Newcastle’s Vick Hope Joins Liz Earle as First Ever Celebrity Partner

‘For me, it felt like the perfect beauty brand to partner with as I share many of their biodiversity values and I’m a big fan of the Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, it’s an iconic skincare staple, so I was thrilled to be one of the first to try the new Glow range, which has helped me keep a healthy glow in these cold winter months.’

Alongside her passion for sustainability, Vick is an Amnesty International Ambassador and mental health advocate, and she’s proud to broadcast her Northern voice to the UK. She’s currently hosting the BBC Radio One drive-time show alongside University of Sunderland alumni Jordan North, as well as broadcasting Sunday’s Life Hacks show with Katie Thistleton.

Discussing how important it is for young people to focus on their wellbeing for their mental health, Vick tells us: ‘It’s been thrown into sharp focus over the last few years because of everything that’s been going on, but we’ve had a youth mental health crisis in the UK for a lot longer than that. Although, if there’s one positive that we can draw from a very difficult couple of years, it’s that everyone’s realised this is something we have to talk about. 

‘Having those conversations, being honest about how you’re feeling and knowing that you’re not alone is what can save people. I, like so many people I know, struggled with my mental health at university, so on a personal level, it’s important that I do everything I can to make sure kids are nurturing their minds and looking after themselves and their wellbeing. 

‘I’m really happy that the BBC have Life Hacks because it’s not the same for everyone. The playing field isn’t level everywhere and not all children have the same resources. Being a part of the British Broadcasting Corporation and being in a position to say for two hours, every Sunday, everyone (no matter where they are) has access to this service where you can tell us what you’re going through and there’s an expert there to support you, that’s really important. It’s why I started broadcasting. You do it because you want to hopefully help, make a difference and share people’s stories.’

Vick is aware that a lot of people look up to her and she’s so proud to represent Northern voices on the radio and TV. ‘Where you’re from is who you are, isn’t it?’ she says. ‘I’m so proud to be from Newcastle! Every time I come home from London, I’m on the train and I see the Tyne Bridge, and I get this jolt in my stomach, and you step off the train and take a really big breath and the air tastes different. That’s how you know you’re home. 

‘I feel the most comfortable here, and it’s where I’m most happy. I love the North East and I want everyone to know that. I brought some friends up in the summer and we went on a boat trip in Seahouses and I took them around the countryside in Northumberland – people don’t realise how much rugged beauty we have in the North East. I hope that by being so proud, people who listen to or watch shows I’m doing, see that I’m flying the flag for a place that is the best in the world.’

For Vick the best thing about her job is meeting new people every day, hearing their stories and learning from them. She says: ‘I’m really lucky. You don’t ever get used to it and it’s not wasted on me how lucky I am. What I love most is being able to tell other people’s stories. I think people think as a broadcaster or presenter that you’re like ‘it’s all about me’ – but it’s really not.’