I have been deeply honoured to serve as the CEO of Dorset Youth Association (DYA) for the past four years, and to be part of an organisation that champions young people, families, and voluntary organisations across Dorset. Dorset has a proud tradition of volunteerism and community organisations dedicated to improving lives, and I’m thrilled to contribute to that legacy through my work with DYA.

My journey in Dorset began in 2008 when I moved here to become the Area Youth Worker based in Sturminster Newton. I managed clubs across North Dorset, establishing a range of initiatives including open-access youth provision, school-based projects, and community-led programmes. We built a thriving Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme and tackled local challenges by introducing innovative services such as a climbing wall, moped and off-road motorbike projects, outdoor activities, first aid training, babysitting courses, holiday provision, peer mentoring, and a senior member programme. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of volunteers and the invaluable contributions of the voluntary sector.

In 2015, I transitioned from the Youth Service to lead a Community Interest Company (CIC), delivering impactful projects within schools and local authorities across the UK. This role also saw me design and develop the Global Youth Ambassador Programme, which focused on global citizenship by connecting mainstream schools in the UK with international institutions. Over three years, this programme delivered training to over 2,000 young people aged 8–18 and provided 750+ students—many of whom were Pupil Premium students—with life-changing opportunities to travel abroad and engage with their peers in different countries, free of charge. It also facilitated professional development opportunities for teachers.

I’m excited to return to working closely with Dorset’s incredible young people, families, volunteers, and professionals. Together, I look forward to continuing the important work of empowering our communities and making a lasting difference.

I am the Finance Officer for Dorset Youth Association working full time from our Headquarters in Lubbecke Way, Dorchester. I started in 2001 on a part time basis and I manage the Associations finance and human resources together with ensuring the smooth running of the office and managing the venue hire.

Leaving extended education with a BEC National Diploma (Distinction) in Business Studies my career has been finance based having spent the early 10 years with Nat West Bank, working through all the clerical grades and gaining ‘Institute of Bankers’ qualifications. I then decided to focus on accountancy and gained Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification prior to my returning to the workplace after raising a family.

I have supported the Associations financial journey as it moved from hand written ledgers to excel workbooks and through to the dedicated finance software programmes we currently use. As a mum of 4 children I have used my skills to support their activities through a variety of voluntary roles - committee member for local playgroup, treasurer for the school PTFA and as a Scout Leader.

I believe young people are the key to the success and happiness of our local communities and am privileged to work for an organisation that endeavours to give young people the best opportunities in life.

I have been in post as the Youth Employment Team Leader at Dorset Youth since December 2021. My role is to help provide opportunities for young people to give them the skills and experience for the world of work. This includes helping young people in Youth Club settings and providing Young Leader training and looking at employability programmes or volunteering opportunities to help young people flourish. I also help run the Voice project, which is about capturing the voices of young people in Dorset and finding out how they would like services and activities improved in their local area.

I have been working with young people for 8 years and have recently gained my L5 Diploma in Education & Teaching. My youth work journey started at a NCS leader for the summer programmes and progressed into a Prince’s Trust Team Leader before starting work at Dorset Youth. I have a lot of experience working with young people especially those who are NEET (not in education, employment or training). I also have a BA Hons degree in Sport, Health and Fitness and several Outdoor Adventure qualifications, and where possible I like to work with young people in the great outdoors as it has so many benefits.

I have a strong passion for working in the youth industry and believe that every young person deserves the opportunities to thrive. I am enthusiastic about increasing these opportunities for young people especially in our more rural areas of Dorset.

I have worked at DYA since 2014. My role is the cleaning and maintenance of the Routes and Headquarter premises and grounds. As we hire out both the Main Hall and Seaton Room at the Headquarters I am aware of the need to keeping the building and grounds in good order, ensuring a safe and pleasant environment for everyone using our facilities. Through other similar roles I have experience and am appropriately qualified in food hygiene and health and safety

My background is in engineering and having gained an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Portsmouth University. I have worked as a Civil Engineer and in Facilities Management, and enjoy the practical work of rebuilding a car, giving me many skills which I have been able to apply at DYA.

I enjoy working as part of such a friendly and passionate team and like the variety of jobs associated with the position.

