
About us
The Millin Charity was established in 1999 to meet the needs of a dynamic and diverse local community, and today our staff, trustees and inspiring team of volunteers continue to innovate to fill the gaps that exist in mainstream services, so local people can find a way forward to improve their own and their families’ lives.
Getting further by working together
The Millin Charity’s delivery approach has evolved over the years in response to the changing needs of the local community, but has consistently delivered on our fundamental principle of helping people to get further by working together, leading to increased self-confidence, improved social capital and a deeper awareness of how they can make a difference in the world around them.
‘The word ‘millin’ means ‘togetherness’ in Urdu, Bangladeshi and Hindi – this conveys the fundamental purpose of our charity; for over 15 years we have brought together local people, many of whom have experienced being isolated, under-represented or marginalised in some way, with sources of inspiration, encouragement and help so they can prosper both socially and economically.
New local areas
The charity’s services are in high demand locally, in particular from women who face significant barriers to becoming financially independent. Although our roots are in the West End of Newcastle, increasingly we are reaching out to communities further afield to respond to the need for solutions, advice and support through replicating our tried and tested community-based services including enterprise-based learning and development delivered through our unique Local Women Local Enterprise programme.
Meet our staff team

Sarah Miller
Chief Executive
“I want to see real and sustainable progression for people in their local communities, so we can achieve real and lasting change.”

Jacqueline Djeumeni
Finance Administrator
“I love helping the diverse community that the charity works with, and knowing I’m making a real difference to local people.”

Shewley Haque
Charity Manager
“We’ve designed projects that genuinely meet the needs of local people, and delivered in a unique way that makes a real difference to their lives.”

Lynn Carr
Tutor and volunteer
“The training courses developed by The Millin Charity are a joy to deliver – they really are unique in the personalised way they’ve been designed”

Kirsty McDine
Development Worker
“I’m so inspired when I see the journey that people go on, and how they shine with confidence, when they join the charity’s community.”

Claire Crawford
Volunteer
“After being out of work for so long bringing up my family, I’m getting the experience I need to get a job while helping the charity to make a real difference.”
Board of trustees

Richard Simpson
Chair of Trustees
“Our ambition is for the charity to continue to pioneer developments around empowering communities socially and economically through enterprise”.
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Kerrey Baker
Trustee
“We hope to make a tangible contribution towards addressing issues of poverty and social exclusion by enabling peer support and co-operation.”
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Dinah Bennett OBE
Trustee
“The Millin Charity has so much to offer in the empowerment of people through enterprise. I’m really excited to be part of their future success.”
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Yasmin Khan
Trustee
“I am passionate about addressing inequalities in the community and as a trustee of The Millin Charity, I hope to support it to grow from strength to strength.”