We are a well established charity rooted in the Dyke House area of Hartlepool, historically one of England's most challenged neighbourhoods. First established in 1990, we have operated, and now own, The Annexe—a former school annex turned community hub—for over three decades, becoming a vital resource for local residents. For much of our early history, the organisation functioned largely as a provider and host of services: a youth club, literacy support library, IT suite, exercise classes, benefit and employment advice—all designed to counter the entrenched poverty, worklessness, health inequalities, and low aspirations prevalent in the area.

A pivotal transformation began around 2010–2012, when, under new staff leadership, we shifted from a “doing for” model toward a community‑organising approach. After a period of community frustration—largely stemming from unfulfilled promises during building refurbishments—we re‑oriented ourselves around listening, involving residents in decision‑making and turning thousands of listening sessions into grassroots action and local social action projects. Through this approach we helped support the Dyke House Big Local and Power to Change Empowering Places initiatives and began fostering resident‑led community enterprises, local housing initiatives, street organising programs, and more sustainable, locally-rooted economic activity.

Since then, we have been recognised for our impact and continue to offer a broad spectrum of services—education & training, economic development and wellbeing support—focused on poverty reduction and local empowerment.

In short, our history is one of evolution—from an arm’s length service provider toward a resident-led, organising‑based anchor organisation, devoted to lifting one of Hartlepool’s most challenged neighbourhood out of poverty through local action, local enterprise, and social empowerment.