Tyne & Wear
^ March 2020 Tyne & Wear Citizens Accountability Assembly. Image credits: Simone J Rudolphi Photography
Tyne and Wear Citizens
Who are we?
We are Tyne & Wear Citizens, a Citizens UK Chapter.
Twenty six members form our alliance from churches, mosques, schools, charities and a university. Together, we organise to tackle injustices in our local communities.
What are we fighting for?
The priority issues voted on by members in our community include:
- Tackling poverty through our campaigning.
- Mental health support.
- A safer city for our communities.

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
- Newcastle University
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle
- Citizens Advice Newcastle
- North East Wellbeing
- PROPS
- Northumbria Area Quakers
- Newcastle Central Mosque
- St John the Baptist Church
- All Saints’ Church
- West End Women and Girls Centre
- ReCoCo (Recovery College Collective)
- US (mental health charity)Â
- Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland  Â
- Benwell & Scotswood Team Parish
- St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School  Â
- St Thomas More Academy
- Cedarwood Trust  Â
- Tyneside Welcomes
- RC Parish of Durham Martyrs Â
- Durham Student Union
- Communities Together Durham
- International Community Organisation of Sunderland (ICOS)Â
- The Sixth Form at Southmoor Academy  Â
- Lighthouse Community Â
Sara Bryson (Senior Community Organiser)
sara.bryson@citizensuk.org
Claire Rodgerson (Community Organiser)
claire.rodgerson@citizensuk.org
Wendy McConnell (Parent Organiser, PACT North Tyneside)
wendy.mcconnell@citizensuk.org
Austin Oshegbu (Together We Can Associate Community Organiser for the North East)
Since our founding in 2015, we have:
More than trebled the number of real Living Wage accredited employers in the North East – including Newcastle University, North of Tyne Combined Authority and City of Sunderland Council.
Ran a national campaign – Just Change – so that young people on Free School Meals get the same treatment as their peers.
Held a Citizens Mental Health Commission - hearing over 300 testimonies leading to systemic changes for improved mental health and well-being in the region.
Reclaimed the Metro and won a Hate Crime Charter for public transport.
NEWS, STORIES AND UPDATES

Want to join our Chapter?
We’re always looking for new members! Get in touch with our local Community Organisers using the form below.