I have worked with young people throughout my career in a variety of fabulous settings. Working with young people is fantastic: I love their enthusiasm, their energy and their belief that they can change and influence their future. I am proud to be part of the support system that enables them to do that. I have 15 years experience working in leadership positions in the voluntary sector and have seen the impact that good mentoring can have for all of us – so it is a delight to be able to lead such a fantastic organisation.

I have nearly 20 years’ experience of working with children and young people in various settings – listening and ensuring they feel heard is at the heart of everything I do. I am committed to working with young people to raise aspirations and support them to grow into well-rounded and independent adults. I have a foundation degree in Hospital Play Specialism, a degree in Integrated Working with Children and Family and am always seeking ways to expand my skills further. I love making a difference!

I have worked with young people across a myriad of settings as a teacher, mentor and youth worker. My passion as a practitioner stems from the belief that with young people, all behaviour is communication. I am driven by going on a journey with the young person and empowering them to learn more about themselves holistically. 

I have over 10 years experience of working with young people in Swindon in a variety of roles and settings. I have a passion for working with young people who are hard to reach and am incredibly excited to use my knowledge, skills and passion to work with SMASH and young people in Swindon.

I have been working with young people in Swindon since 2013 in a variety of different settings including Primary and Secondary schools, Alternative Provision, and Specialist Resource Provision. I am passionate about learning who each young person is as an individual, and being part of their journey to overcome barriers and reach their full potential. I am really excited to have joined the Safer Streets Team.

I began my journey in youth work just over a year ago as a volunteer at my local youth club. That experience sparked a genuine passion for supporting young people, which led me to pursue a CertHE in Working with Children, Young People, and Families at the University of Gloucestershire. During my studies, I joined SMASH on placement, and I was incredibly grateful to be offered a permanent role on the team. I’m excited to be part of an organisation that makes a real difference in young people’s lives, and I look forward to continuing that work with dedication and heart.

I have worked with young people in various settings for around 5 years. This has been in residential homes and SEN schools. I am very passionate about ensuring young people’s voices are heard and giving them the opportunity to progress with anything they want to achieve in life. I feel my own life experiences have created a pathway into having an understanding of young people and being able to provide them with guidance and advice into making positive life choices and journeys. I am really excited to have joined the SMASH team.

I’m a dedicated practitioner, passionate about equalities and inclusion. Growing up, I witnessed the impact of violence and racism within my school and community. This, coupled with my lived experience of being a young carer, inspired me to become professionally qualified in youth work. I’ve worked with NHS and Local Authorities on various youth and community initiatives. My experience as an adoptive parent enriches my approach. Now, as a lead mentor, I support those working with people aged 11-25 across Wiltshire, emphasising trauma-informed relational youth work and youth-led social action.

I have 20 years of experience working with young people and families, previously working in an alternative provision college and social services. I have a passion for working with young people, hoping that I can make their lives and futures brighter by giving them the tools they need to succeed. I believe that ‘every child matters’ and as a society we have a duty of care to take care of our next generation, to help them grow and to feel accepted.

I have many years experience working with young people both in primary health care and in the  school environment as a nurse. I find  working with  this age group is such a privilege and I get a lot of satisfaction from  helping young people navigate their own  challenges and make positive choices for their wellbeing at such a pivotal time in their lives.  I am delighted to work for SMASH as this gives me the opportunity to help young people feel valued, heard and empowered to live their best life.

I have had the joy of working with young people and their families across diverse educational and youth work settings over the last 18 years. I am passionate about a person-centered approach where I am actively listening in order to understand. I aim to create space where people can feel curious and explore their own values. After 12 years in secondary education, I’m excited to return to the third sector and support this new area of work with SMASH.

I’m a retired Police Sergeant having worked in custody, local policing and also in child protection. Having seen the barriers young people have faced, I feel early intervention and support can make all the difference and give encouragement to provide a better outlook for a young person. I’m very proud to be a part of a team which can help a young person boost their self esteem and look forward to helping change lives for the better.

I joined the SMASH team after a long leadership and management career with the Fleet Air Arm and National Air Traffic Service. I have seen first-hand the positive impact that support, guidance and mentoring can have upon all of us.  It is great to be given the opportunity to support the SMASH team as they mentor young people to recognise and realise their potential.

I qualified as an accountant in 1992 and have worked as a finance manager in a wide variety of businesses, both private and charity sector, since then. I have specialised in the charity sector for the last 15 years and now work for three different charities. I enjoy applying my knowledge and experience to support the causes of the charities I work for. 

I have worked in mental health and with young people in a variety of settings over a number of years. I am passionate about empowering young people to reach their full potential. My goal as a youth mentor is to create a supportive and positive environment where each individual feels valued and encouraged. I believe that by fostering trust, providing guidance, and encouraging self-confidence, we can help youth thrive.

I come from a chef background and have left the kitchen to focus on youthwork, which I’ve done in lots of different settings. Whether it be youth clubs, outreach, detached, running café/restaurant nights or cross-cultural youthwork, I enjoy being a part of young peoples lives. Helping them to navigate the different stages of their journey and encouraging them along the way.

Community Youth Worker

I have five years experience in youth work in multiple settings. My background is in outdoor pursuits and I’ve always been passionate about sport as a way to bring people together, build confidence, and encourage resilience. I’ve seen first-hand how the right support at the right time can change a life, and that’s what drives me to create safe, supportive spaces for young people every day.

Community and Hospital Youth Worker

I have a background in Theatre and the Arts – mainly as a director. I have worked with children and young people in a number of settings, in schools, in vocational workshops and youth clubs. I believe that any community thrives when young people are included as voices and decision makers – and every young person should be given this opportunity. I am excited to be a part of the SMASH team, an organization that values young people and strives to give them a voice, as a Community Youth Worker in Wiltshire and Salisbury Hospital.