Gareth Moore, Youth Sector Development Fund project manager, Renew, Leeds

- What do you do?

I manage Renew's £2.1m Youth Sector Development Fund project in east Leeds. Over the next two years this project will fund a programme of services, which will help young people aged 13-19 to make the most of their lives. I'm creating and managing a team that will work directly with young people, combating problems such as substance misuse and antisocial behaviour. The team will link closely with other agencies to provide young people with a range of opportunities.

- How did you end up in the youth sector?

I qualified as a teacher, but chose to become a police officer. It was evident to me that young people had very few positive ways to spend their free time. This poor choice, along with negative peer influences, often resulted in them causing a nuisance within the community. I wanted to do more than just move them on or record their details for Asbos. At that stage I joined the youth inclusion projects in Leeds where I felt able to offer a more positive contribution.