Youth Work
I was passionate about protecting the environment and had a strong social conscience. I got involved in campaigns with Greenpeace, raised money to save the rainforest in Costa Rica through a “sponsored improvisation” competition in The Times (placing as a runner-up!), and protested against tuition fees at college. I also loved creative writing and exploring literature. Growing up in a working-class family as the eldest of several siblings, I learned early on the importance of responsibility and resilience
I initially studied Environmental Science and Agricultural Ecology at university, but soon realised my passion was working with people rather than the sciences. Exploring nursing and social work led me to volunteer at a local authority youth club in Blackpool, and from my very first session, I was hooked. Within a year, I had enrolled in a youth and community work degree. I started by managing a busy youth club and went on to work in outdoor education, Pupil Referral Units, with young people not in education, employment or training, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, and family intervention work. Each experience deepened my commitment to supporting young people and shaped the professional path I follow today
I’m an experienced youth worker, supporting local authorities to rebuild youth services after years of funding cuts. I’m proud to share my experience to improve the quality of youth work, acting as a critical friend to services while championing social action and campaigning for better opportunities for young people. My work is informed by my life as a parent, my political activism, and my belief in the power of strong communities
