Tell us a bit about yourself

I commenced my career at St Mary’s Psychiatric hospital in Stannington within the social work department; I moved to Northumbria Police Firearms department and then worked in the world of finance including both Northumbria Police and Rolls Royce. I decided to change career path to Human Resources and prior to Children North East worked at John Lewis in Newcastle.

Tell us about your role in Children North East

I am the Chief Executive and have been at Children North East for 17 years.

I’ve had many interesting varied roles within the organisation. I love driving the organisation forward and ensuring we are meeting the needs of our beneficiaries. It is a hectic interesting job with no two days the same.

I am passionate about Children North East especially its mission and values.

How do you spend your time outside work?

I enjoy going to see bands both amateur and professional and would definitely recommend the Foo-fighters live – absolutely fantastic! There is nothing better than a good old mosh pit!

What would you do if you were Prime Minister for the day?

If I was Prime Minister for the day I would do everything in my power to abolish the class system in Britain, I would Poverty Proof the whole country enabling people to freely collaborate without being stigmatised – it would be what you call one busy day at the office!

Tell us a bit about yourself

Born and bred in Glasgow, I moved to the North East in 1994 to study Social Work at Northumbria University. After graduating, I spent the next eight years working in community development primarily with children, young people and families, moving onto people and project management across the North East, including working for the Children’s Society, Play England, Living Streets and the Children’s Food Trust.

Before joining Children North East I was Head of Community Engagement at Rathbone Training, working across England.

I love the North East and I am passionate about the work I have done in the last 25+ years in ensuring that babies, infants, children, young people and families have the best possible opportunities to thrive.

What is your role at Children North East?

As the Operations Director it is my job to work alongside our services, to make sure we are delivering the best possible direct work and interventions to benefit our service users. I also work closely with head office staff to convey the impact of our work to external audiences, including partners, donors, funders and the wider public.

We hear you’re a bit of a foodie – tell us more…

Eating and making food is my hobby, so much so, that I have completed qualifications in professional cookery. One of my favourite things to do when I am on holiday is to go on food tours where I pick up recipe ideas and incorporate these into menus for a monthly supper club hosted in Gateshead.

If you could invite anyone to dinner who would it be?

Family and friends always…

Tell us a bit about yourself

Originally from Leeds, I moved to the North East in 2003 and have spent the past two decades immersing myself in the community, raising our three children, and building strong connections with the people and places here.

My professional journey began in the events and hospitality industries, but for the past 15 years, my heart has been in the charitable sector. I’ve had the privilege of working with a variety of charities, including a local adult hospice, national baby hospices, and more recently, a national neurological charity.

I am deeply passionate about the charity sector and believe that everyone should have the opportunity to engage with it—whether as a supporter, stakeholder, policy-maker or collaborator. Together, we can achieve great things.

Tell us about your role in Children North East

As the Growth & Engagement Director at Children North East, my primary focus is on expanding our impact across the region. I work alongside an incredible team to engage the community, build meaningful partnerships, and secure the funding necessary to support children, young people, and families. My goal is to ensure that we remain a vital resource for those who need us most.

How do you spend your time outside work?

Outside of work, I volunteer at a local music venue, where you can often find me lending a hand behind the bar. I’m a big fan of comedy and music festivals, and as a parent of three, my days are filled with homework, afterschool activities, and the joyful noise that comes with a busy household. To unwind, I enjoy running, and inspired by my daughter’s love of Latin and Ballroom dancing, I’ve even been known to join in on the occasional dance lesson.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I moved to the North East from London in 1999 and have never looked back. Although my university degree is in Psychology, when I graduated, I decided to train to be a Chartered Accountant and joined KPMG in London. Although I loved my time in London, the pace of life in the North East suits me and it has proven to be an excellent place to raise my children.

What is your role at Children North East?

