‘He’s really good’ – M, aged 4¾’s

‘It is my deepest conviction that the children should be seen and heard as our most treasured assets.’ – Nelson Mandela

Relationship building is the starting block when working with children and young people. Young people need safe spaces and people they can rely on to listen to them. My aim is to be that trusted adult who allows their voice to be heard to allow positive, powerful change in their world.

My journey into youth work started as a Scout Leader across all ages. Following time as a youth member, I started as a young leader when I was 14, and was soon helping to run two groups, planning detailed and balanced programmes of activities, and leading on residentials. I was asked to launch a new group whilst doing this and at the age of 17 was a District leader overseeing the development of groups across Oxford. I remained leading weekly sessions for nearly 20 years, but took a step sideways as life moved on.

I have worked in and with the majority of schools in Oxford, always with a pastoral focus. I have been Attendance Officer and Deputy Head of Year in different secondary schools, worked for the local authority advising both primary and secondary schools on best practice around engagement of young people, and worked as a Learning Mentor for children with SEND in a primary school.

I graduated from the Open University with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Youth Work whilst dealing with my own mental health and wellbeing difficulties and the two combined made me ever more passionate for supporting young people in these areas. I have advised and supported youth organisations, launched two new youth organisations with acclaim, and built trusting and sustained relationships over the years with young people, communities, and stakeholders.

From running Young Leader’s training weekends and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards to designing and developing wellbeing and engagement workshops, adult training and tailored support plans, I have a strong ability to commit to the development of the individual, putting them at the heart of my work. I am passionate that the benefits of partnership working brings for organisations.

My wellbeing and coaching services have been praised by each young person, family, and organisation I have worked with. Wellbeing is at the heart of what I do. If we truly care about ourselves and each other, the rest can follow.

I am a Nurture UK Practitioner, Relax Kids Coach, Protective Behaviours practitioner, Learning Mentor, Story Massage Instructor, Designated Safeguarding Lead, First Aider, Mental Health First Aider, and a member of the Institute for Youth work. I am Youth Worker at Kennington Youth Club which I relaunched in 2017 at a point of permanent closure. In 2023, I received the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire’s Award for services to young people.

Over the years I have worked with hundreds of young people to pick apart issues that may be affecting them and helping them to find a way through that works for them. Some of this has been in group workshops, other times in 1:1 sessions. 

I also work with Justice in Motion as their Youth Engagement Manager. My current body of work is research, youth involvement, and education resource development for their production of CODE, which explores county lines, knife crime, and exploitation.