Meet the Team

I really value people and believe in the innate value that we all hold – the potential within each of us to flourish and positively impact the world around us. I don’t believe that where we are born should determine the rest of our lives. I know life can have huge challenges and much pain, but it can also be full of beauty and possibility – having spent time in many different parts of the world, I enjoy trying to create opportunities for change – setting up Reestablish was and is a part of this – trying to positively impact ‘my day-to-day world’.

I especially enjoy being a part of the Reestablish team as we get to create and deliver opportunities for children that might not usually have the chance to be involved otherwise. Building positive relationship with local children though shared experiences whilst offering mentoring and support where needed. I very much like the fact that we as a team are able to work and think outside the box so that our young people get the very best out of being part of Reestablish, whether through team activities, day trips, our youth club or even being part of our Sierra Leone Phocus Project.  Being able to offer a safe space for our young people is crucial, so that they have a sense of being part of something that they can have an impact on. 

I am a mum of 2 adult daughters. I was born and raised in Beeston. I have lived here my
whole life and love it. I have always had family and friends around me and really value the
community. I enjoy cleaning, DIY and especially upcycling. I love helping others and
organising events.
I love being a part of the Reestablish team and working with our local young people;
teaching new skills, doing arts and crafts and other creative and fun activities.

Having being born and bred in the local community I understand the challenges that come naturally from growing up on the estate. Reestablish has personally been one of the best things that has drastically changed the outcome of my life and is continuing to do so! From being a young person coming to Reestablish to now being a member of the team is something I am very proud of. It makes me immensely happy to be able to help others achieve the “impossible” escaping expectations of an estate. I feel very passionate about creating opportunities for change for others as Reestablish did for me! Coming to work is the highlight of my week and doesn’t feel like work one bit!

Growing up on a council estate had and still has its struggles. The lack of opportunities, encouragement to achieve, guidance etc, is hard. I was 14 when I found another local youth organisation which was where I met Jo.  Jo later set up Reestablish so when the opportunity arose to be a trustee I jumped at the chance, to be involved in the running of a youth charity, a charity giving kids who were just like me, growing up in the same place I did the opportunity to shine, was something I most definitely couldn’t say no to.

I am a mama of 2 lively boys and a wife to my husband Mat. I’ve worked with children
and young people for over 20 years within a number of different settings; from babies
through to children with complex needs in a residential environment. I also run a project called ‘hey mama’ supporting mums who struggle with their mental health.
I have known Jo most of my life and have seen her dedication to the young people she cares  for, her family and friends, so when she set up Reestablish it was a privilege to get involved.

Me and my family have lived in Beeston or Holbeck for my entire life. I feel deeply connected to this community and want to make a difference to others in the area. Helping others is one of my biggest passions and I want to help bridge the gap in support services, promoting youth engagement in the local area is important to me. Reestablish has had its own personal impact in my life as someone who went to youth club when I was younger. It makes being a part of the team feel even more valuable. It shows that you can do anything no matter what area you are from – being on session with the kids is so much fun.

I really enjoy playing sports and challenging myself in different ways. I enjoy meeting and encouraging people to step out of their comfort zone and discover more of who they are. Growing up on the estate I’ve seen the struggles that come from living in and around it. When the opportunity came up to train as a youth & community worker at Reestablish, I was excited to be able to help break the negative cycles I have seen. I know the impact the challenges growing up in an area like Beeston & Holbeck can have on young people, adults, people I know and care about, so I can’t wait to be part of that positive change.