Our Projects
NICE creates projects that help people feel less isolated, more connected, and more confident in everyday life. Much of our work comes from lived experience and from understanding how difficult it can be to navigate systems that often feel distant, overwhelming, or simply not built for the realities of diverse communities.
Our projects bring people together through wellbeing activities, creative workshops, movement, education, cultural events, and community spaces where people can feel safe to simply arrive as they are. We believe support works best when people feel seen, understood, and welcomed without pressure or judgement.
We work with people from many different backgrounds, including refugees, migrant communities, families, carers, older adults, and individuals experiencing isolation, anxiety, low confidence, or difficult life transitions. Rather than focusing only on problems, we focus on rebuilding connection, trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging step by step.
At the heart of every project is the belief that meaningful change happens through relationships, consistency, and community. Whether someone joins us for wellbeing support, learning opportunities, movement sessions, creative activities, or cultural experiences, our aim is always the same - to help people reconnect with themselves, others, and the world around them in a way that feels natural, supportive, and real.
Hullitage
– Community, Culture and Wellbeing
Hullitage is a long-term community programme created for people who are too often unseen, unheard, or left navigating life without the right support.
We work alongside refugees, people seeking asylum, migrant communities, and residents experiencing isolation or poor wellbeing.
Many carry complex life experiences, language barriers, or a sense of disconnection from the place they now call home.
At the heart of Hullitage is a simple but powerful intention. To create spaces where people feel safe, respected, and able to reconnect with themselves and others.
Each week, we bring people together through welcoming, low-pressure workshops and community events held in local spaces across the city. Libraries, parks, community centres and cultural venues become places where conversations begin, confidence grows, and relationships form naturally.
There is no requirement to arrive ready. People come as they are, and that is enough
Our work combines wellbeing, cultural expression, and human connection in a way that reflects real lives. Sessions are multilingual, inclusive, and shaped by the people who take part. Alongside experienced facilitators, community ambassadors with lived experience help guide the programme. Their presence builds trust, removes barriers, and ensures that what we offer is not only accessible, but genuinely relevant.
The impact reaches far beyond attendance. People begin to feel less alone. They find their voice. They take small steps that lead to meaningful change. Over time, many move from participation into volunteering and leadership, becoming part of the support network for others.
This journey is strengthened through our annual Hullitage Emerging Leaders Programme, which creates a clear pathway for those ready to grow in confidence, responsibility, and community leadership. It supports individuals to step forward, not only for themselves, but for the communities they represent.
Emerging Community Leaders Programme
Turning passion into purpose. Ideas into action.
Great community leadership starts with people who care — and the confidence to turn their ideas into action.
Our Emerging Community Leaders Programme helps passionate individuals develop the skills, knowledge and connections to make a lasting difference.
Through inspiring workshops, practical learning and shared experiences, you'll explore leadership, funding, community development and turning your vision into reality.
Our first participants have already taken exciting steps — establishing organisations, creating community events and progressing into professional roles.
Whether you're just starting out or have years of community experience, your ideas matter, your potential matters, and your community needs you.
Ready to take the next step? Join our next cohort!
Tees at Peace
Tees at Peace is a free community wellbeing programme helping adults across Teesside find calm, connection and belonging through nature-based experiences, personalised support and practical tools for managing stress and improving wellbeing.
Something wonderful is coming to Teesside!
We are delighted to introduce Tees at Peace, a brand-new, completely free wellbeing initiative delivered by the National Initiative for Creative Education (NICE), with support from The National Lottery Community Fund.
Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, looking to reconnect with yourself, hoping to meet new people or simply wanting to make more time for your wellbeing, we are creating welcoming spaces for you.
From January 2027, adults across Teesside can look forward to nature-based wellbeing experiences and personalised one-to-one support. Alongside these activities, NICE will work directly with selected community organisations to support the people who spend so much of their time supporting others.
MFL
– GCSE Exams in Community Languages
This project provides practical, structured support for young people to take GCSE exams in community languages such as Polish.
It focuses on enabling students to formally accredit language skills they already use, helping them gain recognised qualifications that directly support their educational progression.
