0191 226 3440
(open everyday 9am - 9pm)
This September, our incredible runners are taking on the Great North Run. View our fundraising page
PROPS is a specialist service for people whose lives are affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use.
Our work is only possible due to the support we receive from a wide range of resources.
Who will provide a safe place for you to voice your concerns and give you practical tools to support your situation.
Multi-service and bespoke in-house courses to give a solid understanding of CRA, ACRA and CRAFT.
We offer support to help you cope with difficult situations and behaviours.
A specialist service for young people aged 5 to 18 years old living in Newcastle and North Tyneside.
Our tailored approach ensures you’ll receive the support that meets your specific needs.
We encourage people to learn from one another and share experiences, providing opportunities for people to support each other.
A collection of Newcastle, North Tyneside and national services that provide useful information and support.
A collection of stories and testimonials from people who have been helped by PROPS.
Keep up to date with our latest news and events.
Take a look at our upcoming fundraising events.
Chief Executive Officer & Manager – Positive Practice Partnership
Having previously worked for a drug and alcohol treatment service, I joined PROPS in 2007 when the specialist family service extended from Newcastle into North Tyneside. As the saying goes ‘a CEO should be able to do all of the jobs within the organisation.’ As the current the Chief Executive Officer I can honestly say that I’ve worked in almost every role over my time with PROPS.
Starting as an administration officer, I quickly became a Family Intervention Worker. This role was combined with being part of the team that set up the PROPS not-for-profit trading arm, Positive Practice Partnership, in which I became the lead trainer.
I also worked on PROPS employability programme to help our carers enter education, training, or employment. During this programme, I supported a carer into a volunteer role, she is now a member of our PROPS team.
As trainer I have travelled the length and breadth of the country passionately delivering our evidence-based Community Reinforcement Approach family of interventions to other services. I became the first accredited practitioner, trainer, and supervisor in in the UK in all three of the interventions, CRA, ACRA and CRAFT.
As well as supporting individuals and families affected by someone else’s drug, alcohol or gambling issues, PROPS is working in close collaboration with Newcastle Revival to raise awareness of recovery from addiction and challenge the stigma and myths about addiction.
As part of the Newcastle Lived Experience Recovery Organisations network, Revival, I represent PROPS and the carers, who themselves are recovering from their family members recovery, and supporting them in their own journey. I also sit on the Newcastle Inclusive Recovery City (IRC) council and work with other services across the region to develop the North East Recovery Region.
This works helps me to support Newcastle City Council’s work towards becoming a Marmot City.
I am proud to work for a charity that since 1997 has helped thousands of families across Newcastle and North Tyneside as well as many hundreds more beyond our boundaries through the training I’ve delivered.
Children and Young Persons Lead
Hello it’s Dan!
I am the Children and Young Person’s Lead worker here at PROPS. I am passionate about supporting young people and their families; to see them progress and achieve great things in their own lives is why I do the job!
Outside of work I am a massive Newcastle United (Shearer still my favourite player) and Football fan but I also love exploring new places and taking on different challenges to raise money and awareness for PROPS and other charities, I have completed the national 3 peaks in 24hours, ran the great north run 6 times, sky dived, I just don’t like sitting still!
I have also travelled around the world and worked in different countries, but nothing beats Newcastle.
And yeah, that’s me!
Operations Support and Office Manager (Lived experience)
Hello, my name is Diane, and I joined PROPS in April 2023 as an Administrator. If you have ever called our helpline, there’s a good chance you’ve spoken to me!
My background is in Financial Services, where I managed mortgage teams and later worked as a mortgage and protection broker. That experience gave me a solid foundation in organisation, communication, and financial management — skills I now use daily to support our team and the incredible carers we work with.
Alongside my admin role, I also help with fundraising, event planning, and budgeting, ensuring our charity events run smoothly and raise vital funds for our work. It is a privilege to be part of such a people-focused team that puts carers at the heart of everything we do.
When I am not at PROPS, you’ll find me walking my dog, planning my next travel adventure, exploring history, or spending time with my wonderful family.
Family Intervention Worker, North Tyneside
My name is Peter and I work as a Family Intervention Worker in North Tyneside. I have only joined the PROPS team very recently and have been made to feel very welcome by all the members of the teams in both North Tyneside and Newcastle. Following almost 20 years in Science, I decided that I had had enough of test tubes and analysis and that a career change was needed.
I completed my Learning Mentor National Training and worked for 15 years in secondary schools in North Shields and the West End of Newcastle. Believe it or not, 13 weeks holiday a year at specific times can be quite restrictive, so I moved into a social prescribing community team, and then went on to work with refugees and asylum seekers on a Community garden project based in Gateshead working collaboratively with many other organisations on various projects.
All my roles have allowed me to gain a lot of experience working with a diverse range of people, and my role in PROPS will allow me to utilize these skills to help and support families through some of the challenges they face.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing football and music, attending several live music events throughout the year, and looking after my allotment with varying success!
