Our Journey

Our Founder, James, needed a Space

Our founder, James Fildes faced a decade-long battle with depression. Living in the North East, a region with the highest suicide rates in the country, James was almost one of those numbers. Through years of recovery, he was determined to turn his life around and help others avoid the isolation he experienced, James dedicated himself to creating a supportive community. This is where the idea for Space North East was born.

We hosted our first Space Support Group

Space North East hosted its very first men's peer-to-peer support group. This groundbreaking event provided a free, safe space for men to come together and openly share their feelings. It marked the beginning of our mission to foster a supportive community where men can find solace, understanding, and encouragement.

Collaboration with Sunderland AFC and Vertu Motors

We achieved a significant milestone by collaborating with Sunderland AFC and Vertu Motors. This collaboration brought our first major media coverage, shining a spotlight on our brand, purpose and services for World Mental Health Day. Sunderland AFC shared a compelling video across their social media channels, which significantly raised awareness and attracted more men in the region to join the Space North East community to get the mental health support they needed.

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Our First ‘Walking To Get Blokes Talking’ with Kevin Ball

The 8-mile walk started from 1st Cloud Arena, home of South Shields FC, and concluded at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. Over 60 participants joined us, fostering an environment where men could open up and share their stories as we walked together. Our arrival at the Stadium of Light was met with applause from travelling fans, and we were honoured with the opportunity to walk onto the pitch at halftime in front of a packed home crowd.

Our First ‘Space To Think’ Event

Space North East launched its first ‘Space To Think’ event, an initiative designed for both men and women in the North East to learn from inspiring individuals. Our inaugural event featured astronomer and author Gary Fildes, founder of Kielder Observatory. Participants delved into fascinating topics like the cosmos, the Big Bang, and the possibility of life on other planets. Introducing these enriching events also enabled us to raise funds, which we reinvest into the community to support more men in need.

We completed our second ‘Walking To Get Blokes Talking’

In July 2023, we successfully completed our second ‘Walking To Get Blokes Talking’ event. This time, the walk took us along the picturesque coast from South Shields to Sunderland. The scenic route provided a perfect backdrop for men to engage in meaningful conversations, strengthening our community and promoting mental well-being. The event once again highlighted the power of Men walking and talking together.

Launch of Space To Move

Space North East launched 'Space To Move' - a free weekly fitness group hosted every Saturday with Arrow Strength & Conditioning. With this initiative we invested back into the community by providing men with complimentary fitness sessions, recognising the significant role physical health plays in improving mental well-being. These sessions, aimed to empower men to take charge of their mental health in a supportive and energetic environment.

Winners of Social Enterprise of the Year

In November 2023, Space North East was honoured to be awarded ‘Social Enterprise of the Year’ at the 2023 awards ceremony held at the Stadium of Light. This prestigious event brought together businesses from across Sunderland, celebrating their achievements and contributions to the community. Being announced as the winners was a proud moment for our organisation, recognising our dedication to improving men's mental health and our impactful work in the North East.

Sold out our second ‘Space To Think’ Event with Chris Oliver

We achieved another milestone as we sold out our second ‘Space To Think’ event featuring military and special forces veteran Chris Oliver. The event was a tremendous success, with Chris captivating the audience with his life story and sharing inspiring combat and personal experiences. His words resonated deeply with the local community, highlighting the power of resilience and determination in overcoming life's challenges.

We Partnered with City of Sunderland College

We proudly partnered with City of Sunderland College to raise awareness of the pressing challenges surrounding mental health and suicide. Through this partnership, we had the privilege of meeting and supporting pupils by sharing our own experiences. By engaging with the college community, we aim to foster understanding, empathy, and proactive discussions around mental well-being, empowering young individuals to seek support and make positive choices for their mental health.

Introduced a Free Weekly Yoga Group for Men

The free weekly men's yoga group held every Sunday with Yoga Doxford has been incredibly powerful. This program was launched with the aim of giving back to men in the community and providing them with a space for mindful relaxation and rejuvenation. The response to the initiative has been overwhelmingly positive, with the group proving to be successful in achieving physical and mental well-being among participants.

We Moved Offices

In February 2024, Space North East took a significant step forward as we moved to new offices, symbolising our growth and commitment to building an even bigger and stronger community. This move signifies our dedication to expanding our reach and embarking on new initiatives to give back to the community. With our new space, we are excited to continue our mission of supporting men's mental health and fostering a supportive environment for all.

Introduced a Free Weekly Walking Group for Men

In March 2024, Space North East introduced another valuable initiative: a free weekly Walking Group for Men held every Saturday. Gathering for a casual coffee before embarking on a stroll along Roker and Seaburn beach, this group provides a supportive environment for men to open up about their week and share their experiences. With every stride, participants offer each other support and companionship, fostering connections and promoting mental well-being one step at a time.