Philanthropists get angry and active in north east England

A group of philanthropists in north east England is taking a stand against the damage caused by the failings of banks and Government austerity, and calling on others in the UK to follow their lead and take direct action.

Members of the group have taken what they describe as ‘a new militant stance’ and declared themselves ‘patriots’ taking up ‘alms’ to create new jobs and opportunities for the unemployed in one of the areas of the UK constantly described as an ‘economic blackspot’.

And instead of placard waving or petition signing they are putting their money where their mouths are to bankroll the idea with thousands of pounds of their own hard-earned cash.

With unemployment levels in the town already the third highest in England the Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation decided it couldn’t wait any longer for action.

So it has united a group of wealthy individuals, local councils, businesses, Teesside University – and even the local Football Club – to fight against the odds and create hundreds of new jobs. 

"People here are passionate, proud and determined," said Foundation Chairman Andy Preston. "Everyone we've asked for money has given – helping us to lead the charge to confront the challenges ahead with confidence. We've even had an anonymous donation of £15,000."


In just eight months the group has raised £180,000, allocating £75,000 to be spent before April on stage one of its Jobs For Teesside strategy to create 30 full time jobs for unemployed local youngsters. Next year that will rise to 120, with a third phase adding another 150 the following year.

"Our members fight incredibly hard to find businesses which just might give someone a job – a chance to work, learn and be active," said Andy.  "We spend our own money, incentivising employers to recruit, employ and train unemployed young people – and see this project as an essential and timely investment in our community and our fellow Teessiders.”

Tanya Garland, another trustee of the group, said: "This is serious stuff – people's futures are at stake. For every person we can help get off the dole and into work, we are sending a message to people around them that they're active and have a bright future – and creating a role model for scores of others."

The group has also allocated vital cash to a large range of essential community groups across Teesside that are threatened with closure because of austerity measures.

Most recently they awarded £5,250 to a fund set up to distribute Christmas gifts to Teesside's disadvantaged kids.

"Teesside has its challenges and sometimes it feels like no-one wants to help, so we're taking the bull by the horns and doing whatever we possibly can – for ourselves.

“We are amazed at how successful this direct action approach is proving to be. Companies and individuals are now joining us in significant numbers to create real positive change.

“People are going to look at what it is possible to achieve and think it is worth doing the same thing in their own towns and cities.”

Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation was formed in April 2011 to do three things:


1.  Help keep alive vital community assets, threatened with closure due to financial cuts.

2.  Mobilise support across every faction of the conurbation: public sector, leisure, business, education and individuals - capitalising on the ‘patriotism’ which exists and using it for good.

3.  Show the rest of the UK that something amazing can happen in Middlesbrough - we seek to set a national standard and become a template for other groups.  We want people to say: "That's amazing - they've done something fantastic in Middlesbrough!"

 An example of one of the local lads the group has already helped into work can be seen on this 90 second film:      http://vimeo.com/31436635