Edinburgh hits the road with the Travelling with Confidence course

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Here our Travelling with Confidence Project Coordinator Frank, tells us about a recent trip to Edinburgh for the travel trainers and learners.

 

November 22, 2025

Two of the Learners Martha and Justine who have been doing the Travelling with Confidence course went on a supported journey. They were supported by two of our Travel Champions, Leanne and Andrew, who also came to Edinburgh.

Martha and I and Suzanne all boarded the train at Alnmouth train station and already on the Train was Justine the Learner and the two Travel Champions, Andrew and Leanne.

The Train was very busy on the way up to Edinburgh as it was the first week of the Christmas market.

Once we all arrived at Edinburgh Waverly train station as a group, we all walked to Princess Street Gardens this was where the Christmas market was, we all had a good look around the Market and some of the Learners and Champions brought some Christmas tree decorations we stayed at the market for around an hour and a half.

The Learners Martha and Justine then used Google Maps to take the group to the Roxy Lane Bowling Alley where myself, the Project Worker and one of the Champions, Andrew, and one of the Learners, Martha, had one game of bowling.

Once we had finished at the bowling alley, we then walked from the bowling alley to Hannover Street. The Learners Martha and Justine used Google Maps again to get us to the bus stop. It was a two-minute walk from the bowling alley to the bus stop.

We then took the bus from Hannover Street to Victoria Street and we walked as a group to the Royal Mile. We went for some lunch at Landy’s Fish and Chip Shop. One of the Travel Champions after lunch went to get some gifts, so we went to some of the gift shops on the Royal Mile and I (Frank) went to get some fudge at the fudge kitchen on the Royal Mile.

Below is a picture of one of the Learners, Martha, with her Travel Champion and Suzanne outside Mary Kings Close in Edinburgh.

Once we had had some time on the Royal Mile, we then went back to the market via the North Bridge. Leanne, the Travel Champion and Justine, the Learner used Google Maps to get us back to the Edinburgh market so Leanne could get a German hot dog.

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Meet Hannah, our new CEO

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We’re pleased to welcome Hannah Harniess as the new Chief Executive Officer of Adapt (NE).

Hannah joined us in October 2025, following the retirement of our long-standing Director, Liz Prudhoe. Liz has skilfully led the organisation for many years, and we’re incredibly grateful for her leadership.

Hannah brings over 20 years of experience across health, care, and the voluntary sector. She is a registered physiotherapist with a background in youth and community work and has held a range of leadership roles in community interest companies, charities and the NHS. Most recently, she was Director of Allied Health Professionals for North East London, leading over 3,500 clinicians across a large and diverse health system. Hannah is passionate about inclusion, community-led change, and making services work better for the people who use them.

Q&A with Hannah

What brought you to Adapt (NE)?

My family and I relocated to Northumberland a few months ago and I feel incredibly grateful to have found a role within such an established and values-driven community charity. I’ve always been drawn to organisations that are rooted in their communities, driving change from the ground up. Adapt (NE) has a strong track record of doing just that, quietly and consistently making a difference. This felt like a natural next step and a real opportunity to contribute to something meaningful in my new community in the North East.

What lessons or experiences from your past roles will you bring to this one?

I’ve worked in a mix of settings from small charities and non-profits to large NHS organisations and systems. Whilst I’ve done leadership training and spent time on the technical side of the job, I’ve mainly learned that relationships, kindness and collaboration are everything. Whether it’s co-designing services with communities or navigating complex change, listening well and building trust are key.

How do you see charities like Adapt (NE) making a difference right now?

Charities are often the first to spot when people are falling through the cracks, to understand why and to know what is needed. We’re close to our communities and can respond in ways that are flexible, creative, and human, which is even more important now than ever. The flexibility and creativity of the third sector is something that has consistently pulled me back into the sector over the years. There’s no doubt that the current context is tough for so many people, for charities and our public organisations, but I am encouraged by the shift of focus to communities and place-based working. It is essential that charities like Adapt (NE) are involved from the get-go in developing new neighbourhood health and care models.

What are your priorities for the first few months?

Listening and learning. I want to understand what matters most to the people who make Adapt (NE) what it is- staff, volunteers, trustees, and the people we support. I’ll also be working with the board to look at our strategy and how we can build on the strong foundations already in place to look and plan ahead for our future.

What opportunities or challenges do you see ahead?

There’s no doubt that the funding environment is tough, and demand for support is growing. But I also see opportunities to strengthen partnerships, collaborate with the other excellent organisations working across the region, explore new ways of working, and keep championing the voices of differently abled people and those in our community facing hardship, disadvantage or exclusion.

What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

Hmmm, I always find these questions quite hard as I don’t have any exciting hobbies or unusual facts! I am constantly inspired by people who do brilliant physical activity challenges like cold water swimming or ultra marathons, but I must admit I haven’t quite managed either of those yet. I have bought a swim float and all the gear to get in the river though – so you might see me in the Tyne when the weather is warmer (and feel free to challenge me if I am not!).

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love being outdoors, walking and exploring the amazing Northumbrian landscapes with my family. I’m not sure you can beat a bracing walk along the North East coastline. The walks are even better if they can finish at a cosy pub,  and we’ve found some favourites already. I also love baking and having a busy house, so the door is always open for a cuppa, cake and a chat!

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AGM 2025 – thanks for joining us!

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Adapt (NE) Annual Report 2024-25

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Our latest Annual Report is now available, with highlights of our work across all of our projects here at Adapt (NE) during 2024-25.

Our Chair, Lorraine Hershon says, “The context in which charities are operating continues to be challenging in terms of finances and demand for services. Despite this, Adapt (NE) continues to deliver for local communities, acting responsively and innovatively to changes and challenges we have faced.

“During 2024/25 it has been encouraging to see our Social Prescribing offer develop, supporting more people to thrive, in a holistic and person-centred way. We have been delighted to secure the Advocacy contract for Northumberland and our skilled team of Advocates are working to support people to express their views, make informed choices, and secure their rights within health and care services. Healthwatch Northumberland has
continued to play a significant role in championing local voice and influencing NHS care services.

“Our partnerships continue to thrive, including our collaboration with EveryTurn on mental health outreach and a joint initiative with the Good Life Collaborative on independent travel training.

“Whilst we are not complacent, we remain deeply proud of the range of services we are able to deliver to communities in Northumberland and across the North East, as part of our mission to create more inclusion for people in the region. On behalf of the board, I pass particular thanks to Liz as she moves on from her role as Director, and we welcome Hannah as new CEO. Finally, thanks to the teams who deliver the work and who make our organisation what it is.”

Read more in our Annual Report 2024-25.

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