My role is two-fold at Children North East. Firstly, I am the Finance Director and therefore in charge of ensuring the books balance at the end of the day. I also have oversight of HR, which is a new challenge for me as my previous roles have all been finance based. Both roles are very busy and challenging, but Children North East is such an amazing charity, that the hard work is worth it.

How do you spend your time outside work?

I love the outdoors, which was one of the biggest draws for me for the North East. At the weekends, you will find me exploring Northumberland with my dogs. We are so lucky to have the hills and the beautiful beaches on our doorstep.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’ve always worked with children and families, including as a childminder, running early years provisions, and working with the health service and  Local Authority. I’m a Geordie lass through and through, one of seven girls (big families back in the day).

Tell us about your role in Children North East.

I joined Children North East nearly 10 years ago and since have  looked after a range of projects, including crisis intervention, intensive families support and our contact centre to name a few. I’m lucky to work with a highly skilled and committed workforce.

How do you spend your time outside work?

Other than being a very involved Grandma, I enjoy eating out with nice wine and good company.

If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be?

This is an easy question, it would be my mam as she died when I was 11 years old and I would love to sit at dinner with my sisters, I’m sure she would be super proud of all her girls.

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Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m very proud to have lived in different parts of the North East my whole life. I currently live in Newcastle with my husband and 3 children and a very troublesome cat named Freya. I have worked for Children North East for 16 years but have previously worked in a range of corporate sector positions.

Tell us about your role in Children North East

I am responsible for delivering a number of contracts including counselling, infant mental health and bespoke family intervention. We deliver interventions in a variety of settings throughout the North East. Our service has developed significantly in the last two years and I am privileged to work with a dedicated team of professionals.

What would you do if you were Prime Minister for the day?

If I were Prime Minister for the day, I would spend a day with one of the young people we work with to really find out what it is like to be a young person in today’s world. I would spend time listening to their concerns, hopes and dreams for the future and take notice of the barriers they face in the modern world. I would then take this knowledge to develop and shape policy to allow young people to flourish and succeed in whatever way they can.

Tell us a bit about yourself

My background is in Primary School teaching, starting in London and then moving to Lima, Peru for a 3 year contract which turned into 20+ years and opportunities to lead Primary and Early Years sections of international schools. I have also lived in France and as a family we speak English, French and Spanish which adds a wonderful layer of experience and perspective to our lives.

Tell us about your role in Children North East 

I’m proud to work at Children North East and am passionate about Poverty Proofing©, having started out as a Coordinator on the programme and then Team Manager. As Operational Lead, I now have the overview of all our work including schools, health settings, cultural organisations and now moving into communities as a whole. What excites me most is how the methodology can be used across different sectors to not only make the positive impact that we know it has on individual’s lives but also the systemic change it can lead to.

How do you spend your time outside work?

I can often be found walking or running along our beautiful coastline or inland trails, making the most of the great music and cultural events in the region and, most importantly, enjoying time with family and friends.

Tell us a bit about yourself

Originally from Preston, I moved to the North East to begin my teaching career in County Durham. I worked as a teacher, senior leader and Head of School in a number of fantastic schools across the North East for 27 amazing years.

Throughout my long career in education, I have had the privilege to have been part of the lives of many children. All children are unique, talented individuals who deserve to feel loved and valued. I am deeply passionate about ensuring that all children are provided with the opportunities, resources and nurturing that they need to be able to thrive and contribute to society. I feel like I have found my home at Children North East – a charity that holds the same fundamental values as mine.

Tell us about your role in Children North East

I joined Children North East as Development Lead in September 2024. This is a new and exciting role, working with the Development Director to ensure that our current and future strategies will enable us to meet our ambitions. My work has a particular focus on making sure that we continue to meet the contemporary needs of the babies, children, young people and families in the communities that we serve.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Outside of work, I love to stay active and enjoy being outdoors. Walking my two crazy dogs is always an adventure, as they keep me on my toes with their boundless energy. I love camping trips, as they offer a chance to disconnect and immerse myself in nature. I also enjoy bike riding and use it as a way to explore new places. Most importantly, I cherish the time spent with my family, sharing laughs and creating lasting memories together.

