Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

 I was born and raised in Byker, went to school here, and I’ve raised my own children in the same community – children with their own special educational needs. That lived experience shapes the way I see things, both as a parent and as someone deeply rooted in local life.

I’ve worked at The Bostey for nearly 20 years, supporting generations of children and teenagers to feel safe, valued, and connected. Alongside my youth work, I’ve also served as a school governor and as a trustee for a local charity, giving me a strong understanding of governance and the realities of delivering community projects.

Joining the FMFNE advisory panel felt like a natural step for me – it’s a chance to share my experience, challenge ideas when needed, and make sure our programmes genuinely meet the needs of local families. For me, it’s about helping to build something sustainable, inclusive, and firmly rooted in the heart of our community.

 Joe Danquah has dedicated his career to inspiring children to lead active, healthy lives. As a primary school PE teacher, he was named UKActive & Nike Active School Hero 2021 in recognition of his outstanding work encouraging movement and wellbeing for pupils across England.

A passionate advocate for the link between physical activity and mental health, Joe combines his professional expertise with his role as a grassroots football coach to create inclusive opportunities for children of all abilities. His belief that movement is a lifelong tool for resilience and happiness runs through all he does.

As a dad to a young daughter, Joe brings both personal insight and professional experience to the advisory panel, championing the benefits of movement for better mental health, stronger communities, and brighter futures.

Rob has dedicated nearly all of his professional career to working in Byker, where he is well known for his calm leadership, community connection, and genuine commitment to children’s wellbeing. As an Assistant Head Teacher, Rob brings extensive expertise in supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, embedding trauma-informed approaches into everyday school life, and ensuring safeguarding is at the heart of his practice.

Highly experienced in multi-disciplinary meetings and working alongside social care, health services, and education partners, Rob understands the realities faced by families from every angle. His ability to see the bigger picture and the individual child within it ensures our programmes are sensitive, joined-up, and impactful.

A proud dad and husband, Rob is also a keen sportsman who champions the benefits of physical activity for mental wellbeing. His passion for movement as a tool for resilience and self-regulation shapes his work with young people and school communities.

Rob’s deep understanding of the challenges faced by children and families in Byker, combined with his practical experience of creating safe, supportive learning environments, makes him an invaluable voice in ensuring that Family Mental Fitness North East’s programmes are both grounded in best practice and truly accessible.

Kathy joins Family Mental Fitness North East CIC as our Children’s Voice & Experience Advisor, bringing with her nearly four decades of service to the Byker community. Retiring from Byker Primary in 2021, she worked across the full age range from Early Years to Upper Key Stage 2 and led an inclusion unit for pupils with social, emotional, and behavioural needs long before such provision was formally recognised.

In her later years at the school, Kathy worked in the admin team, forging trusted relationships with parents, pupils, and professionals alike. This unique mix of classroom expertise and community connection makes her perfectly placed to ensure that the voices of children and families are truly heard in the development of our programmes.

Her role focuses on gathering, interpreting, and championing feedback from those who take part in our work, ensuring that every session is shaped by lived experience. Kathy’s insight into what makes children feel safe, seen, and supported is invaluable in keeping our services responsive, inclusive, and rooted in real community needs.

Ashleigh grew up in Byker, attending local schools before moving elsewhere in the city and later to London after university. She brings a wealth of professional expertise as an award-winning Training and Development Manager in the medical science sector, with specialisms in clinical microbiology, quality assurance, and workforce development.

As a parent to two sons – one of whom is non-verbal – Ashleigh understands the realities of navigating life as an SEN parent and brings both empathy and lived experience to her advisory role. She has a proven track record in building high-quality training programmes, championing inclusion, and ensuring that services meet rigorous professional standards.

Ashleigh has even brought her expertise to a wider audience as a scientific expert on E4’s teen-friendly series Gross Up, making science engaging and accessible for younger viewers.

Her unique combination of community roots, professional excellence, and personal insight ensures that Family Mental Fitness North East remains committed to delivering meaningful, inclusive, and high-quality support for families.

I’ve worked at Byker Primary School for over 20 years, supporting children with a wide range of special educational needs. My own diagnoses of ADHD, autism, and ARFID give me a deep, personal understanding of the challenges some children face – and the strengths they bring.

As part of the FMFNE advisory panel, I bring the perspective of both an SEN professional and a parent, helping to ensure our programmes are inclusive, practical, and accessible. I also deliver our Food Explorers programme, a gentle, sensory-based introduction to food for children with ARFID or similar eating differences. This is something I’m particularly passionate about, as it’s informed by my own lived experience and years of working alongside children who find food a source of stress.

Being part of FMFNE means helping to create spaces where children and families can feel understood, accepted, and supported – and that’s a mission I’m proud to be part of.