Author: headliners

“Why Don’t Young People Use Parks Anymore?”

By Hannah, 17 When I was younger, parks were the place to be. Whether it was running around with my mates after school or having picnics on weekends, parks felt like a haven.But now, when I walk through the park near my house, it’s too quiet. It’s not just that the swings are empty or […]

Why Don’t Young People Use Libraries Anymore?

By Megan, 17 Libraries used to be the heart of every community, a place to study, read, and meet up with friends. But for many young people today, they’re more of an afterthought than a must-visit spot. With phones, social media, and easy access to information online, the idea of spending time in a library […]

Where Did All the Goths Go?

By Leah, 15 When my Mam was my age, Newcastle had a place for everyone. If you were a goth, an emo, a punk, or even just a bit weird, you went to The Green. Old Eldon Square wasn’t just a spot to sit with a Starbucks like it is today. It was alive with subcultures. […]

Phone Bans in Schools? That’s Not the Answer

By Erin, 16 Suddenly, politicians and teachers think the solution to all our problems is banning them in schools. They say phones ruin our mental health, destroy our attention spans, and stop us from socialising. But is taking them away really going to fix anything? I don’t think so. Schools across the UK are already […]

Feeling Safe In My Own City

By Jahni, 17 As a Geordie with Pakistani roots, I have always been proud of where I come from. Newcastle has been home to me all my life, and it’s a city I love deeply. There’s something special about the people here: the friendly smiles, the hearty laughter and of course, the accent.  You can’t […]

Should Adolescence Be Shown in Schools? Young People Say It’s Not Enough

By Erin & Josh, both 17,  Netflix’s drama Adolescence has sparked major conversations about the struggles of growing up today, with even the Prime Minister reportedly speaking to Netflix about its impact. Now, some schools are considering adding it to the curriculum as an educational tool. But while adults debate its value, many young people are questioning […]

Bright Sparks – Mo’s Story

This story comes from young carer Mo, 19, who lives with his 18-year-old brother. Mo took part in our Bright Sparks project which aims to support young people who are eligible for the priority register to reduce their energy usage, save money, budget and stay safe when it comes to Carbon Monoxide in the home. […]

Tyne on Your Side – Elle’s Story

“My name is Elle and I am 16. I recently joined Headliners as part of the Tyne on your Side Project. I found out about Tyne on Your Side when someone came into my school to tell us about it.   I am quite quiet normally and I thought this would be a good opportunity to […]