Mark has been a Trustee since 2018.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m originally from West London, but attended Newcastle University. After moving back to London I met my wife, who is from Newcastle, and we made the decision to move back here in 1987. I spent over 29 years working for Xerox and am currently writing a PhD on the North Eastern Engineering Industries 1880-1914.

How do you feel about the North East?

The North East is a great place (apart from the weather) but needs to find more of the self-confidence it had during the latter half of the 19th century.

Why have you chosen to be a Trustee of Children North East?

I became a Trustee after working with the team as part of a project for them through the Cranfield Trust. I’ve had a successful life in the north east so it’s time I gave something back!

What are your claims to fame?

I have two claims to fame – I went to school with one of the Sex Pistols, and I (and my sister) featured in a poster in the 1964 General Election.

Alex has been a Trustee since 2019.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I originally grew up in the North East and studied Economics at Leeds university before taking up a career in Finance that led me to work in London and Edinburgh for Ernst & Young, RBS Group and a Canadian bank called TD Group. I took a lifestyle choice about 4 years ago and returned to Newcastle to work for Sage Group Plc, a North East born & bred technology company who are listed on the FTSE 100.

How do you feel about the North East?

Having worked down south and further north I was attracted back to the North East because I missed the people (and their Geordie accents), the lifestyle (the beach, the shops and Northumberland) and the transport links are super handy. All in all, it’s an affordable, great place to live.

Why have you chosen to be a Trustee of Children North East?

I really wanted to give something back and also to help the well-being of children. Through my work I’m very fortunate to benefit from 5 days volunteering work and instead of doing a sporadic beach clean or removing waste I decided to devote my time to something more meaningful which drew upon the skills & experiences I’ve developed in my career.

What is your claim to fame?

I went to the same school as Mr Bean (Rowan Atkinson) and my dad, bizarrely, was also at Newcastle University with him. Even more bizarrely I also feature in a documentary of Rowan Atkinson’s life! Technically, I think that makes me famous.

Rev. Sarah Lunn has been a Trustee since 2018.

Why did you decide to become a Trustee for Children North East?

The charity has been part of my life for all of my life as my great grandfather John Thomas Lunn was one of the founders and my grandparents Bertram and Anne Lunn and parents Lionel and Ruth Lunn were very active members of the charity and on the boards and committees throughout their working lives.

As soon as I moved back to the North East with my work, I was keen to be part of the Trustees of Children North East because of my history and because I am excited and passionate about the aims and objectives of Children North East now.

I love the fact that my great grandfather and his friend started something entirely new for the benefit of youngsters and which has always looked to the future and has been prepared to develop and change as life and society changed and developed over the years.

What are your early memories of your family’s work with the charity?

As small children we went regularly into the home at Cullercoats, which was on the sea front . We played with the children, in the home and on the beach across the road and they came to play at our house a couple of streets behind. We also visited other homes and my family both held and attended fundraising events throughout my childhood.

What do you enjoy about being a Trustee?

I enjoy the collaboration with other very skilled folk who are Trustees alongside me. Together we are passionate about the charity and about continuing to move forward and offer relevant services fit for the present time and into the future.

Are you a Trustee for any other charities/organisations?

No, but my role as a Church of England Parish Priest (Rev Sarah is vicar for the Tynedale parishes of Humshaugh with Simonburn & Wark and Chollerton with Birtley Gunnerton and Thockrington) is considered as work for a charity so all members of the church Council for which, by virtue of my office, I am Chair, are in effect Trustees.

Would you encourage others to seek out a Trusteeship and what advice would you offer them?

Yes I would encourage others. We all have different gifts, experiences and talents and Trustee bodies need a diverse mix of people on them so that communities are fully represented . If you feel passionate about a cause, do offer yourself as a Trustee!

