Support Gosforth Civic Theatre through the Co-op Local Community Fund

We’re thrilled to share that Gosforth Civic Theatre’s Gaming Social and Youth Board have been selected for the Co-op Local Community Fund 2026!

Co-op Members can now choose to support us through the fund, helping us continue creating opportunities for young people to connect and shape activities for their peers.

Creating opportunities for young people

At Gosforth Civic Theatre, we believe young people should have opportunities to meet others, explore their interests and play an active role in their community.

Our weekly Gaming Social provides a welcoming space for young people to come together, play games and spend time with friends. We transform our theatre into a gamer's paradise, complete with a collection of games and consoles, offering free activities for more than 50 young people every week.

Around half of those attending are autistic, and Gaming Social has become an important part of their lives. We have seven volunteers supporting our younger members, all of whom are autistic and have grown with us. It is important for younger autistic people to see their peers in roles of responsibility.

We want to keep Gaming Social free so that young people can continue to access a space where they feel comfortable, can be themselves and can build lasting connections.

GCT Gaming Social on a Tuesday night

Giving young people a voice through our Youth Board

Alongside Gaming Social, our Youth Board (called Young Producers) gives young people the opportunity to shape events and create experiences for their peers.

With support from GCT, young people can develop new skills, explore their ideas and bring their own events to life with a dedicated budget.

We believe young people should have the chance to influence the activities available to them, rather than simply taking part. By supporting them to take on responsibility and lead projects, we can help them build confidence and make their ideas happen.

Help us keep these opportunities going

People with learning disabilities are part of the life, culture and operation of the venue. The building is a shared public place where people contribute, work, perform, volunteer, participate, meet others, become known and belong. The impact comes from the way every aspect of the venue, from the café and theatre to the foyer and studios, works together. The whole building creates the conditions for people to become part of community and cultural life.

We want to support more young people to access the building by creating and sustaining opportunities for them to engage with it. Support through the Co-op Local Community Fund will help us continue offering free Gaming Social sessions and give young people the resources and support they need to create events for their peers.

Every bit of support helps us keep these opportunities open to young people

If you’re a Co-op Member, please choose Gosforth Civic Theatre as your cause and help us continue making a difference.

You can support us wherever you live in the UK, so please share the link with friends and family who might like to get involved too.

Not a Co-op Member yet? You can sign up to become a Co-op Member and choose us as your cause.

Thank you for supporting young people and helping us create more opportunities for them!