About us – a quick over view ….
Wansbeck Valley Food Bank was registered as a charity in December 2011. [Registered Charity No 1177303].
We rely on the support of the local community through volunteering, financial and food donations and fundraising.
Our food is donated by the local community, through community groups, schools, churches, businesses, individual donations and supermarket collection days. We also receive grants and financial donations that help us to purchase food.
Our office and central warehouse is based at Northgate Park Hospital just north of Morpeth.
Here we co-ordinate all requests, stock and assemble food parcels prior to them being transfered to one of our Ashington based collection points. Alternatively, we will deliver direct to the client’s home.
We have 1 full-time and 1 part-time paid salaried staff members, 4 volunteer trustees, 3 associate trustees and 60+ regular volunteers.
Our clients are referred to us by partner agencies who identify people in need and issue them with a foodbank referral. Ashington based clients will collect from our local centres. Those unable to collect can opt for a home delivery.
We also signpost those in crisis to other support agencies to help them through their crisis.
Who’s who – Board Members and Officers
John Rowley [Chair of Trustees] lead Finance and Facilities
In a former life John’s career was in engineering. Since then he has been involved in local parish ministry.
His involvement with Wansbeck Valley Food Bank began in 2013 and he has been in the position of trustee [treasurer] since 2016.
Alongside his role as Chair of Trustees John is still actively involved in parish ministry.
He firmly believes he belongs to a priviledged generation and is passionate about justice for the poor and giving something back to society in return.
Mark Facey [Trustee and Board Secretary] – lead on Policies & Transport Management
Mark spent 40 years in various roles within the IT industry. On taking early retirement he sought out volunteering as a way of supporting the community.
Having joined Wansbeck Valley Foodbank and enjoying an active role supporting the charity in various duties he decided to take on additional responsibilities, firstly looking after the delivery vans before accepting the role of trustee in late 2022.
He enjoys being a part of the local support contingent, providing much needed help to those who require it.
David Lea [Trustee & Vice Chair] – lead HR – Safeguarding – Food Procurement and Warehousing
David worked for the private and public sector within the fields of Human Resources, Performance Management, Audit and Quality Assurance.
Since retiring in 2023 he has supported the Wansbeck Valley Foodbank initially as an Associate Trustee before becoming a Trustee in March 2024. As well as being a Trustee he is also a School Governor.
After developing a wide range of skills and experience during his working life, he enjoys the opportunity to apply the skills for the benefit of others who are less fortunate than himself.
Sophie Ward [Trustee and Treasurer]
Sophie’s profile says ………………………
Sheila Rowley [Trustee Associate ] lead support for Administration & Data Control
Sheila, a former company secretary and teacher, has been involved with the food bank since its inception in 2012. Although she has been involved in many aspects of the food bank operation her main contribution in that time has been to focus on developing the administration and governance side of our charity activities.
After serving as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for several years, she now primarily offers her expertise in an advisory capacity as a Trustee Associate.
Dawn Hallett [Trustee Associate] lead support for Communications, internal and external, lead support for volunteer co-ordination and engagement.
Dawn is recently retired from a variety of Deputy Director leadership roles with HMRC and began volunteering with the Food Bank in Autumn 2024
Apart from working weekly in the warehouse she is also an associate trustee, with responsibilities for communications, team building and supporting the Volunteer co-ordinator
Having been brought up locally during times of recession and the Miners strike, she has a first hand understanding of the impacts of food poverty on our community.
She is now very proud to be part of the important work that we do to alleviate the impact of food poverty on individuals and families facing the challenges of today.
Claire Slater [Senior Co-ordinator]
Claire’s career began with her passion for travel, a field that provided her with invaluable experiences. which lead her to a significant role at Ford, where she spent 23 remarkable years in Sales. During her time at Ford, Claire gathered a bank of skills in customer relations, strategic planning, and team leadership.
In August 2023, Claire decided to take her career in a whole new direction. Embracing a profound shift in her professional journey, she chose to join the team at the local food bank. This career change was driven by her desire to make a tangible impact in her community and support those in need.
Karina [Finance and Funding Officer]
Karina’s profile ………………………