meet the CYP TEAM

(She/Her)

CEO

alice@thecyp.co.uk

07925275769

First off my favourite colour, well-known to those around me, is BLUE. Outside of work I am an avid sports enthusiast with a deep passion for football and coaching. I also enjoy reading, taking long dog walks and spending quality time with my family. With 12 years of experience in youth work, I bring a wealth of expertise from across various youth services and organisations, my background includes roles as a youth worker, a lead youth SEND worker, substance misuse youth worker, advocate for young people, homelessness intervention worker, crisis intervention worker and within the youth offending service. Working with young people is my true calling, driven by a belief that every young person deserves a positive role Model and a safe environment to express themselves, learn and flourish.

(He/Him)

Director of Youth Provision

aron@thecyp.co.uk

07932 423792

Interesting Fact: I once carried a five dollar bill around the world in my wallet and later gifted it to a young person I support, who has since framed it as a reminder of hope and resilience.

About Me:

I hold a degree in journalism and I am currently studying for a master’s in youth and community work at Wrexham University. My journey has taken me from writing and storytelling into youth work, where I discovered my true passion in walking alongside young people through the challenges of life.

As Director of Youth Provision at Colwall Youth Project I oversee the delivery of all youth work, developing and managing the charity’s programmes and staff training. My professional youth work style is my specialism, shaped by a focus on school avoidance, sexual health and rural isolation. I believe in creating a culture of community where young people feel safe, valued and empowered. A central part of my approach is encouraging peer to peer support, inspired by models such as Mockingbird, so that young people not only receive help but also build the confidence to support one another.

(She/Her)

Director of Finance

rachel@thecyp.co.uk

Currently, I am balancing part-time work with Colwall Youth Project, while pursuing my passion for print making, exhibiting with the Worcestershire guild contemporary craft. I am never happier than when buried in a spreadsheet or pulling Prints. My work has always combined finance and art in one way or another and I have always enjoyed business and creativity in equal measure.

(She/Her)

Therapeutic Practice Youth Worker (Onside Advocacy)

lauren@thecyp.co.uk

Interesting Fact: I love horses and can rarely say no to an iced coffee.

About Me:

I studied fashion design at undergraduate level and I am now close to completing a master’s degree in Art Psychotherapy. My path into youth work grew from a passion for creativity, expression and supporting young people to explore who they are in safe and imaginative ways.

As the Therapeutic Practice Youth Worker at Colwall Youth Project I bring together my background in the arts and my training in psychotherapy to create spaces where young people feel heard and understood. My focus is on helping young people work through their challenges, building confidence and finding meaningful ways of expressing themselves.

I believe strongly in the power of creativity as a tool for growth and well being, and I am committed to ensuring that every young person has access to support that is both compassionate and empowering.

(They/Them)

Youth Worker

yaz@thecyp.co.uk

Interesting Fact: I am an identical twin.

About Me: I worked as a music and youth theatre practitioner throughout my twenties and I graduated with an Integrated Masters in Touring Theatre in 2020. I am an avid writer and I aim to be a published novelist before I turn 40! 
I enjoy focussing my professional practice around creativity and I facilitate SPARC Club every Monday, which is a focus group that encourages scope of thought and exploring perspectives different to our own. I can often be heard around the CYP Centre singing or playing one of our CYP guitars, and I really enjoy building rapport with young people through a shared interest in music.
Having grown up on a working farm in Eldersfield, it feels very sentimental to be able to be a Youth Worker here in Colwall, a village that reminds me so much of the area in which I was a teenager.
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ Community, I am very proud to ensure that CYP is a safe space for young people to express themselves.

(He/Him)

Youth Worker

rob@thecyp.co.uk

Interesting Fact: I have met with and obtained the signature of a member of the Royal family.

About Me: I’m Rob, a youth worker at Colwall Youth Project. I’m passionate about creating safe, fun, and supportive spaces where young people can connect, grow in confidence, and discover their potential. I run Skills 4 Life at CYP, a programme focused on teaching young people the key skills for adulthood that aren’t always taught in school. Through my love of sports and hands-on DIY projects, I encourage young people to develop practical abilities, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for life beyond CYP. Whether it’s through mentoring, activities, or simply being there to listen, my goal is to help every young person feel valued and inspired.

(He/Him)

Outreach Youth Worker

Interesting Fact: I spent a summer in America working at Mohawk Day Camp through Camp America.

About Me:

After spending a year in college, I realised that path wasn’t quite for me and spent the next few years exploring different jobs — from labouring work to a stint in Jersey where I worked in a garden centre. When I returned home, I joined The CLD Trust, originally applying for an admin role. The CEO offered me the chance to work as a Wellbeing Advisor instead, and it wasn’t long before I found myself working closely with Colwall Youth Project.

As a Youth Worker, I now focus on 1-to-1 support in the community and planning and leading our Friday night youth groups. I also lead our World Food Project, where young people explore cuisines from around the globe. Through this, I’ve been able to share my passion for teaching about new cultures and helping young people develop practical skills and confidence in the kitchen. I’m always happy to get involved in any other projects the team are running, contributing wherever I can to help young people thrive.

My journey into youth work started with a desire to give back to the service that supported me during a difficult time. I’ve since been able to channel that motivation into helping other young people facing their own challenges. Through my work with CYP — both in 1-to-1 sessions and open access groups — I aim to create spaces where young people feel supported, valued, and empowered, while continuing my studies to strengthen the support I can offer in the future.

(She/Her)

Wellbeing Adviser (Onside Advocacy)

felicity@thecyp.co.uk

Interesting Fact: Outside of work, I'm passionate about all things creative, reading, painting, and drawing are my go-to outlets for self-expression.

About Me: Although I’m new to youth work, I’ve always been dedicated to supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing. I believe in creating safe, inclusive spaces where young voices are truly heard, especially those who often feel overlooked.

I also love animals, life at home is lively with a mix of dogs, cats, and foster animals, keeping things wonderfully chaotic. When I’m not working (or covered in pet fur), you’ll probably find me on my motorbike, I love the freedom it brings. 

(She/Her)

Youth Support Worker

beth@thecyp.co.uk

Interesting Fact: I am a big fan of music, animals, random documentaries & spending time with people I love.

About Me:

My journey into youth work began when I reached out to volunteer here at Colwall Youth Project. Youth workers made a huge difference in my life when I was younger, so it means a lot to me to be that support for others like myself! I have a particular interest in supporting young people who struggle with school avoidance and poor mental health, as this is something I experienced myself. Alongside CYP, I work as a Special Needs Teaching Assistant in the Forest of Dean, which gives me the chance to support young people in a different, but equally rewarding way. I am passionate about helping young people realise who they are and encouraging them to become the best versions of themselves. Being part of this team is such a joy, and I love meeting all the young people who come through our doors.

(She/Her)

Volenteer Youth Support Worker

Interesting Fact: came 5th in Ulster Ladies Championships in Archery in 1970’s ( but there were only 7 entrants)

About Me: I’m retired. I spend my time walking, gardening, reading, doing jigsaws, doing Pilates, learning to use a wood turning lathe, and meeting up with friends. I have an appalling memory, best described as a ‘forgettory’.