The Harrison Foundation celebrated the achievements of young people across the North East by sponsoring the Foundation of Light’s 25th Anniversary Gala Awards Dinner this month, recognising the charity’s remarkable contribution to changing lives.
Read moreThe Harrison Foundation’s recently published annual accounts provide an opportunity to look back at what was achieved during 2025 and, more importantly, the difference our support made to people and communities in North East England and overseas in Antigua and Barbuda.
Read moreThe Harrison Foundation is doubling the impact of an incredible fundraising effort by The Sunshine Fund’s Junior and Mini Great North Run team, after young runners raised an impressive £9,126 for the North East charity.
Read moreThe Centre for Social Justice’s new report, 16–24 Going Under: Tackling the NEETs crisis in the North East, should be viewed as both a warning and a call to action.
Read moreEvery August, exam results give us an opportunity to recognise the achievements of young people across the country.
Read moreWith Newcastle United’s new Premier League season now underway, new figures show that success is just as much about what happens off the pitch as well as on it.
Read moreA Sunderland student who left secondary school without any qualifications is looking ahead to a career in IT after rebuilding his confidence, achieving new qualifications and winning the 2026 Harrison Prize.
Read moreMore than 50 students from six Harrison Foundation and Newcastle United Foundation Partner Schools came together at NUCASTLE, Newcastle United Foundation’s purpose-built community centre, to celebrate a year of academic achievement.
Read moreCreating opportunity has always been at the heart of the Harrison Foundation’s mission and our founder, Sir David Harrison’s belief.
Read moreThe Harrison Foundation visited Acomb First School this week to see first-hand the impact of the Harrison Wellbeing Hub, which has quickly become an important part of daily school life since opening last year.
Read moreMore than seven years after the Harrison Foundation first partnered with Newcastle United Foundation, trustee Daniel Harrison MBE visited Callerton Academy this week to see the impact of that investment in one of the programme’s Partner Schools.
Read moreHarrison Foundation trustee Daniel Harrison MBE has officially opened a new specialist Soft Play Pod at The Dales School in Blyth, marking the latest milestone in the Foundation’s long-standing partnership with the school to improve opportunities for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Read moreThe Harrison Foundation and Newcastle United Foundation (NUF) joined up to celebrate the success of a partnership that has been creating opportunities for young people across Newcastle and North Tyneside since 2017.
Read moreFollowing the unveiling of the restored Government House in April, attention is now turning to the long-term impact the project will have for Antigua and Barbuda.
Read moreThe Harrison Foundation was pleased to support this year’s Ponteland Party in the Park, helping one of the area’s longest-running community events continue to bring local people together.
Read moreYouth unemployment is one of the biggest long-term challenges facing the North East, according to Harrison Foundation trustee Daniel Harrison MBE.
Read moreOur founder Sir David Harrison visited the Potters Playing Fields development in Antigua this month to review progress on the project as construction continues across multiple areas of the site.
Read moreMore than 380 rugby sessions, eight schools engaged and dozens of new club members recruited. Those are just some of the results being delivered through the partnership between the Harrison Foundation, All Stars Sports and Ponteland Rugby Club.
Read morePatients and families at St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham are benefiting from new clinical equipment funded by the Harrison Foundation, following a visit by trustee Daniel Harrison MBE.
Read moreStudents at the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility in Sunderland presented a wide range of technology-based ideas designed to solve real-world problems during this week’s Harrison Prize final.
Read moreFamilies staying at Scott House in Newcastle are now benefiting from newly refurbished bathroom facilities following a £25,000 donation from the Harrison Foundation.
Read moreVisitors to Stanley Brae Riding School in County Durham are already benefiting from new equestrian facilities funded by the Harrison Foundation, with early signs showing a clear impact on engagement and learning.
Read moreMore than 120 students from across the North East came together at the Newcastle United Foundation to take part in the 2026 Harrison Challenge, showcasing their ideas, teamwork and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced, team-based competition.
Read morePreserving heritage while creating opportunities for future generations is at the core of the Harrison Foundation’s work.
Read moreSupporting young people to re-engage with education and build confidence is a key focus of the 3-way partnership between the Harrison Foundation, the Newcastle United Foundation and local schools.
Read moreThe 2026 Harrison Challenge was officially kicked off this week at the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility in Sunderland, bringing together learners at the Beacon of Light to begin the next stage of their employability journey.
Read moreThe Harrison Foundation visited Cornerstone Benwell this week to see first-hand the impact of last year’s donation and to meet with the team delivering vital support in one of Newcastle’s most deprived communities.
Read moreStanley Brae Riding School in County Durham has purchased a range of new equipment to support improvements to accessibility at the yard following the Harrison Foundation’s donation in December.
