Press Release: Family Gateway secures £145,000 in funding to tackle economic inactivity in Howdon

Published: 08.01.2026 – For Immediate Release

Family Gateway has received £145,000 from the North East Combined Authority through the Government’s Economic Inactivity Trailblazer programme. This is one of the largest investments in Howdon in recent years: a major boost for local people and a step towards creating better opportunities for women and families in the area.

The funding will support Herizon, a programme designed to help women in disadvantaged communities across North Tyneside and the wider North East get back into work.

What Herizon offers:

Herizon will give practical, personalised support to women who are currently out of work. Many face barriers such as caring responsibilities, health issues, or lack of access to training and jobs. The programme will help participants build skills, boost confidence, and move towards long-term employment. By focusing on areas most affected by poverty and unemployment, Family Gateway aims to reduce reliance on benefits and improve family stability.

A key part of the programme is Barefoot Professional Training, which uses lived experience to empower women and help them overcome challenges. This reflects Family Gateway’s commitment to creating real, lasting change.

Cllr Tracey Dixon, North East CA Cabinet Member for Home of Real Opportunity and Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “Economic inactivity isn’t about lack of ambition—it’s about barriers. Herizon will break those barriers by providing the right support, at the right time, in the heart of the community. The Combined Authority is committed to giving everyone in the region the chance to thrive. Our Economic Inactivity Trailblazer is part of a wider plan to create a New Deal for North East Workers.”

Get involved:
This investment is a huge opportunity for Howdon. If you live in the area and want to find out more about Herizon, visit familygateway.co.uk or call 0191 123 4567. Follow Family Gateway on social media for updates and success stories.

ENDS