About Us
Kelly Brougham Co-Founder & Operational Director, Active Families North East CIC & We Are Active Soles Ltd
Kelly Brougham is a dedicated social entrepreneur and community leader, passionate about improving physical and mental wellbeing across all ages. A successful business owner since the age of 19, Kelly has built and led multiple ventures, including fitness programmes, PE initiatives in schools, and baby & toddler franchise businesses, all aimed at increasing access to health and wellbeing opportunities.
Alongside her entrepreneurial ventures, Kelly worked for Sunderland City Council for 12 years, leading on a childhood weight management health programme to improve the health outcomes of young people across the region. This experience strengthened her commitment to tackling health inequalities, particularly in deprived communities.
As these inequalities became more prevalent among the ageing population, Kelly founded Active Families NE in 2017, now part of We Are Active Soles Ltd, to support individuals in ageing well and improving their quality of life. From buggy bootcamps for new parents to gentle seated exercise classes for older adults, her organisation ensures that people of all ages have access to health, fitness, and social activities at little to no cost.
Amy Swan Co-Founder & Creative Director, Active Families North East CIC & We Are Active Soles Ltd
Amy Swan is an experienced social entrepreneur, innovator, and fitness professional, dedicated to improving community health and wellbeing. As Co-Founder and Creative Director of Active Families North East CIC, she leads the development of impactful programs that break down barriers to participation, supporting people of all ages to stay active, connected, and empowered through movement.
Before transitioning into the health and fitness industry, Amy spent over 10 years as a creative designer, working in print and publishing. Her passion for fitness, wellbeing, and leading a healthier lifestyle inspired a career change, and she has since spent over nine years as a fully qualified personal trainer, gym and group exercise instructor, and swimming teacher. Amy has also developed specialist expertise in pre & postnatal fitness and exercise for older adults, ensuring inclusive, accessible programs that support lifelong activity.
Beyond Active Families, Amy is also Co-Founder of We Are Active Soles, an award-winning innovation-led health initiative developing smart insoles to monitor fall risk and promote movement. Her leadership in social enterprise, health innovation, and community engagement has been recognised on the 2025 Future List at the North Power Women Awards.
Amy is a driven changemaker, passionate about business innovation, social impact, and empowering others to create sustainable, purpose-driven enterprises. She is a vocal advocate for women in business, equality, and leadership, using her platform to challenge barriers and support diverse, inclusive entrepreneurship. Her work is rooted in the belief that innovation should be accessible to all and that movement is a powerful tool for empowerment, confidence, and connection. Whether leading strategic growth, pitching innovative solutions, or mentoring others, Amy is committed to making a lasting impact.
Outside of work, she enjoys running, swimming, and keeping active with her family, embracing exercise as a way to build resilience, foster relationships, and inspire others to take control of their health and wellbeing.
Wendy Cook
Business & Community Manager
Wendy joined the Active Families NE team in January 2024 in the role of Business & Community Manager and is part of the Senior Management Team. She is a qualified Registered General Nurse and has worked in a Senior Leadership position for over 14 years and has worked in the voluntary and community sector in Sunderland for over 23 years. Wendy is also a trustee for Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance.
Wendy supports Active Families NE by identifying new business opportunities and funding, quality assurance, program development/planning, program scheduling and management, evaluation and measuring impact, relationship/partnership management, representing Active Families NE at strategic meetings, delivering presentations, community engagement/consultation and volunteer and staff management. She also holds the role as designated safeguarding lead for children and adults. Wendy is a Voluntary and Community Sector representative for the Coalfield area and has held this role for 9 years.
Wendy holds Level 2 Seated Exercise qualification, Level 3 Cache Diploma in Playwork, Level 3 Positive Parenting Trainers For Trainers, Level 3 Family Nurturing, Level 2 Nutrition, Level 2 Intermediate Certificate In Development Skills In Early Years Practice alongside being a qualified first aider, safeguarding trained and holding an enhanced DBS.
