LAUNCHPAD
Launchpad is DUCFS’ independent outreach platform, focusing on igniting change throughout the North East. The platform was created by DUCFS exec members in 2021 as a way of contributing to combatting key challenges facing our local community in County Durham; from high rates of deprivation and child poverty and related issues including school expulsions and poor community mental health, to supporting the settlement of local refugees.
Our mission is to provide a springboard for individuals across the Northeast, through several outreach projects, creating opportunities for our local community.
Building upon DUCFS’ creative philanthropic principles, our work aims to develop key practical life skills that can be taken into the wider community and professional creative workplace. The key pillars of our work – music, community and the creative arts – reflects the ethos of DUCFS.
OUR PROJECTS
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Opened in 1988, St Cuthberts Hospice provides free care to those with advanced illnesses, people approaching the end of their lives and those who are bereaved.
In 2025, Launchpad made a one-off donation of £2,500 to St Cuthbert’s Hospice to support creative and holistic activities at its Living Well Centre, including crafts and gardening.
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RT Projects aims to help individuals struggling with poor mental health live fulfilling lives This year, Launchpad actively supported the local mental health charity through group art therapy sessions and one-on-one support at our “Open Art Surgery” in Gilesgate, Durham.
Launchpad partnered with RTProjects, to support emotional resilience and recovery. Student ambassadors took part in weekly drop-in sessions and collaborated on RTProject’s ‘Never Give Up’ suicide prevention initiative. A standout moment was the Lanterns of Hope event at Crook Hall, featuring handmade lumiere lanterns, live music, and spoken word performances.
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Formed in 2016 part of the City of Sanctuary movement. Based in County Durham, Durham City of Sanctuary provides opportunities for people seeking sanctuary from war and persecution to integrate into local communities in Durham.
Launchpad worked closely with City of Sanctuary and Durham for Refugees, offering drop-in sessions and a weekly kids club, as well as subsidised travel for attendees. A highlight was the “Taste of Syria” event, catered by Hasna, Rabiha, Wafaa, Rabiaa, and Sabah—talented women who moved to Gilesgate in 2015 after fleeing conflict in Syria
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The DJ Project was set up by former students to give young people from deprived areas the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of DJing and be exposed to the creative industry.
This project was launched after two years with the help of student DJs Xav Drewell and Reu Montgomery, who lead the project. We hosted a group of twelve young people from Durham City Youth Club at the Student Union for weekly sessions. Working closely with our partners, Rotate and Retracked, the project aims to connect young people with experienced DJs/Professionals to start their journey as a DJ.
Ultimately, the project provides an opportunity to develop a unique skill. We have witnessed some potential rising stars!
