Tracy Fee – A Life of Purpose and Empowerment

Tracy Fee, 54, from Newton Aycliffe in County Durham, is a former NHS mental health nurse turned social entrepreneur whose life and work have become a beacon of hope for individuals facing barriers to employment. With over 35 years of experience in mental health care, Tracy’s professional path was deeply shaped by her late diagnosis of autism, which brought clarity to many of the challenges she had faced throughout her career. Being female, working class, from the North East of England brought its own barriers but then to add Autism was an extra challenge that Tracy did not see coming but has shaped a passion and commitment to helping others.

Despite having a supportive family and colleagues, Tracy often found herself struggling with aspects of communication and workplace dynamics that others took for granted. Her diagnosis was not just a personal revelation—it became the catalyst for a mission to help others who might not have the same support system she had. She said, “The realisation of just how hard it must be for others made me want to help those who had similar struggles and do whatever I could to make the workplace more inclusive for all” .

Tracy started as a student mental health nurse in 1990 in Gateshead and qualified as a RMN in 1993. She had a rewarding career as a nurse and therapist initially, then moved on to managing teams and services across the North East, using her therapeutic knowledge and naturally nurturing approach to ensure staff felt supported to deliver exceptional care to people facing mental health distress. Most recently as a Commissioner of trauma informed care services, Tracy was able to use her knowledge and skills to help transform NHS services. However the most rewarding part of her career was seeing the resilience that could be offered to people through enabling them to secure paid work, a key factor in emotional wellbeing, self esteem and confidence for those facing barriers to employment.

This became a passion for Tracy and having worked for 15 years in the supported employment area helping others before she realised she also had personal reasons for this interest too through her own Neurodivergence. Tracy always thinks of herself last putting caring for others first and foremost so despite helping hundreds of families search for answers to their difficulties through seeking a diagnosis, she hadn’t considered this for herself until much later in life.

In November 2023, Tracy founded Hiyed CIC, a community interest company aimed at supporting people with learning disabilities, mental health difficulties, physical health conditions, neurodivergent traits, and other challenges into paid employment. What began as a small team of three has grown into a thriving organisation with over 40 staff members, many of whom more than 80%) have lived experience of disability themselves. They have achieved many accolades over the past 20 months and most importantly becoming a Disability Confident Leader.

Achievements and Impact
Over 300 individuals supported in the first 20 months, with tailored one-on-one guidance including job applications, public transport training, and workplace etiquette.
80% of clients have secured paid employment contracts, working with regional employers such as Beamish Museum, Metro Centre, and Northumbrian Water.
Hiyed CIC has partnered with major organisations including the NHS, Durham County Council, and Karbon Homes to deliver disability awareness training and promote inclusive hiring practices.
Tracy was awarded with a Highly Commended ‘Great Autism Practice Award’ (Individual) at the National Learning Disability and Autism Awards 2025 and Hiyed CIC were honoured to receive an Autism Hero Awards 2025 in the “Leading Business of the Year” category for their significant impact on the Autism community.

A Vision for Inclusive Employment
Tracy’s work is not just about employment—it’s about empowerment. She has focused on helping those who are economically inactive, including adults over 40 who felt unsupported in traditional education systems. Through Hiyed CIC, these individuals are given a second chance to learn, grow, and thrive in environments that respect their differences and celebrate their strengths.

Her leadership has also contributed to tackling the disability employment gap in County Durham, one of the worst in the UK. By building confidence and practical skills, Hiyed CIC is helping people move from the margins into meaningful roles that benefit both them and the wider economy. Tracy does this with a willingness to offer assistance to others without seeking praise or reward herself with a humble character but also inspirational to many due to this.