Lucy Atherton has been a Trustee since 2023.

Tell us a bit about yourself 

I am a solicitor specialising in the rights of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (“SEND”) across the education, health and social care sectors. I also have a wider practice in equalities and discrimination law, education law and children’s social care entitlements. I currently work for a large law firm and previously spent several years working for a legal advice charity which supported children and young people with SEND.

How do you feel about the North East? 

I grew up in Newcastle, and although I lived away for several years for work, I moved back to the city in 2021. I love being back in the North East – it has the best of everything, the most beautiful countryside, the friendliest people, fascinating history and lively cities. I have a young family and a big part of the reason I moved home was because the North East can be such a great place for kids.

Why have you chosen to be a Trustee of Children North East?

Through my professional work I often see the challenges children, young people and families face to get the support they need. Children North East does fantastic work delivering a wide range of services in a way which will have the most impact for children and families. I’m glad to be contributing to the work of Children North East, who in turn can make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people across the region.

Susan Howe has been a Trustee since 2023.

Tell us a bit about yourself 

I was born and grew up in Newcastle and studied law at University College London. I practised at City law firm Slaughter and May before returning to Newcastle where I was head of Commercial Litigation at Eversheds in Newcastle.  I’m currently head of the Dispute Resolution team at Muckle LLP.

How do you feel about the North East? 

The North East is a great place to live and work; it’s a region full of energy and creativity.  I’m always astonished when the rest of the country doesn’t seem to realise what a fantastic place it is, not just to live but also to do business in.

Why have you chosen to be a Trustee of Children North East?

I was lucky, I had a great childhood and support and opportunities.  Every child deserves the same and I want to contribute in some way to helping children and young people develop their confidence and achieve their fullest potential.

Sam Hayley has been a Trustee since 2023.

Tell us a bit about yourself

Born and bred in the North East, my career has always centred around developing people and my drive has always been linked to supporting children, young people and families.

I worked within the Education sector for over 20 years and have been involved with various local and national charities and networks.

I also work as an Independent Celebrant, delivering wedding, baby naming and funeral ceremonies.

I have a large family and love playing with my grandchildren, running, sea swimming, dogs and eating.

How do you feel about the North East

I love to travel, and having visited many wonderful places around the world, I still feel privileged to live and work in the North East.

The humour, resilience and friendliness of the Geordie culture, our pride in the history of the region with its industrial, engineering and mining heritage.

The vibrance and culture within our cities and of course our incredible landscape, especially the coastline.

Why have you chosen to be a Trustee of Children North East? 

I believe passionately that we must do everything we can to ensure that all babies, children and young people have the opportunities to grow and live the best lives that they can.

I have seen first hand how transformational a “helping hand” can be in empowering children and families to thrive.

The work undertaken by Children North East is already incredible and I am excited to see the charity grow and develop even further.

Sophie Bentley has been a Trustee since 2023.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born and raised in the North East.
My career has mostly been in the Health and Social Care Sector. I have 20 years’ experience in the NHS working as an Adult Nurse, Midwife and Specialise Health Visitor. In recent years I joined the charity sector, I currently work as the National Safeguarding Lead for an organisation supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Outside of work, I love being outdoors. I enjoy long walks with dog and have a horse, which I compete with – (very low level!). My other pleasure is good food!

How do you feel about the North East?

I grew up in Teesside and went to University in Newcastle. I have lived outside of the area briefly but have always been happiest in the North East. I love everything it has to offer, close to family, the best people, beautiful coast and countryside and fun cities.

Why have you chosen to be a Trustee of Children North East?

Through my work in the NHS there were many children, young people and families who benefited from the fantastic work Children North East does. I currently work for a National Charity but was keen to contribute to an organisation that makes such a positive difference to children and young people close to home.

I also believe becoming a Trustee is a great development opportunity both personally and professionally. I enjoy learning from others and working together to meet the needs of children and young people.