Contact Person

Converge Team

Organisation Address

Northumbria University
City Campus East 2
Northumbria University
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 8ST
United Kingdom

54.976823688899, -1.6075678593379

About Us

Here at Converge Northumbria, we offer FREE educational campus-based opportunities to those 18+ in the community who have or are experiencing challenges associated with mental health. 
Participants are enrolled as a ‘Converge Student’ and become part of the wider community working alongside university students and academics. 
 
Based in the heart of Newcastle at Northumbria University, our bespoke courses and opportunities give you the freedom to learn, create, challenge, and inspire yourself.  

Our Background

Based on the York St John model, Converge Northumbria was established in 2018 in conjunction with Converge at York St John University.

Courses are provided free of charge and are open to adults (18 years of age and older) currently receiving support for their mental health or who have experienced mental health issues. Our courses are supported by university students as part of their degree programmes, and we run across the academic year from September through to June. Courses are taught by university students and graduates, as well as people who have come through Converge following an experience of mental ill health and progressed to become tutors on our programme.

Alongside academics, university students and industry professionals, we deliver a rich and diverse range of courses across Drama and Performance, Movement and Dance, Fashion, Fine Art, Creative Writing, and other opportunities. We work in partnership with local mental health organisations and cultural venues and organisations to offer bespoke and collaborative creative learning opportunities.

Converge Evaluation Project

We were keen to look into the impact Converge has had on those who use it in Newcastle and York. This included Converge students (local people who have experienced mental health issues), university students, tutors, community groups and the NHS. Click here to view our findings!

Or you can Watch these amazing videos to experience the Evaluation Project first-hand and gain an inside view on the conference! More details here.

We also have some short animations of the Converge Evaluation Project findings if you want a more brief rundown of what we have been doing.

Independent evaluation of Converge at York st John University

Every £1 invested in Converge yields £11.80 of social and economic value according to a recent independent socio-economic impact analysis of Converge by the economists Carney Green.

More information can be found in the Converge Impact Assessment Report

Courses

Here at Converge Northumbria, we run courses within Northumbria University, both in person or online. Our courses help you develop skills in a supportive, educational environment, where you have the freedom to be creative, learn and challenge yourself. 

The majority of our courses are designed and delivered by Northumbria University Student Volunteers, who are mentored and guided by Converge staff and tutors.

Applying for a Course

You can attend a Converge course if you are an adult (18 and older) and you:

  • Access mental health support
  • Face challenges associated with your mental health

Courses are FREE of charge and take place during term time. Courses vary between 4 and 10 weeks in length. You can apply for courses throughout the year and there is no limit on how many you can attend, your Converge experience can be shaped how you like.

 

Privacy Notice

The University processes personal data in line with our obligations under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and any data provided to the University will be treated with confidence and processed in accordance with the rights provided to individuals under GDPR.

Please find a copy of Converge Northumbria's Privacy Notice here.

 

Currently Enrolling

We're really pleased to announce four new courses coming up at Converge Northumbria this semester in 2025.

 

Winter Bell Blast

'Join the Winter Bell Blast for an exciting and fun-filled hand bell course! Play alongside others in a relaxed, no-pressure environment as we explore upbeat and joyful tunes to brighten the season. Following on from last year's course, we will be offering six workshops where you can come along and learn a variety of musical knowledge, techniques, and songs, perhaps even creating some of our own pieces. No prior musical knowledge required!'

 

Dates: Wednesdays: Feb 5th - March 19th (no session March 5th)

Times: 3pm -5pm

To Bring: Bottle of water/drink

 

Introduction to Pergamano

'What is Pergamano you ask? Come along and cure your curiosity. Pergamano is a traditional parchment craft, an ancient art form dating back 500 years and earlier. With delicate lacework and intricate perforated detail, Pergamano can be used to make lots of different things. Through this course, we will explore the basics of this craft, learn how to use embossing tools and work towards creating our own pieces, that we can take away home with us. No prior experience necessary.'

 

Dates: Wednesdays: March 5th - April 9th

Times: 12pm - 2pm

To Bring: Bottle of water/drink

 

The Photographers Eye

'During our brand new and exciting photography course, you will learn everything from DLSR camera capture, through to an introduction to uncover the visual elements of photographic composition and explore how these may impact visual storytelling. You’ll also get the chance to work in our state-of-the-art photography studio. Come along and develop your ‘photographers' eye’, no previous photography experience necessary. Equipment will be provided.'

 

Dates: Tuesdays: Feb 4th - March 11th

Times: 11am - 1pm

To Bring: Bottle of water/drink

 

Employability Workshops 

'This is a brand-new offer in conjunction with NU Graduate Futures, where we will look at various tools and skills that can enhance our employability and our confidence. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, get back into the world of work, or just curious on how these skills might relate to other areas of your life, we’d love to have you involved!'

 

Dates:

Tues: Feb 11th - CV and Applications

Tues: March 11th - Reasonable Adjustments

Tues: April 8th - Interview Prep

Times: 2pm - 4pm

To Bring: Bottle of water/drink, something to make notes with

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