Staff and Trustees

Julian has worked in the third sector for several years, supporting young people, Black and Minority Ethnic communities, carers, children, and community development. His main roles have been in information management, service development, marketing, and communications. He has worked for both local and national organisations, including the NHS in Scotland and in partnerships with the local and national government.

The newest member of the CID family is Lauren Patterson. Lauren joined us in April 2022 and came with a wealth of knowledge having previously worked for Sense Scotland, working with children & adults affected by deaf blindness and disabled people and their families. Previous work includes projects for the sheriff officers with Jobs and Business Glasgow, her admin skills are unique and she has mastered the intricacies of CID’s databases with ease. In her spare time Lauren is a Hip Hop teacher, working with children from age 2 upwards. Lauren brings with her a youthful enthusiasm and an eagerness that CID is happy to explore

Tracy has worked in retail and customer services for many years. She graduated to manageress of our Guisborough shop in 2013 and has overseen the shop undergo a total refurbishment. During that time, it has become one of the best shops in the Northeast of England. A busy single Mum, Tracy enjoys her job and the people she meets daily. She is the first to say that no two days are the same. Most of all Tracy loves knowing that all the effort her and the shop volunteers put in, is making a difference to such a worthwhile charity.

Melanie very quickly made her mark on the operation of the Shildon shop and over the last few years, has consistently increased its contribution to the work of the Charity and the life of the local community. Melanie who had a wealth of experience in retail and market selling has introduce her own unique style which is much welcomed and appreciated by regular customers and those who drop in on the chance of bagging a bargain. Melanie would welcome your call and offers of donations and/or help.

Tracy joined the Children In Distress family in April 2022 as the new manager of our Kirkbymoorside shop. A local to the area, Tracy feels she has returned home after a stint in health care for 10 years as a volunteer carer and a further 6 years as a carer. Previously, Tracy had been an assistant manager in two separate Charity shops and is glad to be back where she feels she belongs and likes nothing better than when people pop in looking for a bargain, a browse and a natter.