A few words from our wonderful team about why we got involved with Launchpad and everything they've learnt from it so far!
Ahead of our ambassador drop-in this Thursday, we wanted to share our reasons for joining Launchpad and how its purpose of driving change through creativity influences us, in both Launchpad and our personal lives.
See you on Thursday!
#drivingchangethroughcreativity
We are excited to announce our ambassador applications are now open!!
Being an ambassador is an amazing way to make a meaningful impact in your local community, as well as to enhance your personal and professional growth.
You’ll be at the forefront of our transformative projects, and here’s why to consider it:
Make a tangible difference: Launchpad is all about fostering creativity and providing opportunities for personal growth in the North East. As an ambassador, you will be directly contributing to these goals by helping to organise and promote events, fundraisers, and initiatives that empower local individuals and communities.
Enhance your CV: engaging in reputable charitable work is an impressive addition to your CV. Employers value individuals who demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. Through being a Launchpad ambassador you are showcasing your dedication to making a difference.
Expand your network: joining Launchpad opens doors to a vast network of like-minded individuals, including artists, musicians, and community leaders. You’ll have the chance to collaborate with inspiring people who share your passion for positive change.
Deadline is 18th October.
Link in our bio!
#drivingchangethroughcreativity
Launchpad is DUCFS’ independent creative outreach platform - using creativity to drive real change across the North East.
We act as a springboard for local talent, helping individuals develop practical skills for the professional and personal creative worlds.
From our DJ sessions to community art and wellbeing projects, we create opportunities for impact, change, and volunteering.
Our partners include: Durham for Refugees x City of Sanctuary @durham_for_refugees , St Cuthbert’s Hospice @stcuthbertshospice , RTMinds @rtminds , and the DJ School Project.
We look forward to increasing our positive impact this year with the help of our student ambassador team and growing network of volunteers!
We are so excited to announce an opportunity to take part in the Great North Run, supporting RTMinds!
Runners would be raising money for @rtminds , an amazing mental health and suicide prevention charity based in Gilesgate, Durham. Centring art and creative expression as a method of healing, you would be joining the fight for better mental health.
The half-marathon is happening on Sunday 13th September, and is not an occasion to miss!
Link in bio.
#drivingchangethroughcreativity
DUCFS Launchpad Highlights
We are so proud to be working with such incredible charities within our local community, and are even prouder of our team who have worked throughout the campaign to help Launchpad expand.
Written by Head of Launchpad, Isla
@ducfslaunchpad
#GLITCH
Our newest partners!
@changinglives_uk is a national charity which supports people experiencing the challenges of homelessness, helping them to make positive and lasting changing in their lives. We are thrilled to be providing funds for a creative writing and performance project for two groups of women in the community, one in custody and the other on probation.
@catss_dusvo is a long-standing student led volunteering project, which works with disadvantaged children from the local area. This includes regular creative and games-based activities, as well as 4 day trips each year. We are so excited to be providing funding for events such as these in 2026!
#drivingchangethroughcreativity
We are so excited to announce our Launchpad x RTMinds Paint ‘n’ Sip!
@rtminds is an amazing mental health and suicide prevention charity based in Gilesgate, Durham, that centres art and creative expression as a method of healing. We are so excited to have been able to work with them again this year as part of Launchpad’s work.
This Paint ‘n’ Sip is not only an opportunity to raise vital funds which keep the charity running, but also a chance to support their ‘Never Give Up’ project. This involves spreading painted rocks with hopeful and powerful messages across Durham, each of them with a QR code which links directly to RTMinds’ available services.
The project aims to provide help and hope to those who may need it, as well as supporting RTMinds, with everything from this event going directly to the charity.
Come along and enjoy some painting, learn a little about art and mental health, and support an awe-inspiring charity!
Wednesday 4th February
Link in bio.
#drivingchangethroughcreativity
DUCFS: LAUNCHPAD
As we count down to the show, we want to take a look at the other beneficiary of our support in 2026: DUCFS Launchpad.
This year, Launchpad has continued to make a tangible impact in the local community. From expanding the Launchpad DJ School to increasing volunteering support for Durham for Refugees, it has helped to grow personal and professional creative opportunities for community members.
For the future, Launchpad is excited to be working on two new projects, Changing Lives and Children Achieving Through Student Support. It will provide funding to both initiatives, ensuring that creativity and community will continue to flourish.
#drivingchangethroughcreativity
#GLITCH
A little recap of @durham_for_refugees ‘ ‘Taste of Syria’ event yesterday.
It was such a wonderful evening, with excellent food and company! The charity is planning on hosting this amazing event once a term, so there’s plenty of opportunities for those of you who missed out this time.
Thank you so much to everyone who came!
#drivingchangethroughcreativity
A quick recap of our ambassador drop-in this week!
We heard about each of our three projects from their wonderful representatives and looked in more detail at what their sessions would entail.
It was such a lovely way to get know more about our charity partners and the opportunities on offer in County Durham.
Thank you so much to all our prospective ambassadors for attending!
Further information about the projects and sessions will be released over the course of this week, during which we’ll be reaching out to everyone who signed up at the end of the drop-in.
If you were unable to attend or sign up but are interested in becoming a Launchpad ambassador, DM us to find out more!
#drivingchangethroughcreativity