Ashleigh Thompson
Health & Well-Being Coach
Ashleigh Thompson is a dedicated Health & Wellbeing Coach with a passion for making fitness and movement accessible to people of all ages and abilities. As part of the Active Families North East CIC team, she delivers a wide range of inclusive, community-based programs designed to improve physical and mental wellbeing. From Buggy Bootcamp for new parents to Active Forever for older adults, Ashleigh ensures that everyone, regardless of experience or fitness level, feels supported and motivated on their journey to better health.
Her fitness journey began in 2012 when she was persuaded to attend a Zumba Fitness class—a decision that would change her career path. With a background in dance, she immediately fell in love with the energy and inclusivity of group fitness. Within months, she trained as an instructor and went on to gain her Level 2 Exercise to Music qualification, along with multiple fitness licenses.
Committed to lifelong learning and professional development, Ashleigh has expanded her expertise with a Level 3 Exercise for Older Adults qualification, a Level 3 Pre/Postnatal Exercise certification, and a Level 3 Award in Education and Training. Her knowledge and passion ensure that all sessions are safe, engaging, and tailored to the needs of each participant, empowering them to move with confidence at every stage of life.
Ashleigh firmly believes that fitness isn’t about competition—it’s about participation, enjoyment, and building confidence through movement. She loves seeing the positive impact exercise has on both physical health and emotional wellbeing and is proud to be part of a team that works tirelessly to create a supportive, welcoming, and empowering environment for the community.
Lauren Jones
Health & Well-Being Coach
Lauren has been with Active Families NE since 2018 and has a dual role as Early Years Coordinator and Health & Well-being coach. She has delivered a number of pre-school sessions including Jitterbugs, Active Tots, nursery sessions and delivered ballet tots. She also takes a lead role in our school provision including PE sessions (yoga, boogie bounce, multi sports etc) lunch clubs, after school clubs and HAF camps.
In her role as Health & Wellbeing Coach, Lauren delivers a range of sessions including Mission to Mobility, Active Forever (seated and standing exercise in community settings, residential care homes etc.), Boxercise, Hiitstep, Kangoo and targeted sessions of weight management.
Lauren holds a Level 2 ETM qualification, Level 2 Yoga for children qualification, Level 3 in designing exercise programmes for older adults and a Level 3 in Children’s care, learning & development alongside being a qualified first aider, safeguarding trained and holding an enhanced DBS.
Jessica Davidson
Health & Well-Being Coach
Jessica joined Active Families NE in January 2024 as a Health and Wellbeing Coach. Jessica had previously worked in a Send School delivering rebound trampoline sessions and swimming for children with additional needs (physical and emotional).
In her role as Health & Wellbeing Coach, Jessica delivers a range of sessions including Mission to Mobility, Active Forever (seated and standing exercise in community settings, residential care homes etc.), Boxercise and targeted sessions of weight management. She has delivered a number of pre-school sessions including Active Tots and nursery sessions. She also takes a lead role in our school provision including PE sessions (yoga, basketball, multi sports etc) lunch clubs, after school clubs and HAF camps.
Jessica is also currently working on the Fresh Start campaign across Washington, helping individuals and families build healthier habits through accessible exercise, positive lifestyle changes, and wellbeing support.
Jessica holds a BA (Hons) Physical Education & Sports Coaching, Level 1 FA Football, Level 1 Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, Rebound Therapy Award, Halliwick AST Foundation Course, Level 2 Seated Exercise qualification, Level 2 Yoga for children qualification, Level 2 Boxercise qualification alongside being a qualified first aider, safeguarding trained and holding an enhanced DBS.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys playing football, staying active, and spending time outdoors. She thrives on connection, inclusion, and the positive impact of physical activity—and is proud to be part of a team making a real difference in the community.
Rebecca Lee
Health & Well-Being Coach
Rebecca plays a varied and impactful role at Active Families North East, delivering a range of community-based health and wellbeing programs that support people of all ages and abilities. With a background in Law and Administration, her passion for community work developed after becoming a parent and engaging with local toddler groups. Since joining Active Families in 2022, she has gained qualifications as a Seated Exercise Instructor and Children’s Yoga Teacher, expanding her expertise to better serve the diverse needs of the community.
