- How did you get involved in youth work?
I had been in Girlguiding and, after doing a geography degree at university in the mid-1980s, I started working for The Scout Association. Soon a chance came up to study youth work at Marjon University in Plymouth.
- What was your first job?
A fellow student and I set up a project in Plymouth, but it wasn't sustainable. I then got a job as a centre-based worker in Nottinghamshire. Later I progressed to a county-wide role working with young people in coalfield areas.
- Why did you move on?
I had been involved with the Getting Connected project run by the National Youth Agency (NYA) and the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education. The project I was working on was highlighted as good practice and eventually I did a one-day-a-week secondment at the NYA. Later I got a job there as a development officer.
- What else have you done?
I spent 10 months in a volunteering role at a children and young people's rehabilitation centre in Belize. When I came back, I took a job as director of youth work at Community Links in London.
- What do you do now?
I work on The Youth of Today Leadership Fund project to improve opportunities for youth leadership. I keep my hand in by mentoring young people and supervising youth work students.
