Even in these uncertain times, we work hard to continue to make a lasting, positive impact throughout the North East and Cumbria. In 2014/15 Groundwork NE & Cumbria: Worked on over 400 projects Engaged with 26,129 young people Delivered 429 health focused sessions Supported over 200 businesses For more facts, figures and case studies please read our 2014/15 Annual Review, which was launched this week at the 30th anniversary AGM held at Gateshead Nursery, home to our new social enterprises, gwk nursery and gwk woodshed.

1. ANNUAL REVIEW
2014/2015
GROUNDWORK NE & CUMBRIA

2. Once again I am delighted to share
with you this snapshot of a very
busy and inspiring year of delivery.
2014/15 did bring opportunities but
it also delivered a big challenge in
making things add up financially.
My fellow board members, and
the senior team, have steered the
organisation in a professional and
efficient way and we have attained
the position we had planned, so my thanks to them for their
hard work and dedication.
On behalf of the board I would like to thank our staff and
volunteers for their sterling work in delivering our ambition
of changing places, changing lives.
I am very proud that during 2014/15 Groundwork NE &
Cumbria gained much recognition by winning several key
accolades which included:-
• Jellystone Park being crowned sustainable Project of
the year in the Building and Engineer awards
• Our very own Kate Culverhouse winning Key woman
of the year in the North East Woman of the year
entrepreneur awards
• The organisation being crowned best environmental
project in the Durham/Wearside business awards.
This is my last Chairman’s words as I will stand down at the
AGM 2015. I have been proud to serve as Chairman of this
dynamic and inspiring organisation, and subject to election
intend to stay as part of the board. I wish my successor
all the best, as there are definitely even more exciting
opportunities and times ahead.
A word from
the Chairman
A message from the
Chief Executive
Groundwork NE
Cumbria Board
Members 2014/2015
Chairman: Dr Jim Carrick
Trustees: Rosemary Anderson
Peter Brookes
Ian Brown
Monica Burns
Nickie Gott
Tracey Harvey
Chris Hook
Jim Lang
David Martin
Diana Pearce
Graham Street
Eddie Tomlinson
Henry Barrie (resigned March 2015)
Jim Carrick
Front cover image: The Play Programme’s
Princesses Superhero Walk with Meet My
Mascot at Darlington’s South Park
2014/15 is our most challenging
year to date. After thirty years of
central government funding, the
Trust no longer receives the grant
which enabled it to develop such
a wide range of local community
led projects across the North
East. Our accounts highlight
this transition, as we used our
reserves to the tune of £800k,
to fund longer term programmes, with returns to be seen
in future years and to continue to fund local development
opportunities. I would like to thank the board of trustees in
making this difficult decision. This allowed us to continue
delivering the services and activities that meet the needs
of disadvantaged individuals and communities, from those
who are long term unemployed and furthest removed from
the labour market; engaging disengaged young people, to
those who benefit from using their environment to improve
their mental and physical well being.
Having said this, we feel confident in our future, and having
embarked on our thirtieth year, we look forward to our next
thirty years and, as ever, are up for the new and emerging
challenges this will continue to bring us. We look forward to
working with our partners, old and new, in helping tackle the
issues faced by people and places across the North East
and Cumbria. I hope you enjoy our review.
Kate Culverhouse
“We feel confident in our future, and having
embarked on our thirtieth year, we look forward
to our next thirty years and, as ever, are up for
the new and emerging challenges this will
continue to bring us”

3. 1
Improving
people’s
prospects
During this year we continued with the
growth of our employment contracts,
increasing our geographical coverage by
delivering in Cumbria and Tees Valley.
We increased our youth delivery by
expanding our National Citizens Service
contract.
We were also able to commence a
refresh of our volunteering offer as
the absorption, in January 2015 of the
volunteering charity 2D brought
in additional resource that not
only benefitted us but also the
communities we work with.
James overcame a variety of obstacles whilst
on our Motiv8 programme, designed to engage
NEET (Not in Education, Employment or
Training) young people in practical hands-on
learning. With the support from our Youth Team
he has transformed from being someone who
was easily distracted and lacking in confidence
into a hardworking, self-motivated young man.
Stuart, an enthusiastic and outgoing person, joined our Employment programme in Cumbria.
His ambition was to become a Sound Technician. His ambitions were fulfilled when Groundwork
secured him a placement at the Sands Centre, a place that Stuart was already familiar with
and that provided an outlet for his creativity. Stuart has made fantastic progress so far and has
been working with Example’s roadies and Alan Carr’s roadies and many more.
Stuart now aspires to run his own sound company and would love to take on an apprentice to
“give them a chance like [he] had”.
“I have changed a lot thanks to Groundwork.
I feel so much better about myself and I
am now looking forward to the future with
renewed confidence and I hope to gain
qualifications that will help me get a job.”
With the help of our Youth Team, Jack Haywood from Durham
turned his life around after becoming disruptive and his school
attendance became poor.
We worked with Jack to help him alter his attitude and consider
what he wanted out of education. He is now studying Health
and Personal Care at college and as a result of the residential
course has a new positive attitude to learning.
“I am now
looking
forward to
the future”
Jack
“I thoroughly
enjoyed my
placement at the
Sands Centre, It’s
my perfect job!”
Stuart
We are passionate about…
“You don’t realise
what you are
achieving until the
staff point it out to
you and then you
think, wow I’ve
done that!” James

