Daniel Kalcutt
Youth Worker
I live alone in Kenilworth. I spent most of my childhood growing up in foster care. I like lots of different music and watching television.
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: Different , Exciting and Rewarding
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? I believe that young people are our future and can give so much back to the community with the right support. I want to enable young people to make the right choices and wise decisions as well as prepare them for adulthood. I spent ten years volunteering for Warwickshire Children in Care Council and grew up looking after my younger brothers with additional needs. Working with young people is inspiring, they have great creative ideas and can really make a difference in the future.
Hannah Stear
Family Support Worker
I live in Leamington with my son. I enjoy colouring and love having my nails done.
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: Inspiring, Impactful and Unique
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? I think young people and their families are capable of so much and find it deeply rewarding to help empower and support families.
Jo Squires
CEO
I live in Birmingham with my husband Steve, my three kids, and my two cats, Pippin and Smudge. I love to cook and I love to workout and go on fun adventures with my family (not the cats…).
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: Varied, Inspiring, Complex
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? Young people get such a raw deal in so many ways and are so often pre-judged. I believe everyone should have a fair shot at life, should be treated with respect and given the opportunity and support to become the best version of themselves. Working at Young People First means I get to play a small part in making that happen for young people in South Leamington.
Joseph Squire
Youth Worker
I am a life-long learner who has experience in just about everything. I’ve been to many beautiful destinations walking down some long dark tunnels. This had led me to wanting to be the coach I never had.
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: It’s perfect everyday
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? Children thrive when they listen to adults and adults thrive when they listen to the young; it’s an industry I work best in.
Julie Pye
Youth Worker (Secondary Schools)
I have two adult sons. An assistance dog for my son, two cats and a budgie. I love to keep fit, lift weights and walk.
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: Rewarding, Challenging, Fun
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? I got in to youth work because my eldest son was given so much support by YPF and it turned his life around and this made me want to support others. My youngest son also is neurodivergent. I am passionate about helping young people get their voices heard and the support they need in their lives.
Katrina Welton
Schools Manager
I live with my husband Matt, my two children, my crazy dog Nigel and my grumpy cat Betty. My favourite food is crisps, not the most nutritional! My household is football mad and I spend A LOT of my time watching football but I have never played.
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: Rewarding, Challenging, Unique
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? Childhood is supposed to be about having fun, learning who you are and enjoying life before the responsibility of adulthood. I work with young people because so many of them have to face challenges which makes their childhood harder than it should be. Young people deserve the best start in life they can have and I want to ensure that they have as many opportunities available to them as possible so when they become adults they can lead a positive and fulfilling life.
Krissy Hodges
Finance Officer
I live near Leamington with my two boys and my dog, Muppet. When I’m not spending the weekend driving my eldest and his friends to football games, I love to be outdoors and adventuring, either trekking up hills or through forests. My favourite food is pizza and my favourite place to be is on any beach anywhere watching the sea.
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: Awesome, Rewarding, Valued
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? After working in the corporate industry for over 20 years, working in the charity sector has been a breath of fresh air. People are kind and thoughtful as it is part of who they are and why they are in the job. I just wish I had moved over sooner.
Lauren Waterhouse
Youth Worker
I live South Warwickshire with my partner and our cat, Zero. I enjoy spending my time catching up with friends, getting involved with anything creative and going to community and music events. I love to have a dance!
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: Challenging, Supportive, Fun
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? Working with young people is incredibly rewarding. Young people are still so often judged and face challenges that no person should have to manage alone. I work alongside an extraordinary team who are dedicated to helping young people develop their personal growth and thrive in their community.
Young people are an amazing group of people to work with, they have so much to offer. I am always so impressed by their resilience, creativity and infectious energy! It’s such a privilege to be a small part of their lives.
Lee Taylor
IT Support
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: Dynamic, Energetic, Problem-solving
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? I enjoy working for a charity that gives so much to the community. I enjoy working with computers and data and providing solutions.
Naomi Neale
Lead Families Worker
I live in Warwick with my two teenagers and two dogs. I enjoy walks with the dogs, reading and building Lego! I also enjoy spending time with my children, when they let me!
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: Fun, rewarding and fulfilling
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? I strive to support young people and their families to have a sense of belonging and community. I also enjoy having fun with the young people and staff – work can be fun too!
Senay Runciman
Administration Officer
Proud mother to two teenage daughters. I enjoy watching true crime documentaries and keeping as healthy as I can; hitting the gym whenever I get a spare hour (not often!).
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: Eye-opening, rewarding and humbling.
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? I have worked for charities in the past and selfishly enjoy the satisfaction that you get seeing the help you give put into action making a difference. I am a great believer in giving young adults the guidance and tools for adulthood that I certainly never had. I wish an organisation like YPF existed when I was a young adult as I certainly could have benefited from their help. As the parent of a visually impaired and neuro-diverse daughter, I have gained first-hand insight into support services and the frequent barriers to accessing them. YPF offers such important, vital and varied help to young people but with more funding, could do so much more to help the young adults in our local area. I am proud to be a small part of that.
Sionnain Backman
Youth Worker (Secondary Schools)
I live in Warwick with my husband and three children. We are currently fostering our 5th guide dog, the other four having gone on to become fully fledged guide dogs. I love exercising and holidaying with my family, ooh and reading too!
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: Happy, Supportive, Motivating
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? I feel passionate about helping young people to see the potential in themselves.
Zoe Marshall
Youth Worker and Lead Detached Worker
I live in Leamington with my husband, children, dogs and cats. I enjoy reading non-fiction books and spending time with my family.
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: Enjoyable, Fulfilling, Impactful.
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? I find youth work both rewarding and meaningful because it gives me the opportunity to make a real difference in young people’s lives. Seeing them grow in confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals is incredibly fulfilling. I also enjoy being part of a team that is committed to empowering young people and supporting their wellbeing and future success.