Rebecca teaches Active Forever, Escape Pain, and Mission 2 Mobility, working with older adults in community settings and care homes to help improve mobility, strength, and overall wellbeing. One of her favourite programs to deliver is Escape Pain, which supports individuals managing hip, knee, and back pain. Seeing participants progress, regain independence, and enjoy recreational activities again is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.
Her role also extends to schools and early years settings, where she delivers Children’s Yoga and Mindfulness. Through storytelling, movement, and relaxation techniques, she helps children develop physical confidence, emotional resilience, and a lifelong appreciation for movement. In addition, Rebecca assists in holiday camps, where she supports a diverse mix of activities, from archery and gardening to crafts and baking, ensuring children stay active and engaged.
Beyond the physical benefits of exercise, Rebecca values the social connections that Active Families fosters. She believes that wellbeing isn’t just about movement—it’s about building friendships, reducing isolation, and creating a strong sense of community. Whether leading a seated exercise session in a park, a yoga class in a school, or supporting people through rehabilitation programs, she is passionate about making a genuine difference in people’s lives.
Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two sons, as well as going on long walks with her beloved Golden Retriever, Luna.
Sam Candler
Health & Well-Being Coach
Sam first discovered Active Families North East through Buggy Bootcamp at Barnes Park after becoming a new mother. Wanting to return to fitness while caring for her baby, she found the sessions welcoming, encouraging, and supportive. As she became more involved in the community, she embraced the opportunity to train as a fitness instructor, encouraged by the team.
In March 2021, Sam successfully gained her Level 2 Exercise to Music qualification, followed by a Level 2 Seated Exercise certification for older adults. She has since developed specialist expertise in strength and balance training, becoming OTAGO Exercise Programme and Escape Pain qualified. Through these programs, she helps older adults improve stability, reduce falls risk, and maintain independence,supporting those with mobility challenges and long-term health conditions.
Sam now leads a variety of inclusive fitness sessions, from strength and balance training to group exercise classes that empower individuals to stay active and engaged. Passionate about functional movement and falls prevention, she finds it incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact of strength and balance exercises on participants’ confidence and daily lives. Whether working with older adults, new parents, or those managing joint pain, she is committed to helping people build strength, maintain mobility, and stay socially connected through exercise.
She is proud to be part of Active Families North East, where she helps create a supportive, inclusive environment that encourages people of all ages to move with confidence and enjoy an active lifestyle.
Jim Morton
Health & Well-Being Coach
Jim is an experienced and highly qualified health and wellbeing coach with an extensive background in fitness, rehabilitation, and specialist exercise programming. His journey in sport and fitness began at an early age as a gymnast, later expanding into strength and conditioning, core stability, and various training disciplines. His passion for the industry led him to volunteer as a coach at his local boys’ club before securing his first role in a gym, where he progressed from floor walker to gym instructor and personal trainer.
Over the course of more than a decade in the fitness industry, Jim developed a deep expertise in strength training, HIIT, spinning, circuit training, and functional movement. However, it was his work with special needs clients that truly shaped his career direction, leading him to specialise in exercise for neurological conditions and rehabilitation. His experience includes working in a high spinal and brain injury rehabilitation centre, where he played a crucial role in supporting individuals with complex neurological disorders to improve their mobility, strength, and overall wellbeing.
Jim’s extensive list of health and wellness qualifications reflects his commitment to continuous learning and ensuring the highest level of support for his clients. His certifications include:
- FA Injury Therapy & IIST Sports Massage
- Institute of On-Site Massage (IOoSM) Seated Acupressure Massage
- Wright Foundation GP Exercise Referral & Exercise for Long-Term Neurological Conditions
- YMCA Personal Training & SMARTT Coach Injury Prevention
- NWUK Nordic Walking & BC British Cycling
- FMS Functional Movement Systems
- Grimsby Institute – Mental Health Issues
Additionally, he has attended numerous specialist training courses in areas such as core stability, cycling, Boxercise, Sit ‘n’ Be Fit, voluntary walk leadership, smoking cessation, and first aid. His broad knowledge base and hands-on experience allow him to tailor exercise programs for a wide range of clients, from general fitness enthusiasts to individuals managing long-term health conditions.
