Sidequest has received £20,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver a new programme of creative Dungeons & Dragons workshops in Hartlepool and at Holme House Prison.
It has also been awarded £5,000 through The PFC Trust after guests attending the organisation’s annual Green and Blue Ball voted to support “LADS LADS LADS”, a creative project working with young men in Hartlepool.
Director Aaron Bowman said: “We’re incredibly grateful for both of these investments. They represent two different organisations choosing to back the idea that creativity can make a real difference to people’s lives. Creativity is more important than ever in 2026 and we’re proud to be leading the borough in the development of creative activity by, with and for residents of the town.”
He added: “The National Lottery Community Fund support will allow us to develop a programme that uses imagination and storytelling as tools for connection, while The PFC Trust investment will help us grow ‘LADS LADS LADS’ alongside young men in Hartlepool. Both projects are rooted in the belief that everyone deserves spaces where they can feel welcomed, valued and able to contribute. We’re excited to see where they lead.”
Last October, Hartlepool Life featured the ‘LADS LADS LADS’ project which aimed to spark open conversations about what it means to be a lad today, what pressures young men face, and what helps them feel part of something positive.
Author: Ian
Reporter and author of Pop Life, covering all things news, music and local events.