Newcastle CVS

Newcastle CVS involvement in the Science City Community Engagement Project has come to an end. The other CEP partners will still be delivering some activities until the project closes in October 2012.

What is Newcastle Science City?

Newcastle is proud to be one of only six designated Science Cities in the UK.  Newcastle Science City's ambition is to ensure that Newcastle is synonymous across the world with excellence in the three scientific fields of

• Ageing and health
• Stem cell and regenerative medicine
• Sustainability

As a Science City, the overall vision is to continue to build the city's profile as a world leader in science, and bring social and economic benefits to Newcastle and its residents through science.

The Community Engagement Project of Newcastle Science City

One important strand of Newcastle Science City was the Community Engagement Project (CEP).  The CEP was delivered in partnership by Newcastle CVS, Centre West and Newcastle Futures. The CEP continued until September 2012.

The CEP worked directly with residents, community groups and the voluntary sector in Newcastle upon Tyne and included people from the hardest to reach, most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.

The aim of the CEP was to help raise awareness of the exciting developments in science and innovation happening in the city and the benefits this brings to residents.

What do we mean by science?

We know that the word 'science' means many things to different people.  In fact many of us do not feel we relate to the world of science and as a result pay little attention to it.  Yet the CEP recognises that 'science' is not simply a subject taught at school or a topic restricted to researchers, academics and hard core scientists.  Science influences policy and brings a number of economic, social and environmental benefits to all.

What did Newcastle CVS do?

Newcastle CVS worked mainly with the voluntary and community sector (VCS) to

• keep the VCS informed of any relevant science related opportunities and events, including funding
• help the science community and VCS to come together to discuss the needs of their communities and share knowledge and resources to help meet those needs
• support and help develop partnership working between the VCS and the science community
• help the VCS develop science related projects that can access funding from Newcastle Science City's grant scheme
• celebrate science-related projects that organisations already deliver

Our partners

Centre West is delivering the outreach strand of the project and has employed three community science development workers to engage directly with residents in Newcastle.  Through a series of engagement activities they hope to inspire and excite people through science and help them to develop creative science related projects that could potentially be funded by the grants programme.  To find out more email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or phone her on 0191 406 0298.

Newcastle Futures is delivering the employability strand of the project.  They aim to develop a better understanding of the training, learning and employment opportunities that exist in the science sector of the Tyne and Wear 'travel to work' area.  They aim to build relationships with potential employers and show unemployed people what their options are in the science sector.  To find out more email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or phone her on 0800 587 0478.

Want to get involved?

If you would like to know more about the Community Engagement Project email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone him on 0191 235 7023.

Visit our community engagement website