4. Andy, 32, had been out of work for 8 months
before getting a placement with Groundwork
at Gateshead Nursery.
Before starting on the programme with us, Anthony,
46, had never worked since leaving school. His
transformation within weeks was great to witness.
He now looks after a team of 5 or so individuals.
“At first I didn’t want to come here but
after a few weeks something changed
and I now really love it. I love being part
of a growing team, learning new skills
and there’s an excellent atmosphere at
the Nursery. It’s certainly given me an
opportunity to improve my employment
prospects and dedicated time to job
search and fill out applications.” Andy
“I’ve never been employed before
but coming here has made a
massive difference. I love it here,
love getting mucked in and working
alongside other people as part of a
team. I’m up every morning at 5am
ready to go to the Nursery. It’s really
helped me feel more prepared for
work” Anthony
2
As the level of activity on the site increases with the influx of new groups and individuals we are excited to see
what can be produced in the way of fruit, veg and other produce and we also hope to see as many people
benefit from the range of activities and find employment as a result of their time with us.
We support long term unemployed people through
our Employment programmes one of which is hosted
at Gateshead Nursery. Gateshead Nursery provides
the perfect platform for employment clients to become
job ready.
Cultivating Prospects at
The Nursery

5. 3
We have engaged with:
We have helped:
We have delivered:
931
530
26,129
QUALIFICATIONS
PEOPLE GET INTO
NEW JOBS
OVER
400INDIVIDUAL
PROJECTS
INVOLVING 2,663 PARTICIPANTS
YOUNG
PEOPLE
The Target: Wellbeing programme came to an end in May 2015.
Throughout the two year programme we positively impacted
upon the health and wellbeing of almost 2500 people across the
North East. Our impact in the participant’s words:
Hope’s Story
When Hope joined our Play Programme she had
been diagnosed with selective mutism. Hope was
made to feel safe and comfortable at the Play
sessions, she could move freely around the room
and choose her own line of play.
Whilst being initially shy, Hope began to develop
friendships with other children. With the support of
Groundwork staff, gradually she began to speak
more and more, even outside the play sessions.
Hope’s confidence continues to grow and grow as
a result of attending our Play Programme.
ADULTS AND YOUNG
PEOPLE GAIN NEW
“I was attracted
to the project
because of the
companionship.
I enjoy anything
outdoors – it
keeps me fit
and mobile. I’ve
always enjoyed
gardening and
this enables me
to keep going”
Active Green Living
participant
“It’s given me the confidence to grow my
own organic produce, which I can use to
make my diet healthier.”Street Eats participant
428 HEALTH
FOCUSED
SESSIONS

6. 4
Creating
better
places
2014/15 was a year of recognition for our
Creating Better Places delivery. We won a
number of awards for various landscape
regeneration projects including Jellystone
Park in Grove Hill, which won a national
honour - the Sustainable Project of the Year
at the Builder and Engineer Awards.
We were also acclaimed in three categories
at the County Durham Environment Awards,
topping off the year by winning the Green
Award at Durham and Wearside Business
Awards.
River Tees Rediscovered
We received confirmation of a grant of £1.89m from the
National Lottery via the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the
River Tees Rediscovered Landscape Partnership project in
June 2014.
Thirteen Contract
We celebrated winning a highly competitive tender for
a social housing association, Thirteen Group, to deliver
more than £4.6m of environmental improvements in
Stockton, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool as part of a five
year investment plan.
The improvements spanned 11 projects across Stockton,
Thornaby and Middlesbrough. The wide range of
schemes included small enclosed courtyard gardens,
large demolition sites and problematic areas of public
open space. Each required a tailored design solution to
ensure the best fit for each local community.
“Anson House feels safer and nicer
to walk through now. I am really
blown away that my views were
listened to at the consultation”
Christopher Gray, resident

