Staff
Search Newcastle’s trustees and staff team bring together a wealth of knowledge of issues affecting older people in Newcastle.
Simon Luddington,
Simon is the Chief Officer at Search with the mission to grow the charity to support older people....
Simon is the Chief Officer at Search with the mission to grow the charity to support older people in Newcastle. Simon has almost 20 years of experience working in the voluntary sector, managing and developing a range of community based services. Simon strongly believes that everyone should have access to the support and services they need to enjoy good mental and physical health. When not at work Simon enjoys a long walk in country, visiting National Trust properties, time in his garden and music from the 1980s.
Alisha Dixon,
Alisha has a passion for the west end and a passion for helping older people. Alisha have seen many changes....
Alisha has a passion for the west end and a passion for helping older people. Alisha has seen many changes in the west but always the same passion and community spirit. Alisha has always worked in social care, and understands the value in helping people achieve what they can to reach their into potential. Alisha has a passion and a commitment to Search’s mission.
John Irvine Support Services Team Leader
John joined Search in March 2025 having previous experience in the charity sector, both in social care and advice and information. This followed a long and successful career in the insurance industry.
Kathleen Dickinson,
Kathleen has worked for Search since 2018 starting as a Community Connector ...
Kathleen has worked for Search since 2018 starting as a Community Connector with Chain Reaction, Kathleen is now Our Dementia and Digital Engagement Worker, so she is busy running our Dementia Activities, ” Techy Teas” and supporting people to engage in these activities. When she is not at work Kathleen loves to walk her dog.
Hilary Armstrong-Dean, Pioneer
As a preventative community link worker, I encourage people to attend Search social groups and I help develop new groups that people have asked for. I have a craft group that was started as a legacy from our Art On Adelaide project in 2025 which runs monthly and I am developing further groups to start in the future, to include bingo and social meet ups.
Laiyee Tsang
Lai Yee joined Search in 2018 when West End Friends (previously West End Befrienders) came under Search.
Lai Yee works across two services at Search and became the Team Leader for the Advice and Information Service and West End Friends in February 2022. She has been supporting the Chinese community for 11 years and finds her role really rewarding and enjoys the variety her job brings, as no one day is the same.
Yvonne Morrison,
Yvonne supports older people in the west of Newcastle to be independent and connected....
Yvonne supports older people in the west of Newcastle to be independent and connected to their local community.
Aimi Corbett,
Aimi is our home from hospital coordinator. Aimi supports over 50s who have been discharged from hospital to get back on settled at home... ...
With a range of support from signposting to community groups, prescription pick ups and shopping. Aimi has a passion for supporting people to maintain their independence and have access to all opportunities they can. When Aimi isn’t at work she enjoys spending time with her family and getting out in nature.
Diane Tait,
Diane is the Inner West Activity Development Worker. She's lived in the inner west of ...
Diane is the Inner West Activity Development Worker. She's lived in the inner west of Newcastle all her life.
Tom Shaw,
Tom is looking to develop existing groups as well as bring new activities to the area....
Tom is our new Outer West Activities Worker and is looking to develop existing groups as well as bring new activities to the area. Coming from a varied background that includes the Princes’ Trust, the Police, conservation and the fitness industry, Tom hopes to bring all that experience to bear on developing activities and groups. In his spare time Tom loves being in the hills and forests of Northumberland as well as on and in the rivers and lakes of our region.
Sharon Gibson, Advice and Information Worker
Sharon has worked in the voluntary sector since 2010. She joined Search in 2023 as an Advice and Information worker...
Sharon has always aimed to prioritise the needs of the people she has supported over the years and hopes to continue to do that at Search.
Meg Henderson,
Meg joined Search in April 2022 as our Benefits and Energy Adviser that involves dealing with all Benefits and Energy Issues, ie energy bills and debt....
Meg joined Search in April 2022 as a Benefits and Energy Adviser that involves dealing with all Benefits and Energy Issues, ie energy bills and debt. This covers face to face, home visits and telephone appointments. Meg can also assist clients in obtaining small energy measures for the home to help maximise their energy usage. Delivering Energy Sessions in the West End that cover raising awareness on how to save and assisting with all energy bills and debts. Meg holds a City Guilds Level 3 in Energy Awareness and Full Generalist Advisor Certificate.
