Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) is proud to announce that acclaimed music producer, DJ, and recording artist, Schak, has been named the new patron of the Trust’s charity.
The announcement was made at CNTW’s prestigious Annual Staff Excellence Awards, held at Newcastle Civic Centre, and hosted by Sky Sports’ Peter Graves.
The event was an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding dedication and hard work of CNTW and NTW Solutions staff, highlighting those who have made a significant difference in the lives of service users, carers, and colleagues throughout the year.
North Shields native Schak is a renowned music producer and DJ whose work is deeply inspired by his roots in Newcastle. Schak has quickly become a household name and in 2023, he signed with Ministry of Sound, and his hit track ‘Moving All Around (Jumpin’) feat. Kim English,’ released on Patrick Topping’s label Trick, marked his breakthrough into the mainstream with over 33 million streams worldwide.
Following his 2024 release of ‘Yesterday’ with Will Atkinson, featuring Abi Flynn, which was named BBC Radio 1’s “Hottest Record,” Schak has continued to captivate audiences globally. His impromptu rave in Greggs, Newcastle, gained national attention and praise from Greg James, with coverage in outlets such as the Daily Mail and Mirror. Schak’s ongoing tour has seen sold-out shows from Los Angeles to Ibiza, making his Christmas return to the Northeast even more meaningful.
On his appointment as CNTW NHS Trust charity patron, Schak, said: “It’s an absolute honour to be working alongside the fantastic team members. The North East moulded me into the person I am today, without which I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now. Being able to serve my community and contribute to making the North East a better place makes me feel like I’m fulfilling my purpose as a human being.”
James Duncan, Chief Executive of CNTW Trust, shared his excitement about Schak’s new role: “We are excited to announce Schak as our new charity patron at CNTW Trust. We hope that his passion for promoting mental wellbeing, along with his incredible talent as an artist, producer, musician, and DJ, will inspire others to engage with mental health support. With his strong ties to North Shields and influence in the creative community, we know he’ll raise awareness and support for the important work we do. We can’t wait to see the positive impact he’ll make.”
SHINE which stands for Support, Hope, Inspire, Nurture, and Empower, is an integral part of CNTW’s charitable activities. Since its establishment in 2014, SHINE has played a vital role in providing the “little extras” that can make a significant difference to the lives of those who use the Trust’s services. The fund does not replace the primary funding for care but instead enhances the experiences of service users by providing therapeutic activities, comfort items, and support for holistic wellbeing.
From supporting Recovery Colleges like the award-winning peer-led education service ReCoCo in Newcastle, to providing sensory comfort tools for dementia patients, to installing pizza ovens and barbeques to improve outdoor spaces, SHINE has made a tangible difference. Other initiatives include developing a greenhouse at Northgate Hospital to teach gardening skills, family-based activities through the STARR Team, and the creation of a relaxation room for the Hauxley Ward inpatient service.
SHINE’s impact is best reflected in the feedback from patients and staff:
“Thank you to the SHINE fund for giving the community allotment support. It makes a big difference in my life and allows me to meet other people every week and feel part of the community.” – Patient feedback
“Being able to cycle whilst in hospital has helped with my confidence, and I feel free when I’m using the bike – thank you.” – Patient feedback