Creative activities project worker jobs in Newcastle

We are seeking an Assistant Manager to play a key operational role at our Sunderland Hub. Supporting the day-to-day running of services that help people facing social exclusion rebuild confidence, skills, and stability.

This is a mission-driven, hands-on role combining coordination, leadership and frontline delivery. You will work closely with the Hub Manager and wider team to ensure the hub operates smoothly, safely and with purpose, while supporting individuals to engage in meaningful activity and community life.

About Handcrafted

Handcrafted works with people who have experienced exclusion, homelessness and disadvantage, offering practical opportunities to rebuild confidence and independence through creative projects, training, and community.

Our work is rooted in values of:

• Creativity everyone can make something to be proud of

• Empathy walking alongside people through challenge

• Empowerment supporting people to take back control

• Community building belonging and shared purpose

These values shape how we work with residents, trainees and one another.

The Role – Assistant Manager (Sunderland Hub)

As Assistant Manager, you will be central to the smooth running of the Sunderland Hub. You’ll support the Hub Manager in coordinating staff, activities and services, while maintaining a welcoming, organised and supportive environment.

This is a varied role combining operational oversight, hands-on delivery, administration and people support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Hub Manager in the day-to-day operation of the Sunderland Hub

• Help coordinate staff, volunteers, activities and community sessions

• Provide hands-on support to residents and trainees as needed

• Assist with planning and delivery of workshops, shared meals and group activities

• Act as a welcoming and reliable point of contact for people accessing the hub

• Support record keeping, reporting and compliance requirements

• Assist with ordering supplies, processing expenses and basic financial administration

• Help oversee housing-related processes and liaise with relevant teams

• Promote a safe, inclusive and well-organised environment at all times

(Full responsibilities are detailed in the recruitment pack.)

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is organised, proactive and people-focused, with the confidence to take responsibility while working collaboratively.

You will ideally bring:

• Experience working in a support, community or care-based setting

• Strong organisational and communication skills

• The ability to manage competing priorities calmly

• Confidence supporting people with complex needs

• An understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries

• A values-led approach aligned with Handcrafted’s ethos

Experience in housing, support services or community delivery is desirable but not essential.

Why Join Handcrafted?

• Be part of a well-established, values-driven organisation

• Play a key operational role in a growing hub

• Work alongside a committed, supportive team

• Help create real change for people facing exclusion

• Access training and development opportunities

Safeguarding

Handcrafted is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

Chief Executive - Help & Care
Location: Home-based within easy reach of Dorset (regular travel across the region)
Salary: circa £85,000 per annum
Contract: permanent, either full-time basis (37 hours per week) or part-time (30 hours per week). We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements for part-time hours, including how these are worked across the working week.

Are you an innovative leader who will put communities and social justice at the heart of transforming how health and social care is delivered in Dorset and the south of England?

Help & Care has been supporting communities across Dorset and the south coast since 1985. We deliver person-centred services that promote dignity, independence and connection - from dementia coordination and health coaching to our award-winning Roots gardening programme and social prescribing partnerships. Working with over 25 partners across health, housing and the voluntary sector, we co-produce services that make a real difference to older people, those with long-term conditions, carers and people at risk of isolation.

As our new Chief Executive, you will collaborate with a dedicated Board and a strong, highly motivated team focusing on the following key areas of responsibility:

• Strategic leadership: Define an ambitious, values-led strategy and deliver it, securing long-term impact alongside sustainable financial growth.
• Values leadership: Place Help & Care’s values - social justice, innovation, personal and collaborative - at the heart of decision-making and model them through visible leadership.
• Growth & income diversification: Lead business development to diversify income streams, winning commissioned contracts and developing social-enterprise opportunities to reduce reliance on public commissioning.
• Partnerships & advocacy: Strengthen and sustain senior-level relationships across the NHS, local authorities, commissioners and the voluntary sector; represent Help & Care across systems, media and stakeholder networks.
• Service quality & impact: Embed rigorous monitoring and evaluation so outcome evidence drives commissioning decisions, improves financial performance and enhances the organisation’s reputation.

• People leadership: Inspire, retain and develop a high-performing, compassionate leadership team and workforce, focused on talent development, wellbeing and accountability.
• Governance & financial stewardship: Provide the Board with timely, high-quality reporting, oversee financial recovery or sustainability plans as required, and ensure robust risk, compliance and governance arrangements.

Who you are:

• An experienced CEO or senior director from complex, multi-service health, social care or community organisations, with experience of developing and delivering multi-agency contracts.
• Proven track record of securing commissioned contracts, leading tendering and contract oversight, and developing income diversification, including social-enterprise opportunities.
• Comfortable driving strategic transformation and financial sustainability, with demonstrable expertise in strategic financial management.
• A values-led, collaborative and visible leader with high emotional intelligence and resilience, committed to social justice, person-centred practice and co-production; an effective public representative and mentor.

Why Help & Care?

• Lead a highly respected regional provider with an outstanding track record of co-production and innovation.
• Shape an organisation poised for growth and greater regional influence.
• Hybrid, home-based working, regular travel across Dorset, and the chance to safeguard vital services for local communities.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 23rd February 2026. Interviews and assessments on 3rd, 4th and 5th March.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.