About.

The Cedarwood Trust is a community development charity working on the Meadow Well Estate of North Tyneside. A community full of untapped energy and creativity which is hampered by the levels of poverty and income deprivation it experiences. We believe that the community have the resources themselves to make a lasting difference and we work to raise confidences and aspirations in order to change lives.
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Established in 1980

The Cedarwood Trust continues to provide support for the community through the work of passionate staff and volunteers utilising local community and organisations to deliver resources to those who need it.

Our Goal

At Cedarwood we aim to provide an inclusive, safe and supportive space for all of the residents of the Meadow well estate. Our main areas of focus are surrounding food poverty, early years and families, vulnerable adults and the elders. 

Our Team

Wayne Dobson
CEO

Cherri Bray-Bowden
Deputy CEO

With over 23 years of working with families, vulnerable adults and in the community Cherri strives to provide assistance, care and guidance for those who are in need.
Taking a keen interest in Early years, food poverty and mental well-being Cherri organises activities, group sessions and workshops to support the residents on the Meadow well estate. With her positive outlook on life Cherri is always there to help and encourage others and will always manage to find the time to sit, listen and grab a cuppa with anyone who needs it, offering a safe space for all.
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Kathryn McAndrew
​​Early Years Developer

Whilst having a passion of ‘Learning through play’ Kathryn encourages and builds confidence in the parents and children to reach achievable goals. Kathryn has over 20 years’ experience of working with children and families. From Playgroup leader, Playgroup manager, scout leader through to Breast feeding peer support leader, there is little that Kathryn doesn’t know or can’t help you with. With a keen interest in both outdoor and sensory learning, Kathryn provides exciting and hands on experiences for parents to share with their children. ​

Adam Weir
Academy Tutor

Job role

Lisa Williams
Lead Community Connector

Job role

Lindsey Newton
Position

Job role

Louise Taylor
Admin, HR and Finance

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Andy Urwin
Food Distribution Coordinator

Andy previously worked as a project manager at British Airways, putting him in good stead for the demanding roles at Cedarwood. Andy works in three main areas: bulk food donations to other local charities, provision of prepared meals for people in crisis, and managing the NOURISH subscription supermarket.

Alison Cunningham
Ofsted and H&S Officer

Job role

Mark Malekpour
Social Media Manager

Mark has worked in the digital sector for over 16 years and lends his expertise to help Cedarwood communicate itself online through various online avenues and social media platforms.

Mark is responsible for Cedarwood's website and social media channels ensuring our message, services and work is effectively communicated to the community we serve, and the organizations that invest in us to continue this work.​

Tony McAndrew
Head of IT

Tony has over 21 years experience working with large businesses and public sector organizations on a range of complex technology transformation projects. Tony is currently employed as a Senior Technology Architect for a large multinational IT Consultancy. He is a Member of the British Computer Society and a STEM Ambassador.
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With a passion for volunteering, Tony is pleased to offer his technology expertise to support Cedarwood Trust on a voluntary basis in his spare time, ensuring that the team have all the IT equipment and services they need to carry out their work.

Eliminating Food Waste. Ending Food Poverty.

By working with local companies and organisations to eliminate food waste, food is donated to local foodbanks. We receive a donation of food and ingredients from The Bay Foodbank which is then prepared and served by students of our Catering Academy to those in need through our café.

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