Safe Space Circles
Small weekly peer groups to rebuild confidence, wellbeing and routine with people who understand.
TASD CIC · Trust, Acceptance, Safety & Diversity
Your next step starts somewhere you feel safe.
TASD helps young people aged 16 to 24 across County Durham who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) to build confidence, gain skills and move into work, training or study. We focus on young people who face extra barriers, including those from underrepresented and marginalised communities.
Ages 16 to 24
Free to take part
Young men and young women
Welcoming to everyone
What TASD stands for
Four promises behind every programme.
T
Trust
A consistent mentor who stays with you from your first session to your first day in a job, course or apprenticeship.
A
Acceptance
No one has to explain or hide who they are. Your identity is never a barrier to your future here.
S
Safety
Trained facilitators, clear safeguarding and zero tolerance of discrimination, in sessions and on placements.
D
Diversity
We build a more diverse North East workforce by opening doors for young people who are too often left out.
Who it's for
For young people who feel stuck, or shut out.
If you are 16 to 24, live in County Durham and are not currently working, studying or training, TASD is for you. You don't need any qualifications or experience to start.
- Young people who have lost confidence after leaving school, college or a job
- Young people who are neurodivergent or living with a disability or health condition
- Care leavers and young carers
- Young people from minority ethnic, cultural and LGBTQ+ communities
- Young people in rural villages with limited access to opportunities
- Anyone who has felt overlooked or unsure where to start
Programmes
A clear pathway from first hello to first job.
Every young person gets a personal plan, so you can start wherever you are and move at your own pace.
Ready for Work
CVs, applications, interview practice, money skills and knowing your rights at work.
Career Tasters & Training
Accredited short courses and taster days with local employers in health, beauty, hospitality, creative industries and more.
Placements & Mentoring
Supported work placements and one-to-one mentoring into apprenticeships, jobs, college or further training, with aftercare once you start.
Supporting the North East plan
Aligned with the New Deal for North East Workers.
The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority's New Deal for North East Workers sets out how the region will help more people into good jobs. TASD delivers that ambition at grassroots level for young people the system often misses.
New Deal priorityYoung people have the skills, confidence and support to progress into a job
Our four-stage pathway takes NEET 16 to 24 year olds from confidence building to placements, apprenticeships and work, with a named mentor throughout.
New Deal priorityA bigger, better skilled and more diverse workforce
We bring underrepresented young people into the labour market and support employers to offer inclusive placements.
New Deal priorityResidents with health conditions and disabilities, and residents from all backgrounds and communities
Neurodivergent and disabled young people get adjusted sessions, supported placements and help to access reasonable adjustments at work.
Regional Child Poverty Action PlanSpecialist youth provision and support towards work
Our pre-employment and taster programmes act as a stepping stone into pre-apprenticeship training and regional apprenticeship opportunities.
TASD is an independent community interest company. References to regional strategies show how our work contributes to them and do not imply endorsement by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
Our promise to every young person
You will be met with respect, kept safe, and never asked to be less than yourself.
- Every session has a trained, DBS-checked facilitator
- Free to take part, with travel support where possible
- Accessible venues across County Durham, plus online options
- Support continues after you start work or training
Partners
Work with us to reach young people others can't.
As a community interest company, everything we receive is locked in for community benefit and goes back into supporting young people.
Funders & commissioners
Commission TASD to deliver NEET engagement, pre-employment support and inclusive placements, as a lead or delivery partner.
Talk to usEmployers
Offer a taster day, placement or apprenticeship and help build a more diverse workforce. We support you and the young person throughout.
Offer a placementReferrers & volunteers
Schools, colleges, youth services and Jobcentres can refer young people. Volunteers can mentor or share their skills.
Refer or volunteer
Contact
Say hello. No pressure, no commitment.
Sign yourself up, refer a young person, or talk to us about funding, placements or partnership.
Email
hello@tasdcic.org.uk
Area we cover
County Durham, North East England
Need help right now? If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For confidential emotional support at any time, call Samaritans free on 116 123.