7. 5
10,000
23,000
477
452
TREES PLANTED
THE EQUIVALENT OF…
LOCAL COMMUNITIES WITH
NEIGHBOURHOOD
THAT’S OVER
25MILLION
TOILET
ROLLS
HECTARESOF LAND
Heart of Teesdale Programme
Care and Conservation in the
Local Woodlands
Schools and colleges, as well as corporate
volunteers from national organisations such as
EE and Northumbrian Water have been involved
with us on a wide range of environmental projects
within the Heart of Teesdale programme.
Through weekly conservation volunteers programmes at
Ashington Community Woodland and Pegswood Community
Wood, 80 regular volunteers identified new learning skills
linked to the care and conservation of the local woodlands.
Reception children swap the classroom
for a woodland in Forest Schools.
The group learn about natural
habitats and wildlife.
“I really enjoyed the day, when I got
home I promptly sat down and fell
asleep on the sofa, just shows what
hard work and fresh air does for the
soul!” Corporate volunteer from EE after
taking part in Rhododendron clearance at
Romaldkirk
“The children engaged
throughout and gained a
great deal of knowledge
about animals living in
their habitats… They
were so enthused when
they went back to school”
Teacher, Allerdale School
IMPROVED MAINTAINED
“Since the introduction of Groundwork I have
learnt more in depth about the habitat and the
species with events and activities held there”
Stanley, Volunteer, Ashington Community Woods
TENNIS
COURTS
We have supported:
IMPROVEMENTS

8. 6
Promoting
greener
living and
working
In 2014/15 we continued to make a
significant difference in developing
ecosystems and supporting biodiversity
at our multi-award winning Elba Park in
Sunderland.
We also tackled resource efficiency
via the Waste Awareness Campaign in
Partnership with North Tyneside council.
Community Waste Education
May 2014 saw the installation of the eagerly anticipated
new wind turbine, located at The Greenhouse business
centre in Annfield Plain.
The high yield turbine is only the third of its kind in the
UK producing more than one million KWh of electricity
per year, sufficient to power the equivalent of 250 homes.
It currently provides all the electricity demands of our
Greenhouse office complex and also powers operations
at Lanchester Wines who own the turbine. Any unused
electricity is sold to the National Grid.
Campground Visitor and Education Centre in Sunderland is a purpose
built facility for a programme of community waste education activity. We
were successful in winning a contract to provide education sessions
in the visitor centre as part of the South Tyne and Wear Waste
Management Partnership. We delivered workshops to various
schools in Sunderland to help them learn more about recycling
and upcycling.
“The energy audit by Groundwork
prompted us to embrace a green agenda”
Tony Clearly, founder of Lanchester Wines.
New Wind Turbine at the
Greenhouse Business Centre
“I am a great believer in the benefits
of learning outside the classroom and
the amazing educational opportunities
available at the Visitor and Education
Centre make learning about waste
and recycling fun and engaging for all
participants” Rebecca Cummins, class
S10 teacher at Portland Academy

9. 7
1,457
1,139
TONNES
OF WASTE
DIVERTED FROM
LANDFILL
THAT IS THE EQUIVALENT OF…
x92
STANDARD SIZED
LORRY LOADS
WITH LOCAL
BUSINESSES
THE WASTE
GENERATED BY
HOUSEHOLDS IN
1YEAR
Healthy Parks
Healthy Minds
In both Sunderland and Middlesbrough, our
Communities Living Sustainably projects support
businesses to reduce energy consumption and prevent
pollution. Groundwork’s Environmental Business Services
support businesses with energy audits, sustainable travel plans and
developing and implementing Environmental Management Systems which
ensure legal compliance as well as promoting key business principles.
Kirstie was living with long
term depression, anxiety
and ME. Upon hearing
about the Healthy Parks,
Healthy Minds project, she
referred herself onto the
programme.
The Healthy Parks Healthy Minds project allowed me to be less
focussed on my illness. I have enjoyed meeting all the different
people, everyone is really friendly and we are all united at the
allotment. It connects us all and there is a sense of belonging,
a sense of purpose and contributing to something. Making a
difference when you feel low really does help” Kirstie
Corporate
Responsibilty
“The course has provided me with a good understanding
of environmental management procedures and policies
that our company, as manufacturers follow and why it
is important to do so. I found the course to be highly
informative and very enjoyable” Delegate on a Chartered
Institute of Environmental Health Level 2 course in Environmental
Principles and Best Practice in Sunderland.
We have
delivered:
We have
supported:
27
CSR
EVENTS
200
OVER
Businesses

