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Tyne & Wear Citizens

Tyne and Wear Citizens

Who are we?

We are Tyne & Wear Citizens, a Citizens UK Chapter.

Hundreds of people form our alliance from churches, mosques, schools, charities, trade union branches and a university. Together, we organise to tackle injustices in our local communities and bring about change.

What are we fighting for?

The priority issues voted on by members in our community include:

  • Racial Justice in Education
  • Tackling the Cost of Living Crisis
  • A more Just Housing system for the region

Woman speaking with two women standing next to her holding a rose

Founding Partners

  • Newcastle Quakers
  • Newcastle University - Institute for Social Renewal & HASS Humanities and Social Sciences Department
  • CofE Diocese of Newcastle
  • RC Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle
  • CofE Diocese of Durham

Strategic Partners

  • Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle
  • Newcastle University

Sara Bryson (Lead Organiser)
sara.bryson@citizensuk.org


Claire Rodgerson (Senior Organiser)
claire.rodgerson@citizensuk.org


Wendy McConnell (Parent Action and Community Organiser)
wendy.mcconnell@citizensuk.org

Since our founding in 2015, we have:

  • More than quadrupled the number of real Living Wage accredited employers in the North East – including Newcastle University, the University of Sunderland, North of Tyne Combined Authority and Sunderland City Council.
  • Launched two Living Wage Cities - Sunderland and Newcastle.
  • Run a national campaignJust Change – so that young people on Free School Meals get the same treatment as their peers.
  • Run a rapid response national campaign - so that young people on Free School Meals got access to food during school 'closures' in 2020.
  • Held a Citizens Mental Health Commission - hearing over 300 testimonies leading to institutional changes to improve mental health and well-being in the region and to establishing the national School-Based Counselling Campaign.
  • Reclaimed the Metro and won a Hate Crime Charter for public transport.

And more! Get in touch to find out.

Keep in touch

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