Charity Rise continues to grow with merger

A North East charity has expanded with a merger.

Rise North East, based in North Shields, has joined forces with County Durham Sport, extending its support for health and wellbeing across the North East Combined Authority area. 

Since its formation in January 2020 through the merger of Northumberland Sport and Tyne and Wear Sport, the charity has expanded from an initial team of 16. 

With County Durham Sport joining on April 1, its headcount will rise to 43, with an additional appointment planned later in the month.

This growth has been mirrored financially, with turnover increasing from £644,000 in 2019 to nearly £1.4 million in 2024, with further increases expected in 2025 and beyond.

Bosses say that by aligning with the combined authority’s footprint, the charity will unlock further funding and enhance its role in tackling health inequalities through sport and physical activity.

Clare Morley, chief executive of Rise, which recently published its 2024 impact report to highlight the charity’s growth and impact, said: “These are exciting times. 

“As a leading health and wellbeing charity, we’ve grown and progressed significantly as an organisation since we formed in 2020. 

“Coming together with County Durham Sport as one organisation with one voice will allow us to continue to provide the best possible support to our partners and local communities to ensure we carry on the good work we do.”

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