Our Leadership Team

Our Chief Executive Paul Court joined the organisation in October 2019.

Paul supported the development and formation of Healthworks over 25 years ago and since then has worked at a senior level across the NHS and Newcastle City Council, shaping policy and practice to improve outcomes for disadvantaged communities including children and young people. Previously, Paul has developed and led Sure Start Services, been a researcher influencing national policy, NHS board member and a long serving Grant Committee member for BBC Children in Need.  Paul is a current volunteer Director for Swim England North East.

“The last few years have presented challenges that have tested all of us, the resilience of our organisations, our staff and many of our key partners across the health and social care sector.

However, this has also confirmed for me some basic truths about Healthworks, all of us in the 3rd sector and our solution focussed, ‘can do’ attitude. Healthworks and other charities across the North East have been relied on to provide support services for those most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Those very communities where the impact of Covid has hit hardest.

I’m incredibly proud of our team and how they responded and I’d like to thank them all for their commitment, hard work and dedication to supporting the communities we work with.”

Paul can be contacted on [email protected]

Director of Operations with responsibility for performance standards, buildings management, health and safety and Healthworks Cafe

Kerry has a background in complaints management in commercial banking services and moved to the third sector over 10 years ago and since then has held operational leadership roles in an Arts and Entertainment setting as well as here at Healthworks.

Kerry says she finds her role extremely satisfying as it “Allows me to work for a charity whose values and ethics are aligned with my own, alongside creative people with a shared vision; the challenges we face mean every day is different and exciting!”

Kerry can be contacted on [email protected]

Deputy CEO leading on Social Prescribing, Children and Young People and Physical Activity

The overarching framework of Lin’s career has been ‘Social Regeneration’ beginning in Children’s Play Development to leading local Anti-poverty strategies and regeneration initiatives including Sure Start in the west End of Newcastle

Lin believes that “Healthworks is an innovative and responsive charity that works in partnership at many levels to narrow the gap in outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, families and communities.“ and she says ”For this reason working here is motivational and fulfilling for me.”

Lin can be contacted on [email protected]

Director of Health Promotion

Stacey has worked at Healthworks since 2015, primarily in the local communities and in partnership with other organisations across the city to improve outcomes for children and families. Prior to this Stacey worked across North Tyneside Children’s Centre’s for 11 years delivering play and learning opportunities for children 0-8 and their families.

As Director of Health Promotion she will continue to build on this experience leading on Children and Young People, continue to develop Cancer Awareness work and expand the Food and Fuel poverty work.

Stacey believes “every child is entitled to the best start in life and everybody should have the opportunity to improve their life outcomes no matter of their age”. Stacey says “I thoroughly enjoy working at Healthworks, observing people grow and develop and seeing the difference we help people make to their lives is very rewarding”

Stacey can be contacted on [email protected]

Director of Finance and Business Development

Matt joined the Healthworks team in March 2022 as Director of Finance and Business Development. He has held senior finance roles in the third and public sector with a particular focus on housing and central government.

Matt said: “I am thrilled to be a part of Healthworks at what is a very exciting time for the organisation. I firmly believe that everyone should have the same opportunity to live in good health, and it makes me proud to know that our organisation has been recognised for our work to achieve this. I look forward to helping the organisation reach more people across our region to maintain and improve their health, wellbeing and life outcomes”.

Away from work, Matt lives in the Derwent Valley with his wife Gemma and their three children. He enjoys getting outdoors in the region and finding new places to explore with his family.

Matthew can be contacted on [email protected]