about us

At Pride Action North, we deeply value and strive to promote diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance. Our organisation is dedicated to creating a safe and equitable environment for all individuals regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that may set them apart.

What we do

Pride Action North is here for anybody who needs our wide range of support and advocacy services. We provide a wide range of services to people within the LGBTQIA+ communities across the North of England, and beyond, ensuring a sense of belonging, acceptance and authenticity among all.

Nobody should go it alone and our team is passionate about supporting people regardless of sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity or age. By offering effective support services with high levels of compassion and understanding, we strive to promote diversity, inclusivity and acceptance of all people.

Meet the team

Darren is Chair of Trustees and brings over a decade and half of experience in the VCSE sector, has sat on numerous charity boards and is a qualified Community and Youth Worker. Darren is also a Trustee of national charity Controlling Chemsex and holds roles as an Independent Panel Member.

Angela is the Charity Manager at PAN and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity. Angela’s background is in Education, where she’s held various roles in schools and within the VCSE sector

Dan is a Link Worker and works mainly with LGBTQIA+ people on a one to one basis. He joined PAN from working with young people in Cowgate and is a qualified counsellor.

Tina is a Link Worker on a project supporting LGBTQIA+ children and young people aged 11-25 across Northumberland and Tyne and Wear. She joins the team from Amble Youth Project where she worked as a Delivery Manager. Tina is a qualified Community and Youth Worker and has worked with children and young people across various informal settings, in the North East and beyond.

Nicola supports LGBTQIA+ people on a one to one and group basis. They previously worked with young people as a detached youth worker.

Scarlet joined the team back in May 2021 and has held several roles within the charity. Currently she supports day to day operations and manages our social media.

Sophie joined the team as a Peer Researcher in November 2021.. Currently she supports day to day operations and manages our social media alongside Scarlet.

Ian is a Sessional Worker at PAN. He supports some of our youth groups on an evening. Ian is a qualified Community and Youth Worker and also works at Sunderland University supporting student wellbeing.

Lucy supports the finance function at PAN. Lucy works for various charities and supports our accounting, payroll and ensures we are compliant.

Steven supports the day to day fundraising of PAN. His role supports the continuous development of our services for LGBTQIA+ people.

Drew is an academic expert and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). Drew holds the position of Senior Lecturer at a local university, where he contributes to the academic field and imparts knowledge to students. He also serves as the Programme Leader for MSc Inequality and Society. He has held various roles in the VCSE and is currently Chair of international human rights charity ReportOut.

Gemma is an Operating Departmental Practitioner (ODP) for a local NHS Trust. Her background is in Community Development Work and she has delivered various projects for communities and in particular young people.

Erica is a Customer Services Manager for an International B Corp with stations in the UK, Australia and the USA. Her role includes social value and supporting the development of relationships with clients. Her background is in Community Development Work and she has also delivered various projects for communities.

Alice is our Education Co-ordinator on a project supporting LGBTQIA+ children and young people aged 11-25 across Northumberland and Tyne and Wear. Alice started her career as an optician, owning her own business then moving on to be a professional actor. Following these roles, Alice qualified as a teacher and taught in primary and secondary schools and following relocation to Cumbria worked in the national charities the National Trust and RSPB.

Chris is part of a senior leadership team for an emergency veterinary care provider, and is a resourcing specialist. Chris’ background is in Retail, having held various senior roles across the sector. He is also involved with supporting business development and income generation strategies for other charities within the adult care, and animal care sectors. Chris lives in Lancashire, with his husband, and their two Shih Tzu’s Bella & Bailey.