A new event on a mission to ‘promote active citizenship’ has announced its next date.

Following the success of the launch event in September, which welcomed more than 300 residents and over 20 local organisations, Mackem Community Event is back.

The first Mackem Community Event was well attended | Submitted

placeholder image — The first Mackem Community Event was well attended | Submitted

Taking place at City Hall from 10am to 3pm on December 3, 2026, the event brings together a wide range of services, charities and community groups under one roof; making it easier for people to access advice and support.

Residents will be able to connect with organisations offering assistance around mental health, physical wellbeing, carers support, disability services, cost of living advice, employment opportunities, digital inclusion and social connection.

Liam Downey, event organiser, said: “We had around 350 members of the public attend the event. During which, we distributed donated clothing, food items and baby care products as well as 200 hygiene packs which all included: toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorants, shampoo, shower gel and soap which we hope helped to ease cost of living pressures, even slightly.

“It was an extremely positive event, many people reporting they had spoken to new people, sought help for something they were struggling with.

“There were two specific cases which stand out whereby a homeless gentleman was provided housing via Addictions North East after speaking with their team and another attendee said he hadn’t eaten for several days before the event was given a food bag by the team.

Organisations and representatives at the first event | Submitted

“The organisations who attended gave amazing feedback and signed up a lot of new service users at the event.”

The forthcoming December event is completely free to attend and will include:

*Access to over 25 support organisations

*Free refreshments

*Hygiene and wellbeing packs

*Donated clothing and essentials

*Information and signposting services

Organisers say, at the heart of the event, is a mission to promote active citizenship, encouraging residents not only to access support when needed but also to become involved in strengthening their local community and supporting others.

Organisations already confirmed for December include:

*Andy's Man Club

*Gentoo

*Wear Recovery

*Sunderland Carers Centre

*Disability North

*AUTSS

*Age UK Sunderland

*Utility Warehouse

*Northumbrian Water

*Connect to Work

*Citizens Advice Sunderland

*Uplift Associates

*Sunderland City Council Digital Inclusion Team

* If any organisations would like to attend the event or if individuals or businesses would like to donate clothing, toiletries or other essential items, please contact: [email protected]