About us
Shine On is a small charity with a big heart working primarily in the East of Newcastle upon Tyne. We support people aged 55 and over to stay as independent as possible in their own homes. We believe that everyone deserves to thrive as they get older and we offer a range of services and activities to help our clients to Shine On!
Our office is based in St Gabriel’s Parish Centre, Heaton and we run a number of advice, information, and activity sessions here. To try and reach as many people as possible, we also run sessions in Byker, Walker and Shieldfield on a rotating basis.
Our team

Denise Farrar
CEO Email

Renee Hickman
Office Manager

Joanne Lucas
Volunteer/Befriending Service Cooordinator

Florence Paterson
Benefits Advisor

Mick Johnson
Handyman

Nicola Robson
Launderette & Retail Manager

Brian Richardson Launderette Supervisor

Tony Grey
Laundry Run Assistant
Our mission
Shine On offers practical and emotional support to people aged 55 and over to help them live connected, active, and fulfilling lives.
Our values
Empowering
We aim to empower people to make choices, build their confidence, and maintain their independence as valued members of their community.
Inclusive
We commit to making everyone, regardless of background or circumstances, feel included, heard, and supported, with their dignity and rights upheld.
Kindness
We practice kindness to others and ourselves, ensuring everyone feels valued and cared for in everything we do.
Work with us
Head of Operations (part-time) £38,000 p.a. pro rata
We are looking to recruit for the newly created post of Head of Operations, to manage all aspects of our projects and services, including our community launderette. The post holder will also support and deputise for the CEO, where required.
Our new Head of Operations will be energetic, experienced in managing budgets, services, staff, and volunteers. Shine On is a small charity, so they will be flexible and willing to ‘pitch in’ where needed.
Please read the job description and person specification carefully, which also outlines how to apply. If you would like an informal discussion about the post, please call the CEO, Denise Farrar, on 0191 261 5234
Our history
Shine On was founded 30 years ago as Caring Hands by local force of nature Nancy Humphries OBE, and until recently was based in Shieldfield. Then, as now, the charity looked to meet the needs of older people in the east of Newcastle, acting as a ‘first-stop’ shop for advice and support. Our unique Community Launderette was established shortly afterwards and continues to be a well-known and busy amenity in Shieldfield.

Our Trustees
Our committed Board of Trustees meet quarterly and work closely with the CEO to guide the charity and secure its future.
