I am qualified youth worker, with over 25 years’ experience in the field. I have worked in both the statutory and voluntary sectors, in a range of settings and communities. This has given me an in-depth insight into the creativity and resilience of the youth work sector and young people. I still facilitate several of our youth voice groups and work as a youth worker. 

I have worked in the VCSE sector now for nearly 15 years and being a charity volunteer for much longer. My background spans both service delivery and organisation strategy and business development. Including fundraising / income generation, business planning, MEL, safeguarding, health & safety, and quality standards. I’m rather partial to spreadsheets, a good book and baking the odd cake or two.

Others think I’m a bit too enthusiastic, I think that’s what it takes to work with young people, energy and enthusiasm. I studied Sociology and social policy at University, I started by volunteering at a young age, charity shops, youth centres, church, nursing homes. I supported young people in secondary school working in the SEND department, moving onto manage the English as Additional Language department. After a couple more roles in schools I made the move to a youth voice worker and not looked back.