Family Recovery Connector, North Tyneside (Lived experience)
Hello, I am Joanne.
I joined the PROPS team in January 2026 as a Family Recovery Connector at North Tyneside. I volunteered in Newcastle for just over a year, doing bits of everything from drop-ins to community connector training at Revival Newcastle, which I still do and the Carer Forum in Newcastle (there’s nothing I cannot do). I have also worked with Revolving Doors and am a member of the NECG with those I’ve also been involved in work with OHID (office of health improvements and disparities) MOJ (ministry of justice) and MHCLG (ministry of housing, communities and local government) MEAM (make every adult matter) doing research into addiction, helping to co-produce policy from lived experience and helping facilitate events.
I am super excited to be in this role, working with an amazing and supportive team around me, doing what I love most, and working with people.
When I’m not here, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my friends and family.
Family Intervention Worker Specialist Military Project, Newcastle (Lived experience)
My name is Elizabeth (Liz), and I have been with the PROPS team from 2024 as one of the Family Intervention Workers and the Specialist Military Intervention Worker.
My background is in education with over fifteen years’ experience working with children and young people with differing needs and SEND.
I am a qualified counselling and psychotherapist having worked with both adults and children, which is my passion and as some may say my calling. I have a vast knowledge and experience within mental health and providing additional support for those that need it, being their voice and their biggest advocate.
I couldn’t feel more welcomed into the PROPS team, I can honestly say I have never worked with such an amazing team of professionals, who are always willing to go above and beyond for the people we support.
In my spare time you will find me walking in the lakes with my two dogs Chester and Daisy or paddleboarding along the river, even though I am the clumsiest person in the world, I am always willing to give anything a go.
I love spending time with my family and making memories at every opportunity.
Rugby is another love of mine, and I am often found supporting my local team and the Harlequin’s of course!
For those that know me, they know that I am a positive person who will always find the best in any situation, and that I have a crazy sense of humour there is nothing in life laughter cannot help.
Family Intervention Worker, Newcastle
Hello, my name is Ellie, and I am excited to have recently joined PROPS as a Family Intervention Worker and to be starting this new chapter here in Newcastle. The team has been incredibly welcoming – they are fun, approachable, and truly passionate about the work they do, which makes me feel lucky to be a part of it.
My professional background is in primary education, where I developed a strong foundation in working with children and families. This experience has equipped me with valuable skills that I am excited to bring to my new role.
Outside of work, I enjoy swimming and exploring the beautiful Northumberland countryside with my lively cocker spaniel, Benji. I am also a keen football fan – though I will remain quiet about which team I support, given the local loyalties! Most importantly, I am a proud parent to a wonderful little girl who brings me immense joy and motivation each day.
Administrator (Lived experience)
Hi, I’m Carla I joined PROPS in early 2026 after previously accessing the service for support with a family member experiencing drug and alcohol addiction. Having completed the CRAFT programme in January 2026, Carla developed strong connections within the PROPS community and gained valuable insight into the challenges families face.
Following her own journey, Carla joined the team in an administrative role, bringing both lived experience and compassion to her work. Having supported a loved one through a particularly difficult time, she is passionate about helping others who find themselves in similar situations and understands how daunting it can feel to reach out for support.
Carla is often the first point of contact through the PROPS helpline and aims to provide a warm, welcoming, and understanding response to anyone who gets in touch. She is committed to supporting families and carers and is proud to be part of a service that has had such a positive impact on her own life.
Operations Manager (Lived experience)
I originally started as a volunteer then became a Family Intervention Worker, then Team Lead and now I am Operations Manager.
I am passionate about our Community Reinforcement and Family Training programme – CRAFT. I know the benefits that this behavioural change intervention can bring to families who are impacted by someone’s using behaviour.
I also Volunteer at the People’s Kitchen in Newcastle which support those in need. Before joining PROPS, I had the opportunity to travel the world and experience many different cultures and enjoy new experiences.
When I’m not at work, I also like to socialise with my friends and family, especially dancing the night away! Throughout the years of working at PROPS, I have met so many new people and I’m proud to have helped make a difference to the lives of many families, even in the smallest of ways, which is why I love the job I do.
Volunteer & Carer Lead
Hi, I’m Claire. I first joined PROPS as a volunteer Placement Counsellor and, in 2019, became part of the team as a Family Intervention Worker on Project Adder. I now work as the Volunteer and Carer Coordinator, supporting families and our amazing volunteers across the region.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me outdoors—either by the coast or in the countryside—with my dog, Tye, who’s one of the best things to ever happen to me! We love jumping in the car to explore everything the North East has to offer, especially discovering new coffee spots along the way.
I’m an avid reader, especially of Stephen King, and I revisit Jane Austen’s Persuasion every year—each time finding something new to enjoy.
