Yvonne Probert
CEO
Yvonne joined Tell Us North CIC as CEO in December 2022 and she brings with her over 20 years’ experience as a senior manager and as a dynamic strategic thinker with a broad knowledge base.
Throughout her career in the voluntary sector she has gained skills, knowledge, and the experience of developing, managing and operating a variety of projects, charities and not for profit businesses. Yvonne’s main strengths are good communication skills, people management, partnership working, income generation and community engagement. She has a passion for health and wellbeing especially the positive impact that the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) can have on statutory services.
Yvonne had personal interest in community led housing, she is one of the founding Directors and currently the Chair of a Northeast housing and advice hub. Also, she is a member of the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs and a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Management.
Afsana Begum
Research & Engagement Manager
With a background in BSc Psychology and an MPH in Public Health I have a demonstrated history of working with a wide demographic of people from all walks of life. I am passionate about empowering individuals and communities to make positive lifestyle changes that lead to improved health outcomes, and I enjoy being able to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders including healthcare providers, community organisations, and government agencies. I am skilled in developing and implementing evidence-based public health research and health improvement programmes, conducting needs assessments, and evaluating programme outcomes, and I am dedicated to immersing myself in current worldly discussions, and on the latest research and best practices in health improvement and wellbeing to provide the highest quality services to clients.
Above all, I like having conversations, being sociable and helping out, which is why I enjoy doing what I do. If I am not surrounding myself with others, I am surrounding myself with food, cooking and travel in my downtime.
Iqra Hussain
Research & Data Officer
Iqra has always been particularly interested in the health and social care sector, which is why she volunteered with Healthwatch in 2021 and was offered a range of learning opportunities.
She previously secured an apprenticeship as a Public Health Analyst in which she gained experience and a valuable skillset in both the NHS and local authority. She has created reports and interactive dashboards to portray the findings from health data that she has analysed relating to a variety of demographics and public health topics.
Iqra enjoys her role because she can identify health disparities through analysis and share the results to have evidence-based, practical benefits for our community.
Nooshin Shabani
Enter and View Officer
Before joining Healthwatch Nooshin worked for a charity supporting young people to have a voice. Her educational background is in Journalism. Nooshin has a passion for personal development and for ensuring underrepresented groups have a voice and are involved in change and dialogue. She has over 10 years’ experience in this line of work and is very passionate about social justice. Nooshin is also studying an MA in Social Work alongside. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her two boys, she enjoys cold water swimming in the sea, meditation, and fitness.
Jack Tinkler
Healthwatch Gateshead Manager
Prior to joining Healthwatch Jack worked for a community health charity in Newcastle working as a Health Improvement Practitioner. This involved providing clients with advice and support on improving their diet, increasing their physical activity, managing their diabetes better and quitting smoking. Jack has a background in sport and exercise science along with graduating with a Master’s in Public Health Nutrition.
When not at work Jack enjoys going to the gym and anything to do with football whether that be playing it on a Saturday afternoon or watching his beloved Newcastle United on a weekend.
Cheryl Wright
Engagement and Involvement Officer
Cheryl has a background in secondary education and mental health, having been a PSHE and Citizenship Lead in both middle and secondary schools, and an Religious Education Lead across multiple schools via an academy trust. She has a passion for listening and networking, and believes in listening to people's experiences as a key part of supporting them and enabling change. As a volunteer and resident in Gateshead, she feels a close connection to the community she works in, which enables her to engage effectively with the public on multiple levels.
Becca Neale
Engagement and Involvement Officer
Prior to joining Healthwatch Gateshead, Becca studied MSc Psychology with a focus on preventative health psychology alongside women and AFAB people’s health. Having worked as a mental health case worker and spent a number of years volunteering in the Newcastle-Gateshead area, she is passionate about public services and the importance of recognising good practice.
Courtney Peel
Chief Operating Officer
Courtney holds a strong background in administration and management from her previous roles. Prior to that she worked as a corporate paralegal with a ‘Magic Circle Law Firm’ where she began her career. She is very passionate about social fairness in the community, equality and diversity and therefore is excited about the work undertaken here and is thrilled to be a part of it.
Outside of work Courtney can be found in the local park playing with her young son or in a coffee shop with friends and family putting the world to rights with coffee and a cake.
Avish Johnson
Business Manager
Avish earned a degree in Economics and International business and spent six years working at a prominent Big 4 firm, focusing on Australian Tax and people mobility services. He realised that giving back to society is everyone's responsibility and decided to explore the dynamic landscape of health services. He was presented with the great opportunity to work at Healthwatch Newcastle and Healthwatch Gateshead. Avish is eager not only to navigate the intricacies of health services but also to explore and understand the diverse cultures and societies that make up our global community. Beyond the world of finance and health services, he has a strong passion for travel and exploration.
Lewis Brown
Information and Communication Officer
Lewis is experienced in the fields of marketing, content writing and social media, with a track record of participating in Diversity & Inclusion initiatives and a background in creative writing and literature. He is passionate about accessibility, as well as local arts and culture. In his personal time, he also takes part in Newcastle & Gateshead’s performance poetry scene, organising writing workshops and open mic events.
