Local health and wellbeing charity Rise has strengthened its team with two key appointments.   

From its base in North Shields, Rise uses physical activity to tackle health, social and economic inequalities to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged communities and underserved groups across Northumberland and Tyne & Wear.  

The charity, which is part of a network of 43 Active Partnerships across the country, has appointed Victoria Lamb as marketing and communications manager, and Samantha Hunter as graphic designer. 

Clare Morley, chief executive officer at Rise, says: “We are delighted to welcome Victoria and Samantha, who will support us in sharing the excellent work taking place between Rise and our partners, as well as the impact our work has in our communities.  

“They have joined us at a pivotal and exciting time in our growth. Their skills and passion will help us to raise our profile and shine a spotlight on the amazing work happening to help communities and businesses to stay physically and mentally well by reducing barriers to physical activity.” 

The appointments support the charity’s ‘Rise Together Strategy,’ a ten-year vision to reduce inequalities and improve the quality of life for the communities that need it the most in Northumberland and Tyne & Wear, through sport and physical activity.  

Victoria has more than 20 years’ experience, including roles in NHS communications and the third sector.  

She says: “I’m thrilled to have been given the opportunity to help raise the profile of Rise. The scope and breadth of the work we do is something to be incredibly proud of. I very much look forward to telling the story of how Rise and its partners make a huge difference to people in the North East.” 

Samantha has more than 12 years’ experience in the creative industry and has worked in graphic design for a wide range of local and international organisations. 

She says: “I’m really excited about my new position with Rise. I’ll be working with the team to help visually communicate our key messages and showcase the amazing work we do for the people in our region.”