Family Intervention Worker/Family Recovery Connector, North Tyneside (Lived experience)
My name is Tracey, and I am a Family Intervention Worker supporting families across North Tyneside. I joined PROPS in April 2022 and feel incredibly privileged to work alongside such an amazing and supportive team, as well as the most courageous and inspirational families. Supporting them and their loved ones through recovery is a true passion of mine and drives me to deliver the best service I can every day.
Before joining PROPS, I worked as a Fingerprint Expert and Crime Scene Investigator with the Metropolitan Police, and later as a teacher in a mainstream secondary school in Hertfordshire. After moving to the North East in 2014, I taught in a Special Needs School in Cramlington. Both roles gave me valuable insight into the challenges families face when affected by addiction. I also have personal experience of the pain and heartache of having a family member who struggles with alcohol and drug use, which helps me to empathise deeply with the families I support.
Outside of work, I enjoy walking my two gorgeous but mischievous dogs, Herbie and Bettie, along our beautiful coastline. I also love swimming—though you’ll find me in a nice warm pool rather than the sea! Football is another big passion (I’ll keep my team quiet while working in North Tyneside!), and spending time with my family brings me the most joy—especially with my sassy little granddaughter, who keeps me on my toes.
Children and Young Person Worker, North Tyneside
Hello, I’m Grace and I am one of the Children and Young Person’s Family Intervention Worker’s in Newcastle.
I love working with such a positive team, we tackle challenges together and make sure we are offering the very best support to our service users. I love to see the change we make to individuals’ lives!
Hi, I am Emma, I joined the PROPS team in September 2023, and I’m a Family Intervention Worker.
Prior to this I spent over 16 years with South Tyneside council in varying roles within Children’s Services, including Early Years, Youth Offending and The Safeguarding Teams.
I have always been passionate and dedicated to my work with children and families and feel very privileged to be able to work alongside such professional, caring, and motivated individuals within the PROPS team.
I always stand by the saying “A problem shared is a problem halved” and carry this with me every day in my work. I am always here to listen, guide and support our PROPS families and feel very privileged to help in any way I can.
I am open and approachable and always have a great sense of fun in everything I do.
I have a terrible sense of direction and will often find myself lost and phoning for assistance much to the enjoyment of my friends and colleagues….
I am a super proud mam of three teenagers and feel this is my greatest achievement in life. I adore my family and love spending time with them all.
In my spare time I enjoy being with friends and spending time away in the Lake District, my favourite place in the world, and of course there is always a giggle when Emma is around.
Well, that is me, and I look forward to many happy years and adventures with the PROPS Team.
Children and Young Persons Worker, Newcastle (Lived experience)
Hi everyone!
I am Casey and I started working at PROPS as a children and young person’s intervention worker.
Before this role, I went through PROPS volunteer programme.
Through the volunteer programme, I was introduced to this amazing team, where I was able to witness the passion and efforts that all staff put into their work and mission, and with my own values and experiences-supporting someone close to me with misuse, I knew this was where I needed to be.
To be able to make a positive impact in the lives of young people, help them grow with confidence and support is very rewarding, something I’m very passionate about and proud to do.
I have a 6-year-old daughter who is my absolute world. We love to spend time together making memories, doing anything and everything we can. Movie nights, bike rides, crafting, at home fashion shows and karaoke parties!
I am also a qualified nail tech, and I believe looking after yourself is important for your mental well-being.
And yes, that is pretty much me!
I look forward to my future with PROPS and the work we can all achieve together!
Community Connector, Newcastle (Lived experience)
My name is Fatema Rahman I’m a British Bangladeshi Muslim and I’ve lived in Newcastle all my life. I’m a single mother to 3 beautiful children who have inspired me and taught me that life is a learning journey and there’ll never be a full stop.
I strongly believe it is never too late in life if you really want something, you go for it.
My aim is to spread awareness all around and for that it is vital we work together with professionals, carers, and service users. We must see things from each other’s point of view.
My journey started with PROPS as a carer, then I became a volunteer, and now I am an employee. My aim is to raise awareness of addiction and how it can affect everybody individually. Coming from an ethnic minority, I understand the barriers and stigma around it and my work with PROPS is to challenge the stigma of addiction. It is absolutely my privilege to work with PROPS.
PROPS have helped me in so many ways. Knowing that there are people out there who truly try to understand you, who do not judge or make assumptions. They listened, acted, and delivered.
In addition to my role at PROPS, I am a public governor of the NHS The Freeman Hospital, and the Royal Victoria Infirmary. This is a volunteer role which requires collaboration with other NHS teams.
I also contribute to Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), to shape their principles and values across multiple departments.
In my spare time I love going out for meals and I love keeping fit. I need to work out every day to support my resilience and wellbeing. I also love going go-karting (it is just finding the time to do so).
