camp in Northumberland.

Whether it was sleeping overnight ...

or making a floating sculpture

or an art work that just made people smile ...

everyone had a good time

Check out our Arts page for more images.

ANOTHER SUCCESS

August 2008

Mobex North East has been successful in its submission to deliver the Constructive Activities Partnership with the National Probation Service, Northumbria Area for the next three years.

Although this is a contract we have held since 1995 we know that the tender we submitted was a strong one which showed our commitment to deliver a quality service. The experience and expertise of our staff in working with High Level Risk offenders who are referred to this project is second to none.

We are pleased that the National Probation Service Northumbria have decided that our tender was considered to be the one that would deliver best value for money as well as offering quality, experience and expertise.

Open Doors - North & South Tyneside

July 2008 - Members of Open Doors (a support group for disabled people) have taken part in various activities with Mobex. The images below show some of the members developing their map reading skills while at Bolam Lake in Northumberland.

Groundwork Darlington, Cornforth Partnership & Seaham Detached Project

July & August 2008 - Firetrack safe mountain bike awards. Five young people from Groundwork, eight young people from the Cornforth Partnership and eight young people from Seaham Detached Project successfully completed the one day Firetrack award. For more information on this award please contact our office.

Barndale House School, Northumberland

July 2008 - Our Arts Development Workers provided students at Barndale House School with their first opportunity to take part in an overnight camp. The students participated in a range of arts activities that took place in and around the inspiring group work space of our Turkic Yurt.

Please use the link to our Arts page to view images.

The Kings School, Tynemouth

July 2008 - Mobex delivered problem solving and team building activities to over 100 Year 10 students from The Kings School on Thursday 3rd July. The activities we delivered ranged from rafting in The Haven to Archery, Fencing, a giant arts based activity, as well as some more physical activities such as Canyon, Juggernaut, Guttered and a new activity designed and developed by Mobex called Board Relay.

"Brilliant day today - many thanks! Can I provisionally book the same again for 2009?" Martin George - Deputy Head

Kings Meadow Comprehensive School, Dunston, Gateshead

June 2008 - Low level activities at Saltwell Park for 140 pupils designed to look at teamwork, communication, confidence building, trust and leadership.

"Verbal feedback from the teachers, students and also the representatives from my team was excellent, ... it all sounded so great!

Thank you for all your help with the day, I look forward to working with you again in the future." Catherine Ather - EBLS Project Officer, Gateshead

Newcastle University

July 2008 - Leadership training. A group of 18 students from universities around the UK and employed by a Saudi oil company came together at Newcastle University for two weeks of activities designed to help them focus on their leadership and teamwork skills.

some of the students taking part in Guttered at Gibside Estate

Mobex North East facilitated all of the problem solving and outdoor activities for the students who are earmarked as potential managers or heads of departments.

"I just met with the guys from (the oil company) about the leadership programme and they are really pleased with what we designed. They are going to send 65 students next year instead of 18 for 6 weeks instead of 2. So we'll be booking you up well in advance again too.

Just thought I'd feedback that the students have been very positive about the outdoor activity days and the fact that it is going to substantially grow for next year..."

Business Development Manager, Newcastle University

GROUPS WE HAVE WORKED WITH IN 2008

Probation Service - Millway, Pupil Behaviour Unti - Groundwork, South Tyneside - Haltwhistle Youth Group - Wark Youth Group - Hermitage School, Chester le Street - Barnardos - Kenton School, Newcastle - A690 Youth Group - North Tyneside Council - Community Wardens, South Tyneside - ATAC, Northumberland - Phoenix House, South Tyneside - Scotswood Area Strategy - Blakelaw Parish Council - National Trust Inner City Project - Key Enterprise, North Tyneside - Newcastle Youth Offending Team - North of England Refugee Service - Links, Hexham - Education Business Link Service, Gateshead - Kings Meadow School, Gateshead - Daisy Hill Youth Group - Northbourne Youth Initiative - Open Doors, North & South Tyneside - Newcastle University - The Kings School, Tynemouth - Astley High School, Northumberland - Barndale School, Northumberland - Duke of Edinburgh group, Durham - Development Training, Newcastle - Walker Challenge - Groundwork, Darlington - Chopwell Youth Group - Ashington Youth Group - Gateway in the Community, Hexham - Trinity Youth Group, Northumberland - Seaham Detached Project - Chesshire Hope, South Tyneside - Hedworth Detached Project - Gateshead & South Tyneside Sight Service

Many of these groups we have worked with on a number of occasions or have contracts with - for example Newcastle Youth Offending Team, we deliver a large number of days throughout the year and have had a contract for the last 8 years.