Nadeem Ahmad,
Nadeem Joined Search as our Engagement Worker for Older Asian Men in November 2019, bringing over 40 years...
Nadeem Joined Search as our Engagement Worker for Older Asian Men in November 2019, bringing over 40 years’ experience in race, community relations and migration; gained during his employment as Northumbria Police’s Race Relations Advisor and Newcastle City Council’s Race Relations Office and as Regional Partnership Manager for the North East Strategic Migration Partnership He has held various Voluntary roles with Police, Housing, Education and Citizen Advice; Cricket Club, Asian Businesses to name but a few. Nadeem’s role at Search is to set and engage older Asian Men in a range of regular social activities. When not at work Nadeem enjoys cricket, organizing events and good humour.
Tasleem Akhtar Social Prescriber
Tasleem has been working for Search as the Social Prescriber since June 2023. Her role is to support people aged over 50 who are housebound, referred to her from the Outer West PCN.
Tasleem works alongside the PCN frailty team which consists of a Frailty Nurse and Health Care Assistant. She support patients to access services in Newcastle that promotes their health and wellbeing. These can range from supporting socially isolated patients to activities or support with referrals to adult social care. Tasleem's interests are cooking and crafting.
Vicky Locke Dementia Co-ordinator
Vicky joined Search in May 2026, she has 26 years' experience working in the Health and Social Care sector and is passionate about working with older people.
Vicky works in the Dementia Connections team and runs some of our Memory Tea's. When she is not working Vicky loves to walk her dog and spend time with her family and friends.
Safia Iqbal,
Safia organises the lunch clubs, buy and bites and supports older people to be independent at home.....
Safia organises the lunch clubs, buy and bites and supports older people to be independent at home.
Ashley Ayre,
Ashley is our Office Administrator, she is happy to help with any queries you may have over the phone and have a natter alongside this...
Outside of work Ashley enjoys a variety of crafts and caring for her Maine Coon cat named Teddy.
Sam Terry, Ageing Better Worker & Dementia and Hoarding engagement worker
Sam is working within the Search @ Home service. Her role involves going to visit people in their homes. She carries out cognitive stimulation activities with those who have dementia/memory issues. She works with people to keep their homes safe and encourage engagement in meaningful activity. She is currently working one day a week within the local Tower Blocks within the West End, helping people who are socially isolated, particularly following the pandemic.
Sam has a mixed background, she has spent the last few years working in mental health, housing and working with the entrenched homeless. She feels very strongly about people having access to services and feeling part of their community. Sam is passionate about holistic support; mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. She is very passionate about helping people to find their potential and supporting them in a person-centered way to be as active and independent as possible. In Sam's spare time she likes to listen to podcasts, 90s music and keeping active.
Serena Curwen,
Serena supports people in their own homes. She helps them negotiate practical tasks and jobs that are 'easily managed by downloading the app'!
Her passions are family, sunshine and gardening.
Vicki Stone Impact and Marketing Officer
Vicki Stone is an experienced marketing professional and social entrepreneur with a strong passion for community impact. She brings a strategic and creative approach to communicating Search Newcastle’s work, capturing impact and sharing stories that highlight the difference local support makes. With a background in marketing, enterprise and community-led initiatives, Vicki is committed to raising awareness, strengthening engagement and ensuring the voices of the community are heard.
Hong Ni Tse Support Worker
Hong Ni enjoys working with older people as it brings her great joy. By providing support, she can help them improve their quality of life and achieve their goals.
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Sundeep Mann Support Worker
Sunnie works as a community connector for Search Newcastle.
She supports clients to live independently in their own homes and help them access the community to live a more fulfilling life
Osagie Emmanuel Ighodalo Support Worker
As a support worker at Search Newcastle, Osagie is dedicated to offering well-rounded care that addresses the mental, physical, emotional needs of our community. With over ten years of experience in humanitarian work and community involvement, he has developed strong skills in problem-solving and communication, which are key to providing effective support and guidance.
Working at Search Newcastle has given him the chance to continue his commitment to improving community well-being, while actively contributing to the organization’s mission of transforming lives and promoting inclusive development among older people
Brendan Flynn Support Worker
More to follow soon...
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