Scotland & Northern England

Michelle Carrahar, Tatum Yip and Anton Schultz

As North East regional manager, Yorkshire and Humber regional manager and North West regional manager respectively, we offer support and advice to assist the organisational development of bassac members in Northern England and Scotland.

Our job is about strengthening and developing a strong regional network; raising member’s voice to influence decision and shape policy at the local and regional level.

Tatum Yip

Yorkshire and Humber regional manager

I provide support, advice, information and signposting to assist organisational development for members in the Yorkshire and Humber region. One of the ways I do this is through an annual one-to-one review visit. My job is also about strengthening and developing a strong regional network; raising member’s voices to influence decisions and shape policy at the local and regional level.

I would like to see more and more multi-purpose voluntary and community organisations benefiting from being part of the bassac network. So get in contact with me either by email tatum@bassac.org.uk or by phone on 0113 2374532 or 07825175871.

The region I look after

With a population exceeding 5 million and an economic growth rate outstripping the rest of the UK, Yorkshire and Humber is an extremely vibrant place to live, work and visit. And bassac's regional membership reflects this. With 17 members, the Yorkshire and Humber region has bassac's highest membership outside London. These organisations encompass a diverse range of communities and activities.

Working in partnership

I coordinate regular network meetings for members to debate issues facing the sector. The network has grown consistently over the last year as more and more community-based organisations have joined bassac’s movement for tackling social inequality.

About me

Originally form Guang Zhou China, I have lived in Leeds for 15 years. I am a chemistry postgraduate but my passion for working with people and helping people to have a better quality of life steered me from science to work in the voluntary sector. For over a decade now I have volunteered as a deputy head teacher in a local Chinese supplement school.

In my spare time, I love cooking, enjoying good food and spending quality time with my children. When the sun shines and children permit, my friend and I love practising our golf swings.  

Michelle Carrahar

North East regional manager

My role is to develop and support the network of bassac members in Northern England (excluding Yorkshire and Humber) and Scotland. I am actively involved in bassac’s work on impact and collaboration. I also provide a range of services to VCS organisations in the North on a consultancy basis.

If you are interested in finding out how your organisation can benefit from being part of bassac please email me at michelle@bassac.org.uk or give me a call on 07825 175 868.

The region I look after

I cover a very large region and a diverse membership from Edinburgh University Settlement with its international student links to Manchester Settlement with its focus on young people not engaged in mainstream education. I also have members in the ex-coalfield areas still working with communities dealing with the end of traditional industry.

Working in partnership

I work in partnership with colleagues in the Community Alliance in the North East (CANE). We are currently developing a series of roadshows across the North East bringing specialists to local venues to provide training and support to member organisations.

We also provide links between frontline voluntary and community sector organisations and regional and national policy and strategy groups. It can feel quite a long way from the national work – often based in London. We can help members take part in national work and contibute towards a stonger regional voice.

About me

I live in the Derwent Valley in Gateshead, home to the reintroduced Red Kites who, I am glad to say, are doing very well.

Anton Schultz

North West regional manager

My role is to develop and support bassac members in the North West. I plan to increase membership and help organisations to make a difference in their communities, as well enabling organisations to work together through the bassac network.

I know there are many invaluable community organisations in the North West doing a great job at regenerating their communities. I would like to see these organisations coming together on common projects, collaborations and campaigns. To find out how bassac can help please get in touch via email at anton@bassac.org.uk or by phone on 0161 614 8323 or 07955 364 192.

The region I look after

The North West is a diverse region in every sense of the word. Home to the major cities of Liverpool and Manchester which are among the most ethnically diverse in Europe, the region also incorporates the rural areas of northern Lancashire and Cumbria. With approximately 6.7 million inhabitants the region accounts for just over 13% of England’s overall population.

Working in partnership

Partnership working with my regional colleagues in the Community Alliance, from the Development Trust Association and Community Matters is important in supporting the network and enabling effective regional and national representation. Working closely with my colleagues from neighbouring regions also helps to make productive links between organisations.

About me

Although I’ve lived in the North West for over 10 years, I’m originally from Sydney, Australia. I have a love of all things outdoors including walking, mountain biking and of course barbeques. I also have a keen interest in photography and music.