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
Stephen (HE/HIM)
Chair
Stephen joined the PAN Board in 2024 and was elected Chair in 2025. A Chartered Surveyor with extensive public and private sector experience, he specialised in grant funding, tendering, business growth and leadership. He was involved in shaping government equality and diversity policy. And has chaired a diverse range of boards. He is a passionate advocate for inclusion and against ageism, domestic abuse, and addiction.
Drew (He/Him)
Deputy Chair
Drew is Chair of ReportOUT and UKSAGE, is an award-winning consultant who champions global LGBTQ+ rights. With 20+ years’ experience in charity, education, and advocacy, he drives impactful change for marginalised communities.
Ashley (They/Them)
Trustee
Ashley is data and technology professional working in the finance sector. They also serve as Trustee for Beyond Reflections, a trans support charity, and also works closely with the British Computer Society, sitting on their Community Board, Early Careers Executive and Inclusion Committee.
Rob (He/Him)
Trustee
Rob joined the Board of Trustees at PAN in 2025, bringing strong experience in event coordination and management. A respected advocate in the North East LGBTQIA+ community, he has played key roles in the organisation of Sunderland Pride and supported events with Out North East (ONE) and other regional organisations. He also contributed to the “Safer to be Me” Global LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Summit, helping shape the Newcastle-Gateshead Declaration 2025. Professionally, Rob is a Senior Case Handler in the medical reporting sector and leads his company’s in-house events team.
Gareth (He/Him)
Trustee
Darren (he/him)
Patron
Darren is a Management Consultant in North East England and has held several roles in the VCSE over the past 15 years, supporting charities in various ways. He is a founder of Pride Action North and champions our work. He is a qualified Community and Youth Worker. He also sits on panels for Barnardos and National Fostering Group alongside former roles as a Trustee of charity Controlling Chemsex and is a member of the Association of Chairs.
Stuart
Patron
Ben He/Him
Ambassador
Crowned Mr Gay Great Britain 2025, Ben is now an ambassador for Pride Action North and works with OUT North East at the ONE Centre, supporting the LGBTQ+ community across the North East of England. He is passionate about mental health, sobriety and authentic representation, and uses his platform to champion inclusivity and inspire positive change. Alongside this, Ben is also a performer, educator and LGBTQ+ advocate. Trained at Laine Theatre Arts, he combines a professional career in dance and musical theatre with supporting emerging performers.
Phoebe She/Her
Ambassador
Position Vacant
CEO
Steven (He/Him)
Bid Writer
Steven supports the day to day fundraising of PAN. His role supports the continuous development of our services for LGBTQIA+ people.
Lucy (She/Her)
Finance Officer
Lucy supports our finance function, she works for various charities and supports our accounting, payroll and ensures we are compliant.
Rachel (She/They)
Service Delivery Manager
Rachel supports LGBTQIA+ young people aged 11-25 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and surrounding areas. Rachel’s background is over 20 years experience working with young people in educational and youth work settings across the region.
Oscar (He/Him)
Education Co-ordinator
Oscar is joining Pride Action North at the beginning of December 2024 as our Education Co-ordinator, working on our National Lottery Community Fund project supporting young people 11-25 to thrive.
august (he/they)
LGBTQIA+ Link Worker – Adults
August supports is an LGBTQIA+ Link Worker with us supporting adults across Northumberland and Tyne and Wear dealing with their individual challenges and helping them to thrive. August has previously supported our inclusive open access youth work project Roaming Roots in South East Northumberland through detached youth work.
Tina (She/Her)
LGBTQIA+ Link Worker – Young People
Tina supports LGBTQIA+ young people aged 11-25. She is a qualified Community and Youth Worker and has worked with children and young people across various informal settings including in Amble, and across the UK.