Jayne Thomas
Outreach Manager
I love going to see live music, visiting National Trust Houses and parks and eating curry. I am a mum of four. I like to travel and visit new places.
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: Fun, Supportive, Exciting
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? Young People are our future. And every young person needs to feel belonging. By working for Young People First, it allows me to create relationships with young people and their families that directly impact their lives and wellbeing. I am helping to create a caring community that supports each other. By putting Young People First we are literally changing lives.
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.
Julie Pye
Youth Worker (Secondary Schools)
I have two adult son’s. An assistance dog for my son, two cats and a budgie. I love to keep fit and 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.
Kieran McGerty
Operations Manager
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: Dynamic, Rewarding, Crazy!
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? I had a mid-life crisis that took me down this path. What we do is challenging and exhausting – it’s a bit more than playing pool. However, the difference we make to so many young people in so many ways makes it all worthwhile.
Krissy Hodges
Finance Officer
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, just wish I had moved over sooner.
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.
Sinead Leahy
Primary School Lead
Describe Working at Young People First in three words: Fun, Friendly, Rewarding
Why are you working for a youth work organisation? I really enjoy helping other people achieve their dreams.
Sionnain Backman
Youth Worker (Primary Schools)
I live in Warwick with my husband and 3 children. We are currently fostering our 5th guide dog, the other 4 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.