Read moreSupporting young people to build confidence and take their first steps into employment is a core part of the Harrison Foundation’s work through the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility in Sunderland.
Read moreToo many young people leave school able to pass exams but without the practical knowledge they need to manage money in real life.
Read moreHarrison Foundation trustee Daniel Harrison MBE officially launched this year’s Harrison Challenge at the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility in Newcastle this month, an initiative designed to inspire creativity, innovation and real-world learning among BTEC learners.
The Harrison Foundation continues to support the development of the Potters Playing Fields project in Antigua, a major community sports initiative designed to create safe, inclusive and sustainable facilities for local people.
Read moreHelping young people into work is at the heart of the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility in Sunderland.
Read moreThe Harrison Foundation is proud to be the official sponsor of The Chronicle Sunshine Fund’s Mini and Junior Great North Run teams for 2026, continuing a long-standing partnership focused on supporting children with disabilities and serious illness across the North East.
Read moreCreating clear routes into employment and personal development is a key aim of the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility in Sunderland. Based at the Beacon of Light and delivered in partnership with the Foundation of Light, the Centre provides tailored guidance, education and support to help young people and adults build confidence, gain qualifications and move closer to work or further study.
Read moreSupporting young people through challenging times is a central part of the Harrison Foundation’s work and nowhere is this more important than within our Partner Schools Programme.
Read moreGrassroots sport plays a vital role in building confidence, resilience and community for young people and the Harrison Foundation continues to support initiatives that create positive long-term pathways.
Read moreOn November 26th, Rachel Reeves unveiled the Government’s annual Budget, setting out Labour’s roadmap for the economy and public finances in the year ahead.
Read moreHarrison Foundation trustee Daniel Harrison recently visited the Year 2 learners at the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility in Newcastle, based within Newcastle United Foundation’s flagship community hub, NUCASTLE.
Read moreWe recently published a report on our website examining the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education, and what this means for current school-age children who comprise the emerging workforce.
Read moreOn 14th December, all eyes in the North East will be on the Stadium of Light as Sunderland host Newcastle United in one of football’s most iconic rivalries, the Wear-Tyne derby. While these two cities will compete on the pitch, off it they are united in something far more powerful.
Read moreThis week, Harrison Foundation trustee Daniel Harrison MBE visited George Stephenson High School in Killingworth, one of six schools currently taking part in our growing partnership with the Newcastle United Foundation. With over 1,500 pupils, the school plays a central role in its community and shares our commitment to giving every student the opportunity to reach their potential.
Read moreThe 2025 Young Leaders Programme, delivered by North East charity NE Youth and funded by the Harrison Foundation, was a great success, helping young people across the North East discover their potential and grow in confidence. Through practical activities, teamwork challenges and opportunities to lead, the programme equips participants with the skills and self-belief to make a difference in their schools and communities.
Read moreThe Harrison Foundation was proud to support The Sunshine Fund’s Question of Sport fundraising evening this month, which raised an incredible £14,500 to help children living with disabilities and terminal illness across the North East.
Read moreThe Harrison Foundation was proud to join and be a sponsor of the Newcastle United Foundation’s annual Celebration evening at St. James’ Park, recognising inspirational stories from across the North East. As a long-term partner and supporter since 2017, the Harrison Foundation has worked hand in hand with the Newcastle United Foundation to deliver opportunities, education and guidance that transform lives.
Read moreNewcastle United and England player Anthony Gordon recently paid a special visit to one of the Harrison Foundation’s Partner Schools, sharing his personal story and inspiring young people to believe in their potential.
Read moreThis week marked a proud milestone for the Harrison Foundation and the wider community in Acomb, Northumberland, as we celebrated the official opening of the Harrison Wellbeing Hub at Acomb First School. The hub is a purpose-built facility created to support the emotional, sensory and learning needs of children with additional needs.
Read moreThis week, Harrison Foundation trustee Daniel Harrison MBE visited The Sunshine Fund in Newcastle to see first-hand how the Foundation’s £27,000 donation earlier this year has transformed lives across the North East.
For over eight years, the Harrison Foundation has supported The Sunshine Fund’s work to provide adapted and specialist equipment for children and young people living with disabilities in the North East, enriching their quality of life in ways that aren’t covered by the NHS or local authorities.
Read moreThe Harrison Foundation was proud to be the Headline Sponsor of this year’s Foundation of Light Gala Awards — a truly inspiring evening celebrating resilience, opportunity and achievement.
Read moreThe Harrison Foundation was pleased to visit The Dales School in Blyth this month, where trustee Daniel Harrison MBE saw first-hand the impact of the Foundation’s ongoing support for this exceptional school that supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The Dales is home to 235 pupils and its staff work tirelessly to create learning experiences that build confidence, independence and joy.