I am a degree qualified JNC Youth Worker with more than 30 years of experience of working with young people.

In 1997 I co-founded the UK Youth Parliament working as their Head of Programmes for eight years and continue to be passionate about working with young people to give them a voice that leads to change both locally and nationally.

More recently I have worked to provide targeted support to young people and families, whilst volunteering my time to establish a more traditional youth work setting running a local youth club providing a universal offer and open access opportunities to young people.

I am excited to be working with Dorset Youth as their Development Team Lead and am looking forward to supporting the growth of the organisation in order to benefit the lives of young people across Dorset.

Dorset has always held a special place in my heart, as I grew up visiting family here and have countless fond memories of its stunning landscapes. It’s truly a wonderful place to call home! In the summer of 2024, I completed my A-levels in Psychology and Sociology, along with a BTEC in Travel and Tourism. Instead of pursuing university, I chose to dive straight into the world of work, eager to gain hands-on experience and make a meaningful impact. My current role is as a Youth Worker for the youth service in Dorset County Hospital. I support young people with long-term health conditions aged 11-25. I love Youth Work so this is a fantastic opportunity! Photography is one of my greatest passions, with a focus on sports and concert photography. This passion led me to an incredible experience working with Saracens Rugby—a dream come true as a dedicated fan! I also had the privilege of photographing some amazing artists at Reading Festival in August 2024, an unforgettable highlight of my journey so far .I’ve been working with young people since I was 16, starting as a coach for my netball club. Seeing players grow in confidence and skill has been so rewarding and inspired me to pursue a career supporting young people. Netball remains a big part of my life—I play as GK or GD and love the teamwork and energy of the game. Dance has also been a lifelong passion. I’ve been dancing since I was two years old, exploring various styles over the years, but ballet is my favourite. I love the discipline and challenge of dancing en pointe. Music is another constant in my life—you’ll rarely find me without my headphones on, listening to my eclectic mix of favourites, including Harry Styles, Fontaine's DC, Wunderhorse, Sam Fender, The 1975, and many more. Music and creativity fuel my everyday life and keep me inspired.

I started my youth work journey in 2005 working as a Youth Worker in youth clubs across the East Dorset area whilst also raising my 2 boys. The very first youth club I worked in was The Reef in Colehill before moving on to work in other clubs. I’ve now come full circle as I’m working back at The Reef, albeit in a much improved and fit for purpose building, and also at Lytchett Matravers youth club.

For most of my working life I’ve enjoyed working with young people in positions I held within Dorset Careers Service, Bournemouth University and Bournemouth & Poole College of FE. I find working with young people exciting and rewarding and no 2 days are the same. I enjoy helping and seeing young people gain confidence and realise their potential whatever their abilities, witnessing their growth and finding their way. I love bumping into young people who recognise me from youth clubs they’ve attended in the past, and they are eager to tell me what they’re doing and what they’ve achieved in their lives so far. It’s then that I realise that because of a youth work session, mentoring or even a simple interaction or conversation I’ve had with them in the past has had a long lasting impact on their choices, their future and ultimately their lives.

I enjoy travelling and have visited countries within 5 of the world’s 7 continents. It’s exciting and interesting, and I love finding out about different cultures and traditions.

I also enjoy painting although I’m not very good at it. When the mood takes me, I can produce something decent. Also I have been known to paint the odd stone or 2 and leave them in places for people to find!

I spent many years living abroad, but it was in Dorset that I truly felt at home. Returning and building my career here has been a source of real pride. I graduated from university with a degree in Acting and Performance - something that continues to shape how I communicate and connect with others.

Over time, I discovered a passion for communications and the power it holds in helping people share their stories in meaningful and impactful ways. In 2025, I joined b-side as a Marketing Assistant, an experience that played a pivotal role in shaping my career path.

Alongside my professional work, I am deeply committed to the arts and youth development. As a Coordinator in the youth section at Weymouth Drama Club, I have the privilege of helping young people build confidence and express themselves through acting—something I care about immensely.

I am now proud to be working as a VCS Engagement and Communications Officer with Dorset Youth. This role brings together my passion for storytelling, community, and supporting young people, and I’m excited to be part of work that I truly believe can make a positive difference.