Barnardo's Hive Project

In 1994 a report was produced called ‘Growing up in Sunderland’, the results of which were used in an action plan to ensure that any new initiatives developing from the issues raised in the report would be part of an overall strategy for the estate.

It was decided that the most effective method of tackling some of the problems that families living on the estate were dealing with would be best dealt with via a community development approach. At this time, Barnardo’s stepped in to develop a family resource centre to be located at the heart of the estate to help support the families, children and young people living there.

The aim of The Barnardo's Hive Project is to:

• work in partnership with local people and their children to identify their needs
• find ways to enable them to take control of their community and environment
• take advantage of education, training, social and employment opportunities

The Hive is based on the Racecourse Estate located within Houghton-le-Spring and is situated approximately seven miles south west of Sunderland city centre.