Chris Johnson - Operations and Finance Manager at Northumberland charity Leading Link
The charity works with schools and the community and has helped thousands of young people by supporting them to identify and achieve their aspirations. Here he tells us about his weekends.
Do you ever have to work weekends?
Sometimes! It’s probably more than I would like to think it is. Like a lot of other charities, much of our work can be project focussed. Some of this can include a weekend, it’s just the nature of the job really – that’s what makes it so much fun!
Are most weekends the same?
Definitely not! I am always busy doing something. If there is nothing happening at work then I will be out and about seeing friends, drinking coffee and generally relaxing. Occasionally I’ll be talked into helping a friend with his business. I say occasionally – he seems to know better than me on when I am available to help him out.
Do you find it hard to switch off?
Yes. I have to make a conscious decision to do it – although I am very easily talked into doing something else that keeps my mind occupied!
What do you do at a weekend which you can’t fit in through the week?
I like to go swimming, running and I have a gym membership which I make the most of – is a sentence I have never been able to say with a straight face!
Morning exercise or a recovery lie in?
I don’t understand those words to be honest – they don’t usually go together in my life. I prefer to be active and busy. The people in my life have no filters when it comes to messaging me or ringing me at any time of the day or night – so whatever was planned, will rarely happen!
Prefer big night out or a night in the house?
A big night in – every time. My days of being out clubbing are a distant memory now. I’ve been tempted a few times to head out and paint the town red – but I always find an excuse not to do it.
Do you watch or play sport at a weekend?
I’ve never really been into sports of any kind. I’ve never found the “hook”. I’ve been to a couple of matches at St James’ Park lately – a great atmosphere and good craic – but it’s more of a ticky box exercise rather than a need to engage.
Where do you like to eat out at a weekend?
We are really lucky in this area that we have such a wide range of amazing places to eat – with some fabulous venues offering such a range of cuisine. If it’s a coffee and a light lunch, I would pop over to Nurtch in Ashington – it’s a newly opened coffee house that’s just awesome!
If it was evening food, I fancied then an Indian it would have to be – Shampan in Whitley Bay, or more local to me would be La Torre in Bedlington. Saying that my mate Jo is a great cook – so if ever I can’t decide where to eat, I just rock up at his house!
How important is the weekend to you?
That’s a really difficult question – I lead a really busy life, which I enjoy, but I don’t think a weekend feels any different to me. Although saying that a Saturday night with Strictly and a Sunday night with Vera is always a highlight! I appreciate how sad that sounds now I have written it!
Of a weekend, you’ll usually find me most happy..?
In good company, with a decent coffee, watching the world go by – but not for too long or I’ll get bored!