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Tyne & Wear

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:

  • Tackling poverty through our campaigning
  • Racial Justice in Education
  • Green, fair, healthy communities
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 (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)

Austin.Oshegbu@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.
  • 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.

Three Tyne and Wear leaders are holding Tyne & Wear posters and smiling in front of a Tyne & Wear Citizens' banner
Simone J Rudolphi Photography

We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them and we're always looking for new members to join us! Get in touch with your local Community Organiser by filling the form below.

Keep in touch

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