Ricky works tirelessly as a volunteer to develop relationships and partnerships, run our sports activity programme and helps with mentoring young people.

Ron was born in Jarrow and lived his first 20 years in South Shields. He is passionate about young people, has run Charities at national and regional level and excited to be working with Ricky and the developing team to make good things happen.

His charity experience also includes youth offending, education, mental health, homelessness, hospice and life limiting disease, disability and disadvantage.

ron@hoodex.charity. 07939 510922

Christiane supports the HoodEx team with administration and project coordination, helping programmes run smoothly and ensuring the community receives the support it needs.

With a background in education, research, and public service, she brings strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a calm, reliable approach to her work.

Fluent in English and German, Christiane is passionate about using her skills to help organisations make a positive difference in people’s lives.

christiane@hoodex.charity‍ ‍07946 023624

We’re delighted to welcome Mark Bellingham as Patron and Special Advisor for HoodEx. With over two decades of service in the West Midlands Police, rising to the rank of sergeant, Mark has extensive experience working closely with local communities. His insight and hands-on experience in community engagement will be invaluable as we continue to support young people and strengthen our local connections.

During his policing career, Mark enjoyed a prolific spell as a non-league footballer, scoring over 700 goals — a testament to his dedication and commitment both on and off the pitch.

Mark is also the father of Jude and Jobe Bellingham, both making waves in professional football.

The family’s passion for sport and community aligns perfectly with the values of HoodEx, and we are honoured to have Mark supporting us in this role.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Kelly joined HoodEx as a Trustee in 2025 having formerly volunteered for the charity. She has lived in North Tyneside for the last 17 years and is passionate about the local area and creating opportunities for young people to thrive here. 

Professionally, Kelly has worked in IT Project Management in various sectors for the last twenty years. Her skills and experience in this area are being put to use to support the charity and mentor the young people we support.  

Billie Jean works with young people, and others, with learning and emotional needs and helps them transform their view of themselves and the future. Thats very much what we want to do for the young people we work withj.

Growing up in Gateshead, Harrison Askew has a deep personal connection to the North East and a strong commitment to widening opportunity for young people across the region. He is passionate about ensuring that vulnerable young people in North Tyneside have access to consistent, high-quality mentoring, networks and support that can help them build confidence and progress into education, training and work.

Harrison is Development Lead for Industrial Energy & Heat Networks at Veolia UK, where he works with local authorities and major organisations to develop investable, low-carbon infrastructure projects. As a Trustee, he brings strategic planning, partnership-building and governance experience, and a practical, community-focused mindset to support the charity’s mission and long-term impact.