Maddy Parkin - Careers Podcast
Maddy Parkin, 32. Photographer running a business specialising in wedding photography. My main job role is taking photos of my customers' weddings, however, there is a lot of work that goes into this: editing in creative software, creating online galleries, marketing, blog posts, liaising with customers, writing and amending contracts and creating shot lists, arranging client meetings, and more. I have been a Photographer for 9 years. I've specialised in weddings for one year. My passion is creativity, and I feel my job encompasses all of this. I love my job, because not only do I get to witness happy couples getting married, but I can work flexibly around my family, choosing my own hours and setting my own deadlines. Being a Photographer definitely doesn't come without its challenges, however, it has been extremely rewarding for me personally, getting to do what I love every day.
Benfieldside Community Garden / September 8th, 2025
Benfieldside Garden's August Update
Here is our August update about the work at Benfieldside Community Garden. There is also another layer of compressed gravel to go into the paths! With thanks to the The National Lottery Community Fund RC North East & Cumbria Region for their kind support.
Youth Social Action / January 8th, 2025
Know Your Neighbourhood Project / January 8th, 2025
Benfieldside Community Garden / January 8th, 2025
NE Charity Awards 2025, Maya Patterson
One of our fabulous volunteers, Maya Patterson achieved the Highly Commended Award at the NE Charity Awards in September 2025, for her voluntary work with Building Self-Belief CIO. She was recognised as a Young Charity Champion of the year for her major contribution to Building Self-Belief, in particular for her support with the youth clubs and at Benfieldside Community Garden. Well done Maya, this is very well deserved!
Youth Social Action / December 6th, 2024
Aspirations and Future Planning / December 6th, 2024
Know Your Neighbourhood Project / December 6th, 2024
From Consett to Chan Yu
The premise of Know our Neighbourhood is to get people volunteering, not just to provide the activities themselves. We were delighted when Joe Farnsworth signed up a s a volunteer, Joe had recently graduated with a Cyber Security degree from the University of Newcastle and was looking for opportunities to extend his skills.