Committed
We are dedicated to providing consistent, high-quality support and standing alongside people for the long term.
Who We Are
Coquet Trust is a registered charity established in 1995 to support people with learning disabilities to live as independently as possible.
What began as a small, community-focused organisation has grown steadily over the past three decades. Today, we support over 150 people across four local authority areas in the North East.
Our purpose remains straightforward and practical: to provide high-quality, sustainable support that improves everyday life.
We believe that people should live full and meaningful lives – where they are listened to, respected and valued. We work in partnership with the people we support, their families and local authorities to ensure support is tailored, proportionate and centred around individual aspirations.
Our approach is steady and relationship-led, underpinned by clear safeguarding practice and experienced teams. We focus on consistency, trust and long-term outcomes – not short-term solutions.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we reinvest in our services, our people and the communities we serve.
Proud to be rated "Good" by the Care Quality Commission
Coquet Trust’s outreach service was rated Good following an assessment by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) between October and November 2025.
The review confirmed the service is delivered in line with the national Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture principles for people with learning disabilities and autistic people, including those with mental health and complex needs
Inspectors found the service to be well-led, with strong governance, regular quality audits and a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
The assessment highlighted several strengths, including:
- Comprehensive care plans, health action plans and risk assessments
- Safe recruitment and sufficient staffing to meet people’s needs
- Well-managed medication systems
- Staff training tailored to people with complex needs
- The use of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Person-Centred Active Support (PCAS)
- A strong focus on quality assurance and continuous improvement
This recognition reflects Coquet Trust’s commitment to providing safe, person-centred support that enables people to live independently and well.
Our values guide how we work every day – with the people we support, their families and one another.
Our Values
Reliable
Families and individuals can depend on us. We do what we say we will do.
Inspirational
We believe in possibility. We encourage growth, confidence and ambition.
Trustworthy
We act with integrity, transparency and strong safeguarding practice.
Inclusive
We respect individuality and promote equality, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.
The story of Coquet Trust
Coquet Trust was founded in 1995 by Malcolm Johnson, a former nurse at Northgate Learning Disability Hospital in Morpeth, Northumberland.
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Malcolm began his career in 1951 as a student nurse
Over the years, he became a Charge Nurse and later Day Services Manager. During this time, he saw first-hand the limitations of traditional institutional care. He believed people deserved more than a system where everyone was treated the same. -
In 1980, Malcolm was awarded the Florence Nightingale Award
The Smith and Nephew Foundation gave the award. This scholarship enabled him to spend three months in the United States studying progressive approaches to community-based support. The experience strengthened his belief that people with learning disabilities could live in their own homes with the right support network in place. -
After retiring from the NHS in 1991
Malcolm was approached by families concerned about the future of their relatives. In response, he founded Hillsview Trust in Kenton, supporting three young men in their own home. -
Building on this success, Coquet Trust was established in January 1995.
Today, we employ over 350 colleagues and continue to deliver personalised support across North Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead, Northumberland and South Tyneside. Malcolm’s belief in dignity, individuality and independent living continues to shape our work.
Life at Coquet Trust
Life at Coquet Trust means building a professional career supporting adults 16+ (with learning disabilities, autism, mental health, and complex needs) grounded in responsibility, shaped by relationships and supported by strong teamwork.
Behind every service we provide is a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering consistent, person-centred support.
Working at Coquet Trust means building steady relationships and taking real responsibility – always with the backing of a supportive team. It is meaningful work, grounded in trust, communication and shared standards.
“You’re trusted here. The responsibility is real, but so is the support. You’re never left to manage difficult situations alone.”
What You'll Experience here
- Real responsibility, supported by strong leadership
- Trust in your professional judgement
- Reflective practice that builds confidence
- Steady, long-term relationships with the people you support
Our colleagues speak openly about the balance of independence and teamwork, accountability and support. We value reflective practice, clear safeguarding and a culture where people can ask questions, learn and grow.
Support Our Work
As a registered charity, Coquet Trust relies on strong partnerships and community support.
