Our History
45 Years of Community – Together
For over 45 years, Riverside has been part of the heartbeat of Benwell and the West End of Newcastle.
What began as a small group of people coming together to tackle health inequalities has grown into a thriving, people-powered hub of the community.
Riverside’s story isn’t only about an organisation – it’s about the people who built it, shaped it, and keep it alive today.
Roots in Community Action
(1970s – 1980s)
In the late 1970s, local families in Benwell saw how health, housing and poverty were linked – and how national services weren’t reaching everyone.
Instead of waiting for change, they acted.
Riverside began around kitchen tables and in community halls, where residents organised advice sessions, health drop-ins and women’s groups that grew into lasting support.
“Riverside was my lifeline. Have made some great friends over the years.”
Susanne
Growing with the Community (1990s – 2000s)
As the West End changed, so did Riverside. New generations brought fresh ideas – from parent and toddler groups to women’s wellbeing sessions, youth activities, and community development projects.
Everything was rooted in local voices: residents identifying what mattered most and shaping how projects ran.
Riverside became a place not just to receive help, but to build confidence, friendships and leadership.
“I have been coming to Riverside for 14 years. The courses have built up my confidence, and I met new people.”
Donna
Resilience in the Face of Change (2010s – 2025)
Since 2010 the West End has faced many challenges – from austerity to the pandemic – but the community’s resilience has shone through.
When lockdowns hit, Riverside became a lifeline, delivering food and checking in on local people.
Projects adapted quickly, moving outdoors or online, keeping people connected even in isolation.
“If it wasn’t for the groups I came to, I would have ended up with postnatal depression. The sessions gave me a reason to get dressed and I enjoyed meeting other parents, and of course baby has enjoyed the sessions to too.”
Looking Ahead – The Next Chapter
At 45 years, Riverside is not resting on its past – it’s looking ahead with the same spirit: of community, of collaboration, of listening.
Because the story of Riverside is first and foremost the story of people – parents, children, volunteers, new arrivals, long-time neighbours, everyone who sees this place as their home.
You’re invited: to join, to share your story, to help shape the next decades.
Because it’s not about us. It’s about being together, in the place we call home.
Look back at Riverside’s first 45 years through photos and memories:
Hear more about the difference Riverside has made to people’s lives in this short video:
Help us build a healthier, fairer West End
Together, since 1980, we’ve supported thousands of local people through family support, welfare advice, training, wellbeing sessions and community action. With your help we’ve built a welcoming, trusted space at Carnegie.
But the work isn’t over. Health inequalities still affect many people in our community. Nobody’s health should depend on where they live.
Our mission for the West End of Newcastle to be a healthy and thriving community continues, and we need you with us. Together we can bridge the gap in health and opportunity for West Newcastle communities.
Find out more about our current work by clicking the links below.