Read moreAt the Harrison Foundation, we believe that strong communities are built from the ground up. Whether through education, skills, or sport, our mission has always been to invest in initiatives that create opportunities, unlock potential and bring people together. That’s why we’re proud to announce a £20,000 investment in Ponteland Rugby Club’s new Community Coaching & Development Programme – a pioneering project designed to grow grassroots rugby and inspire the next generation across Northumberland.
Read moreAt the Harrison Foundation, we believe in unlocking potential and creating real opportunities for people of all backgrounds. That’s why we are delighted to announce that our Harrison Centre for Social Mobility will be continuing its successful partnership with the Foundation of Light for another year.
Read moreAn opinion piece by Daniel Harrison MBE, Harrison Foundation
When the latest GCSE results were released, I felt a deep sense of disappointment. Here in the North East, the proportion of top grades has fallen more sharply than almost anywhere else in the country. While England as a whole saw 26.9% of grades awarded at 7/A or above, the North East recorded just 22.4%, which is the lowest of any region. What is even more worrying is the pace of decline: top grades in our region fell by 0.9 percentage points this year, compared with a 0.4 point fall nationally.
Read moreAt last week’s North East Charity Awards, we were delighted to see our partner, Cornerstone Benwell, named North East Small Charity of the Year. This recognition is thoroughly deserved and reflects the dedication of Amy and the Cornerstone team, their volunteers and the community they serve.
Read moreAs a new school year begins, the Harrison Foundation is proud to welcome students back to classrooms across Newcastle, where our partnership with the Newcastle United Foundation (NUF) continues to support those who need it most. September is always a moment for a fresh start, but for pupils in our six partner schools, it is also a chance to re-engage with a programme that is helping to transform lives.
Read moreHarrison Foundation trustees Sir David Harrison and Daniel Harrison MBE recently returned to the Potters Sports Field site in Antigua and Barbuda, this time accompanied by Her Excellency Karen‑Mae Hill, Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the UK, and members of the design and building teams.
Read moreHarrison Foundation trustee Daniel Harrison MBE visited Cornerstone Benwell recently to see firsthand how our donation has helped enhance their much-loved Sturdy Foundations Group. The visit was a reminder of why the Harrison Foundation exists – to support projects that deliver real, lasting impact within communities.
Read moreHarrison Foundation trustee Daniel Harrison MBE recently visited St Oswald’s Hospice in Newcastle to see firsthand how the Foundation’s support is making a difference.
Read moreAt the Harrison Foundation, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a supportive learning environment. That’s why we’re proud to be supporting Acomb First School in Hexham, Northumberland, as they break ground on an inspiring new project, named the Harrison Wellbeing Hub.
Read moreGaming Creativity Wins 2025 Harrison Prize
The sixth annual Harrison Prize was held at the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, based at Sunderland’s Beacon of Light, last week with teams of learners competing for the winner’s title.
Reas moreAll of us at the Harrison Foundation are delighted to announce that our trustee, Daniel Harrison, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for his contribution to philanthropy throughout the Commonwealth.
Read morePremier League Players Inspire Jesmond Park Academy Pupils as Harrison Foundation and Newcastle United Foundation team up
At the Harrison Foundation, we believe that positive role models and meaningful mentorship can have a lasting impact on young people’s lives. That belief was brought vividly to life when two of Newcastle United’s brightest homegrown footballers – Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley – stepped into the classroom at Jesmond Park Academy, not just as professional footballers, but as students.
Read moreThe Harrison Foundation is proud to support the restoration of the Potters Sports Field in Antigua and Barbuda, a transformative project aimed at enhancing community sports, education, and wellbeing.
Read moreThe Harrison Foundation is proud to announce a donation of more than £27,000 to the Sunshine Fund.
Read moreThe Harrison Foundation is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with the Newcastle United Foundation.
Read moreYoung learners on Wearside have been given the opportunity to demonstrate their entrepreneurial skills in this year’s ‘dragon’s-den’ style Harrison Prize.
Read moreThe Dales School in Blyth is celebrating an exciting new addition to its outdoor learning environment, with the support of the Harrison Foundation. With £7,000 funding from the Foundation, the school has been able to set up an all-weather fire pit shelter, creating a unique and engaging space for students to develop essential life skills.
Read moreThe Harrison Foundation is proud to support local youth development charity, NE Youth, with a £1,000 award to help fund their Young Leaders employability programme.
Read MoreThe Harrison Foundation has had an impactful 2024, marked by initiatives supporting education, healthcare and community development. Through partnerships and donations, the Foundation has reinforced its commitment to improving lives.
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