10. We would like to give our thanks
for all of the generous support
Groundwork has received this
year. We hope to make an even
bigger impact next year.
• Banks Group
• BBC Children in Need
• Big Lottery Fund
• Community Foundations
• Comic Relief
• Defra
• Environment Agency
• Forestry Commission
• Heritage Lottery Fund
• Housing Associations
• Natural England
• Local Authorities
• The Land Trust
• Thirteen Group
• Public health and CCGs
• All other funders who have
supported our projects
8
Where did the money make a difference?
Improving people’s prospects £4,036,000
Creating better places £4,551,000
Promoting greener living and working £1,070,000
TOTAL £9,657,000
Where does the funding come from?
Central Government £56,000
Public Agencies £325,000
Local Authorities £1,209,000
European Union £80,000
Private Sector £6,410,000
National Lottery £756,000
Investment from Groundwork reserves £821,000
TOTAL £9,657,000
Accounts:
Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31st March 2015

11. Get in touch:
Central Office
47/48 Market Place, Bishop Auckland,
County, Durham, DL14 7NP
T: 01388 662 666
Kate Culverhouse Chief Executive
Kate.Culverhouse@groundwork.org.uk
M: 07930 330 809
Nigel Orr Director of Finance Corporate Services
Nigel.Orr@groundwork.org.uk
T: 01388 662 666
Glynis Rocks Executive P.A.
Glynis.Rocks@groundwork.org.uk
T: 01388 662 666
Local offices
Cumbria: 01900 602 743
Darlington: 01325 353 791
Durham: 01207 524 800
Northumberland: 01670 514 876
Sunderland: 0191 567 2550
Tees Valley: 01642 815 663
Gateshead: 0191 460 4280
Employment offices
Bishop Auckland: 01388 663 000
Carlisle: 07587 136 523
Durham: 0191 386 3861
Newton Aycliffe: 01325 300 544
Redcar: 01642 681 785
Workington: 0791868 3795
Gateshead: 0191 460 9508
Follow us on twitter /GroundworkNE
Find us on facebook /GWKNE
www.groundwork.org.uk/northeast
Key Contacts
Vicky Cuthbertson Head of Business Development
Vicky.Cuthbertson@groundwork.org.uk
T: 01207 524 814 M: 07584 171 886
Steve Roberts Head of Youth, Employment Skills
Steve.Roberts@groundwork.org.uk
T: 01207 524 800 M: 07827 891 846
Chris Watson Head of Land Neighbourhoods
Chris.Watson@groundwork.org.uk
T: 01642 815 663 M: 07818 513 774
Kay Bradshaw Area Manager (Northumberland)
Kay.Bradshaw@groundwork.org.uk
T: 01670 514 876 M: 07714 756 388
Stephen Armstrong Area Manager (Tyne Wear)
Stephen.Armstrong@groundwork.org.uk
T: 0191 567 2550 (ext. 325) M: 07772 976 806
Julie Form Area Manager (Cumbria Durham)
Julie.Form@groundwork.org.uk
M: 07827 819 844
Michele Armstrong Partnerships Manager
Michele.Armstrong@groundwork.org.uk
T: 01207 524 862 M: 0771 2614 558
Geoff Dawson Land Enterprise Manager
Geoff.Dawson@groundwork.org.uk
M: 07767 116 646
Lesley Gardner HR Administration Manager
Lesley.Gardner@groundwork.org.uk
T: 01388 662 666 M: 07949 666 722
Sophie Wade Communications Officer
Sophie.Wade@groundwork.org.uk
T: 01325 353 791
Our paper suppliers have planted more than
100,000 trees and all of their stock is FSC
certified coming from well managed forests.

12. Registered charity number: 1017706 Registered company number: 2702815
Groundwork NE Cumbria Grosvenor House 29 Market Place Bishop Auckland Co Durham DL14 7NP
t: 01388 662 666 f: 01388 601 941 e: north.east@groundwork.org.uk www.groundwork.org.uk/northeast