Rural Employment Hubs Secure Funding for 2025–2026

22nd Apr 2025

We’re pleased to share that our Rural Employment Hubs Project has secured funding to continue operating throughout the 2025–2026 financial year.
 

As a partner in the Solid Foundations Project, we will receive a core grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) via the North East Combined Authority. While this year’s funding is at a reduced level compared to previous years, it allows us to retain our dedicated staff and continue offering support to rural communities while we await further details about post-UKSPF government funding due from April 2026.
 

To adapt to this new funding level, our hub opening hours will be slightly reduced, but we remain committed to delivering a consistent and welcoming service across our six locations: Alnwick, Amble, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Morpeth, and Prudhoe. Each hub is now open one morning per week from 9.30 am to 12 noon.
 

We’ve also recently moved our Alnwick Hub to a new, more accessible venue at Alnwick Playhouse, offering a welcoming and friendly environment for jobseekers.
 

Our hubs are open to any unemployed resident in rural Northumberland looking for support with:

• Job searching and applications
• Careers advice
• General guidance on managing during periods of unemployment

You’ll find full details, including opening days and addresses, on our website:
www.ca-north.org.uk/supporting-individuals/northumberland-rural-employment-hubs
 

We’re also very grateful for additional support from the Sir James Knott Trust and a generous private donor, both of whom are helping us to continue making a difference for people across rural Northumberland.