Community Engagement For Real Social Impact
Did you know that Out And About North East CIC is available for hire? We don’t just talk about mental health we share what it actually feels like to live it.
At Out And About, we are experts by experience. Our speakers are everyday people who have navigated the tough journey through isolation, neurodivergence, and mental health struggles and come out the other side.
We offer inspiring, non-clinical talks that move beyond statistics and medical jargon. Instead, we speak from the heart about the reality of loneliness and the life-changing power of connection.
OAA Services
Out And About North East CIC provides bespoke services to meet your needs, ensuring high-energy, inclusive, and impactful experiences for your community, organisation, or educational institution.
We don’t just talk about mental health; we share what it actually feels like to live it. Our speakers are everyday people—peers, not professionals—who share their real stories to inspire hope.
What We Share
The Reality of Isolation: We break the stigma by sharing honest accounts of how loneliness affects people of all ages (from 16 to 86).
The "Small Steps" to Recovery: Inspiring stories of how our members went from being unable to leave the house to leading social groups. We show that recovery is possible.
Living with Neurodivergence: Authentic insights into what the world looks like through an autistic or anxious lens—and how to build environments where neurodivergent people can thrive.
The Power of "Just Being There": We discuss why peer support and simple friendship can sometimes be as powerful as medicine.
Why Book a Lived Experience Talk?
It’s Relatable: We aren't doctors or therapists. We are peers. This makes our message accessible and less intimidating for students, patients, or staff.
It Inspires Hope: Hearing a real person say, "I was there, and now I am here," is the most powerful tool we have to combat hopelessness.
It Changes Perspectives: We help professionals, teachers, and families understand the human side of mental health.
Community Events & Festivals
Inclusive Fun Days, Sports & Dance
Bringing people together through movement and laughter.
We bring the energy, the equipment, and the heart to your event. We have proudly worked with the South Tyneside Mela and CAST (Citizens Assembly South Tyneside) to deliver activities that get the whole community smiling.
But we do more than just "run games." We use sport and dance as a tool to tackle loneliness and boost mental wellbeing.
What We Offer:
Inclusive Dance & Movement:
You don’t need to be a dancer to join in! We run high-energy, "follow-along" dance sessions that are all about releasing endorphins and shaking off stress. It’s a brilliant way to reduce anxiety and lift the mood of a crowd.
Sports & Team Games:
From relay races to team challenges, our games are designed to encourage team bonding and friendship building. When people are laughing and playing together, social barriers naturally break down, making it easier for strangers to become friends.
Who is it for? (Everyone!)
We make activities accessible for all capabilities.
For Adults & Children: We love intergenerational fun! We can adapt games so that a 6-year-old and an 80-year-old can join in together.
SEND/ SEMH & Learning Disabilities: We are patient, adaptable, and experienced in working with people with learning disabilities and neurodiversity. We ensure the environment is safe, understandable, and no-pressure.
Mental Health Friendly: We know that joining a sports game can be intimidating. Our volunteers are there to encourage the quietest person in the room, ensuring they feel safe to join in at their own pace.
Where can we help?
Schools & Colleges: For wellbeing days or PE treats.
Community Centres Care Homes Hospitas: hosting family fun days.
Public Events: Festivals and awareness days.
Schools Colleges & Universities
Schools & Colleges: Talks, Workshops & Placements
We offer a full range of support for educational settings:
Assemblies & Classroom Talks: Whether addressing a whole year group or a single class, we deliver peer-led talks on 'Friendship Building' and managing social anxiety. We move beyond textbooks to share lived experiences that resonate with young people.
Freshers' Fairs: We attend fairs to let students know there is a safe, friendly community waiting for them outside of campus.
Student Placements: We offer meaningful volunteering opportunities for Health & Social Care students who need real-world experience in a supportive environment.
Hospital Support: Bridging The Gap
Bridging the gap between hospital and home.
Our 'What's Next?' talks introduce patients to OAA volunteers while they are still on the ward. We provide a friendly face and a safe pathway, ensuring no one has to face the fear of recovery alone.
How we can support your patients:
Informal Ward Visits: We can host drop-in stands or "coffee & chat" sessions in common rooms, offering a low-pressure way for patients to ask questions about life after discharge.
Lived Experience Q&A: Patients often worry about practical things like "Will I fit in?" or "What if I get anxious?" As peers who have been there, we can answer these questions honestly to reduce anxiety.
The "Friendly Face" Promise: If a patient connects with a specific volunteer on the ward, we aim to have that same person meet them at the door for their first community session. This continuity is vital for building trust.
Signposting & Resources: We provide clear, easy-to-read information about OAA and other local support networks (like crisis teams or food banks), ensuring patients leave with a physical "toolkit" of support.
Why Hire Out And About North East CIC?
Choose Out And About North East CIC
We Understand Because We’ve Been There
We don’t describe ourselves as "experts" we describe ourselves as peers. As a neurodivergent-led team, many of us have faced our own battles with social anxiety, isolation, and mental health. When we run an event or give a talk, we aren't just following a textbook; we are using our own personal experiences to make sure everyone feels safe, understood, and included.
Built on Community Spirit
Whether we are running sports games at the South Tyneside Mela or hosting a small workshop, our goal is always the same: to bring people together. We bring warmth, patience, and a genuine "family feel" to everything we do. We don't just want to run an activity; we want to make people feel like they belong.
Real Stories that Inspire Hope
When you hire us for a talk, you won’t get a lecture. You will get honest, heartfelt stories from people who have walked the path from isolation to connection. We share the reality of what it’s like to live with mental health struggles—and the joy of finding a supportive community. It’s about sharing hope, not just information.
Supporting the Fight Against Loneliness
This is the most important reason of all. We are a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC). That means 100% of the fee you pay goes directly back into keeping our doors open. By hiring us, you are funding a warm space, a cup of tea, and a lifeline for someone in the North East who is feeling alone right now.
Care Homes & Intergenerational Work
Bringing Joy Through Connection.
At OAA, we believe that friendship has no age limit. We bring the energy of youth into care homes to brighten the days of our older generation. Through shared laughter over board games, creative activities, and the simple power of a "good conversation," our volunteers turn lonely moments into cherished memories. We aren't just visiting; we are building a community where seniors feel less isolated and young adults gain wisdom and perspective..
Making A Difference With Every Booking
At Out And About North East CIC, we turn commerce into compassion. 100% of the fees you pay are funneled back into the organization to fund essential support for isolated individuals right here in the North East.
You get the high-quality service you need, and our community gets the support it deserves. It’s a guilt-free investment that ensures no one in our region is left forgotten.
We aim for our future. By booking with us, you are helping us build a sustainable future where every generation in the North East is connected, valued, and supported.
Thank you for being part of our community.
Warm regards,
The Out And About Team