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Panelists

For more than six decades we have helped thousands of people to move forward at times of upheaval and uncertainty. Although the challenges being faced are changing, we continue to provide a valuable free and impartial service that you can trust. 
"In a time of crisis and uncertainty you became a beacon and huge support ... a lifeline in fact."
 Alison Dunn

Alison has been Chief Executive Officer of independent charity Citizens Advice Gateshead since 2012, during which time she has led its growth from £1.4m to over £4m turnover, now employing 180 staff, driven by her passion for social justice and a determination to challenge the persistence of poverty and inequality. The charity now delivers free, impartial advice, […]

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Barry Taylor

Barry has been a Trustee at Citizens Advice Gateshead since 2016 and is currently in his third year as Chair. He is also a Director of Society Matters cic , a social enterprise closely linked to the charity with the same vision and values. Barry joined the charity after a career spanning forty years in […]

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James Ramsbotham CBE DL

James is the recently appointed Chair of Newcastle Business Society, and prior to this was Chief Executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce for 15 years. He was awarded a CBE for services to business and the North East economy in the 2019 New Year’s Honours. James is also a Non-Executive Director for […]

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Professor Greta Defeyter BSc (Hons) CPsychol FRSA FHEA FBPsS PhD

Greta is Professor in Developmental Psychology and the Director of the Healthy Living Lab at Northumbria University. Her current research interests are food insecurity, social and educational injustice and holiday hunger. She has received funding from multiple sources and has published numerous papers on school breakfast clubs and holiday provision. She is now a recognised […]

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Stuart Fearn MBE

With 25 years of financial services experience, Stuart heads up the branch network of the North East of England’s largest building society where the organisational purpose is ‘Connecting Communities with a better Financial Future’. Indifferent to many in the banking world, 160 year old Newcastle Building Society has over the last 3 years successfully grown its branch network, […]

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Stephen Bell OBE

Stephen is passionate about being a voice for the people in society who face the most challenging of circumstances. He has received national recognition for the work he has done including the Voluntary Sector Entrepreneur of the Year Award and was privileged to receive a Queens Honour for his services to the homeless. As Chief […]

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Miriam Harte, Patron

Having recently taken up the role of Patron of Citizens Advice Gateshead, Miriam is also a Board and Committee member at Thirteen Housing, the former Chairman of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys Trust, and has held non-executive roles in the NHS for more than 10 years. Miriam came to Newcastle in 1986 as a Chartered […]

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Steve Beharall

Steve is Head of Newcastle United Foundation which was recently recognised as the 2021 North East Charity of the Year.  The Foundation employs 170 full and part time staff to support the communities of the North East to be more active, to learn, gain qualifications and secure employment. Steve has worked exclusively across the North […]

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Ivan Jepson

Ivan is Director of Business Development at Gateshead College in 2016 and former head of public affairs at Northumbrian Water, having progressed from his original position as a scientist in the analytical lab into customer service management and ultimately this senior communications role. Ivan has over 25 years’ of industry and private sector experience, and […]

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Jayne Graham MBE (Host)

Jayne is Commercial Director of charity Citizens Advice Gateshead. Since her commencement in 2018 she has driven change through strategic planning, establishment of a now award-winning HR and people development function, mobilisation of improved internal and external communications and business development. Jayne also leads its trading subsidiary, social enterprise Society Matters cic, which designs and […]

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Our opening times

For our main office:
Monday to Friday
9am to 5pm
Saturday to Sunday
10am to 4pm

What do we cover?

We cover much more than benefits, and we know you may be dealing with more than one issue. Knowing where to go for help isn't always easy, so use our handy guide to see if your issue might be covered.
Click here to see what we can advise you on

How to find us

Main office
The Davidson Building,
Swan Street,
Gateshead,
NE8 1BG

Hubs in the region

Although we're based in central Gateshead, we run drop-in services across the region. Find out the nearest to you and see where and when you can get the advice you need:
Get advice wherever you are in Gateshead

This Is The North podcast

This Is The North is a podcast featuring expert guests discussing why the poverty gap matters and celebrating the North's creativity in tackling this issue. Hosted by Alison Dunn, our Chief Executive and a dedicated social justice advocate.
Find out more and listen now!

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Easy access

Click the Accessibility button at the top of every page to access a range of translation and accessibility options.
Citizens Advice Gateshead Updates
We will keep you up-to-date with exciting developments within the charity, the impact of our work and opportunities to help us create a fair society for all, with lives well lived.
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© 2026 Citizens Advice Gateshead 
Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales 2631064 and registered Charity 1020565. VAT Number 484972535. Registered office The Davidson Building, Swan Street, Gateshead, NE8 1BG. Citizens Advice Gateshead ar regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Reference number: 617611
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