Beyond his professional expertise, Jim is passionate about hiking, art, reading, and photography, pursuits that complement his belief in holistic health and lifelong learning. He considers himself fortunate to have built a career in a field he truly loves, meeting and working with people from all walks of life. His ongoing mission is to expand his knowledge of health and wellbeing to ensure he provides the best possible guidance, instruction, and support to those he works with.
Gemma Lewins
Health & Well-Being Coach Admin Assistant
Gemma is a qualified dance teacher with over 13 years of experience, and the proud owner of a successful dance school in Washington. Alongside running her own school, she works part-time with Active Families North East, where she brings her energy and passion to a variety of community programmes.
In her role at Active Families, she leads Active Forever and line dancing sessions, supporting older adults to stay active, social, and confident through movement. She also contributes to the team behind the scenes, assisting with administrative tasks to help keep programmes running smoothly.
Her experience in teaching dance has equipped her with excellent communication skills, creativity, and an ability to adapt movement to suit all ages and abilities—all of which are invaluable in her community wellbeing work. She loves the variety of her role and especially values the opportunity to meet inspiring individuals from all walks of life, describing it as an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling part of her career.
Balancing two busy jobs, she remains committed to making a positive impact on people’s lives, helping them feel stronger, more connected, and more confident. Whether leading a line dance or offering a listening ear, she is passionate about creating inclusive, joyful spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Outside of work, she cherishes time spent with family, friends, and her two beloved dogs, making memories and enjoying life’s little moments. She truly believes that when you find a job you’re passionate about, it never really feels like work—and she brings that passion and joy to everything she does.
Jurgita Kay
Health & Well-Being Coach
Jurgita is a highly experienced health and wellbeing professional with an extensive background as both a personal trainer and aerobic instructor. She began her career in her home country of Lithuania, where she built a strong foundation in exercise science and client-focused coaching, before relocating to the UK over 20 years ago to continue her work in the health and fitness industry.
Currently, she works as a Health & Wellbeing Coach based at Gateshead Oxford Terrace & Rawling Road Surgery, where she plays a vital role in supporting individuals to take control of their physical and mental health. Drawing on her depth of experience and her empathetic, person-centred approach, she helps people build healthier habits, improve their fitness levels, and make long-term lifestyle changes that support overall wellbeing.
Her expertise lies in combining movement, motivation, and personalised support to meet individuals where they are—guiding them towards improved confidence, independence, and quality of life. She is passionate about preventative health and the power of everyday choices in creating lasting change, particularly for those managing long-term health conditions or recovering from setbacks.
Outside of her professional role, Jurgita finds balance and joy through family life, spending time in nature, and exploring creative pursuits. A talented pianist, she enjoys playing music as a form of expression and relaxation and values the importance of creativity and mindfulness in maintaining holistic wellbeing.
With a calm, supportive presence and a genuine passion for helping others, Jurgita continues to make a meaningful impact in her community, empowering individuals to live healthier, more fulfilled lives.
Naomi Tompkinson Health & Well-Being Coach
Naomi Tomkinson is a vibrant and committed Health & Wellbeing Coach, bringing her passion for movement, creativity, and community connection to everything she does. With a background in dance instruction and a growing career in the health and wellbeing space, she brings energy, warmth, and positivity to the programmes she delivers.
Naomi has been teaching dance for over three years and recently launched the Active Forever Dance Class as part of her role with Active Families North East. These sessions have quickly become a highlight of her week, as they combine social interaction, laughter, and fitness, all while supporting the health and happiness of the local community.
In addition to her work with older adults, Naomi helps deliver Ballet Tots sessions, introducing young children to movement through rhythm, imagination, and play. She also supports the delivery of Active Families’ holiday activities, helping to create fun, engaging, and varied programmes for children during school breaks.
Alongside her role in community health, Naomi runs her own beauty business, offering a wide range of treatments at a local salon. In the evenings, she teaches dance at the school where she first trained,continuing to share her passion with the next generation of dancers.
Naomi is dedicated to helping people feel their best—whether through movement, creativity, or self-care.Her varied career allows her to make a meaningful impact in both the health and wellbeing sector and the beauty industry, with a shared goal of empowering people to feel confident, connected, and supported.