On Saturday 13^th June, Team Ripple Effect took on the Coventry Building Society Great North Swim, completing a one-mile open water swim in Lake Windermere. The team brought together our very own Ruth Jackson and Kate Roebuck, alongside a group of dedicated and supportive family members, all united by a shared goal.

Facing waters at a brisk 15.7°C, the team demonstrated incredible determination, resilience and team spirit throughout the event. For some, it was a significant personal challenge. As one swimmer reflected, “It was the hardest event I have ever done. But it was worth it to know we were helping move good food to charities who need it most.”

Thanks to the generosity and encouragement of supporters, the team smashed their fundraising goal. Together, they raised an incredible £1,550, the equivalent of distributing over 13,300 meals.

Every penny raised will support our mission to continue to save good food from going to waste and redistribute it to charities and community groups supporting individuals and families across the region.

Recently, we were delighted to bring together our amazing food members at two Community Partners Forums, creating a positive and engaging space to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore practical solutions to food waste. These sessions offered a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and highlight the incredible work being carried out across our communities.

Together, we explored key themes such as reducing food waste, identifying ways to improve our service, sharing best practices, and strengthening collaboration across the community.

At our Middlesbrough session, our new Community Chef prepared a fantastic meal using surplus ingredients from the warehouse. The menu included Thai green curry with rice, Bombay-style potatoes, and homemade onion bhajis and naan breads, all of which went down a real treat. Alongside enjoying the food, we had valuable discussions about how we can better support our Members in managing surplus and explored practical ways partners can share resources to further reduce waste.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Whitley Bay Big Local for hosting our Newcastle session. It was a privilege to meet in a space that plays such an important role in the community through its Surplus Shop, which we are proud to support with food. The sessions sparked thoughtful conversations about the wider impact of surplus food, particularly how it can be used to bring people together through shared meals and community initiatives.

Finally, we would like to say a sincere thank you to everyone who attended the Forums. Your contributions, openness, and commitment to supporting your communities made these events truly meaningful, and we look forward to continuing these conversations and building more opportunities for partners to connect.

Recently, we had the privilege of visiting Heart on the Terrace in Murton, a vibrant and welcoming community hub that truly lives up to its name.

From the moment you walk in, it’s clear this is more than just a place to access support. It’s a space where people come together to connect, create and feel part of something. Regular activities range from crafts and choir sessions to lunch clubs and workshops, all designed to bring people together and reduce isolation. On the day we visited, the community was busy handcrafting poppies for a Remembrance display, just one example of how creativity and collaboration sit at the heart of the hub.

Food, however, plays a vital role in everything they do. With the help of surplus food delivered by FareShare North East, Heart on the Terrace provides a daily pantry, affordable food parcels, and freshly prepared meals throughout the week. Their hot meal offer has grown thanks to regular deliveries, enabling them to provide more opportunities for people to sit down and enjoy a warm, home-cooked dish. On our visit, the menu featured a comforting shepherd’s pie, made using surplus vegetables that might otherwise have gone to waste.

Behind the meals are dedicated volunteers like Pam, whose years of catering experience help bring care and quality to every plate. But more than the food itself, it’s what those meals represent that really stands out. For many in the community, having access to a hot meal can ease the pressure of cooking, especially during times when mental health challenges make everyday tasks feel overwhelming.

One volunteer described Heart on the Terrace as a “lifeline”. They offer not just food, but friendship, routine, and a sense of belonging. It’s a place where people look out for one another and where no one has to feel alone.

We’re incredibly proud to support groups like Heart on the Terrace and to see first-hand how surplus food can help build stronger, more connected communities.

On Sunday 17th May 2026, FareShare North East volunteers and staff took part in the Tees Heritage Walk, organised by Middlesbrough Erimus Rotary Club.

Our team completed the 11 mile route along the banks of the River Tees, stretching from Middlesbrough College to Stockton’s Millennium Bridge and back. The walk gave participants the opportunity to explore the region’s rich industrial heritage while supporting a FareShare North East.

Every mile walked supported our mission to rescue surplus food and get it to the community groups helping those who need it most.

Supporting Our Work

By taking part, our team has helped to raise vital funds that enable us to continue redistributing surplus food across Middlesbrough and the wider North East – turning potential waste into valuable support for local charities and community groups.

Fundraising Milestone

We are delighted to share that we are now over halfway to reaching fundraising target, with donations still coming in. Every contribution helps us rescue more good food.

If you would like to support our efforts, you can still donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/fsneteeswalk2026

Join Us in Making a Difference

Last week, FareShare North East were honoured to attend the Volun-cheers Awards hosted by Teesside University, where our Middlesbrough team received a Special Recognition Award for their volunteering programme.

We are proud to be recognised for going “above and beyond in our commitment to supporting others and creating a lasting impact within the community.” Every day, our team of dedicated volunteers work to ensure that good quality, nutritious food reaches people who need it most, supporting organisations and helping to strengthen communities across the North East.

Job Vacancy: Volunteer Engagement Officer

Full time | Permanent | £28,000

Westerhope, Newcastle, with travel throughout the North East required

FareShare North East is looking for a friendly, organised, and people‑focused Volunteer Engagement Officer to join our Newcastle team. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and in this role you’ll play a key part in recruiting, training, and supporting the incredible individuals who help us redistribute surplus food across the region.

You’ll also support people on employability placements, build partnerships with community organisations, and represent FSNE at local events to grow our volunteer network. You will help create a welcoming, inclusive environment in our busy warehouse, where no two days are the same. You might be hosting a volunteer open day, coaching someone into employment, or jumping on a van run.

Working closely with the Volunteering & Employability Manager, you’ll help deliver a skills‑building programme designed to boost confidence and improve employment opportunities. You’ll also collaborate with our Operations Team to ensure volunteers feel supported and are able to sort and move food safely and efficiently.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys being part of a supportive, hands-on team and is confident working with people who are facing barriers to employment. Strong communication skills, empathy, and a passion for helping people thrive will make you a great fit for this role.

If you want to make a real impact in a growing regional charity and help strengthen our volunteer community across the North East, we’d love to hear from you.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification below for full details.

DOWNLOAD FULL DETAILS

How to apply

To apply, please refer to the job description and email a detailed CV along with a cover letter to [email protected]. Your cover letter should highlight what makes you a suitable candidate, how you meet the skills and experience set out in the job description and any other supporting information relevant to the role.

The deadline for applications is noon on 15^th May 2026.

Interviews will take place week commencing 18^th May 2026.

To arrange a chat about the role, please email Andy with your availability.