Projects and Research
OUT North East delivers projects and research that builds stronger, more connected communities across the North East.
At the heart of our work is people - bringing individuals together, reducing isolation, and creating spaces where everyone can feel seen, supported and valued, whatever their age or identity.
Our research and insight work helps commissioners, policymakers and partners understand what people really need, so services can be shaped in ways that make a genuine difference. Grounded in lived experience, our projects provide clear, practical evidence that supports better decisions, stronger delivery and real impact.
We know commissioning is about making choices that matter often with limited resources and high expectations. That’s why we work closely with communities whose voices are too often missing from formal processes. By listening carefully and creating space for people to share their experiences, we bring forward insight that helps services become more effective, inclusive and responsive.
Creativity plays a big part in how we do this. Through storytelling, heritage work, arts-based projects and digital inclusion programmes, we use engaging methods that encourage deeper participation and uncover richer understanding. The result is evidence that feels real, meaningful and useful, insight organisations can act on with confidence.
Advocacy runs through everything we do. We amplify LGBTQ+ voices, challenge inequality and work alongside public bodies to ensure lived experience helps shape commissioning priorities, services and policy.
By staying connected to emerging needs and responding quickly, OUT North East delivers research that supports better outcomes and helps build fairer systems for everyone.
Commissioning Process
If you are looking to commission projects or research that strengthen LGBTQIA+ health, wellbeing, safety and social connection, OUT North East would love to work with you. We collaborate with leading LGBTQ+ charities ReportOUT and Pride Action North, bringing deep expertise in research methodology and outreach to deliver work that is grounded, ethical and impactful. Shaped by trusted relationships with LGBTQ+ communities across the North East, our projects generate insight that organisations can act on with confidence.
We design and deliver inclusive, community-led programmes that reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and create safer, more connected spaces for people of all ages. From health and wellbeing initiatives to creative engagement and peer-support programmes, our work reaches across generations, identities and local communities.
Our approach is flexible, collaborative and built around your goals. We start with a conversation about what you want to achieve, then work alongside you to develop a clear plan that is ethical, responsive and evidence-informed. Whether you are commissioning research, consultation or delivery, we provide insight and impact that organisations can put into practice.
If you would like to explore how we can support your priorities and deliver lasting social value together, let's start the conversation.
A new report from Out North East, supported by my office, highlights the real experiences of LGBTQ+ people across our region - and the findings make clear we still have work to do. Thanks to OUT North East for producing this important report, giving a voice to our communities and driving real change
