Growing up in a nearby former pit village, Stephen developed a strong sense of community which continues to motivate him today.

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He is a passionate campaigner, helping to organise regular litter picks around the area and has experience chairing a local ‘In Bloom’ group. He is also a former parish Councillor and Chair of the parish council before moving to Newcastle in 2020.

Stephen is a member-director of a Co-operative business and helped arrange for them to supply tea and coffee to local foodbanks. He has also arranged for the company to supply and fund fairtrade coffee mornings in the area, including working with the Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership, of which he is the Vice Chair.

Stephen is also a director of the Newcastle Community Asset Trust, which helps to support and regenerate communities by keeping public buildings and assets in local hands so that communities continue to have access to spaces and opportunities whilst generating income to help develop the local area.

Alongside this work, Stephen continues to work with Cllr Barry Philipson to identify and resolve local issues by regularly speaking to local residents and picking up casework whilst walking around the area. Stephen and Barry would love to hear from you regarding any issues.