meet the CYP TEAM

(She/Her)

Director of Youth Provision - (Designated Safeguarding Lead)

alice@thecyp.co.uk

07925275769

About Me:
I have worked in youth work for over 12 years across a wide range of services and organisations. Throughout my career I have worked as a youth worker, lead SEND youth worker, substance misuse worker, advocate for young people, homelessness intervention worker, crisis intervention worker and within the youth offending service.

As Director of Youth Provision and Designated Safeguarding Lead at Colwall Youth Project I am passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces where young people can be themselves, grow in confidence and feel heard. I believe every young person deserves positive role models and opportunities to flourish, and I am committed to helping build a community where young people feel valued and supported.

Outside of work I am a huge sports enthusiast with a particular love for football and coaching. I also enjoy reading, long dog walks and spending time with my family.

(He/Him)

Senior Youth Worker & Project Manager -(Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead & SENDCO)

aron@thecyp.co.uk

07932 423792

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 professional youth work, where I discovered a deep passion for walking alongside young people through the realities and challenges of life. Over the years I have developed extensive experience across youth provision, programme development, safeguarding, SEND support, community engagement and operational leadership, combining both academic study and frontline practice to shape my approach.

I oversee the day to day operations of the charity alongside the development, management and delivery of CYP’s youth work programmes, partnerships and staff training. My professional youth work style has become my specialism, particularly in the areas of school avoidance, sexual health, rural isolation and relationship based practice. I am passionate about creating environments where young people feel genuinely safe, valued and empowered, with a strong focus on building community and encouraging peer to peer support inspired by models such as Mockingbird. I believe young people thrive when they are surrounded by trusted relationships, consistent support and opportunities to grow together.

Alongside my work at CYP I serve as an emergency responder with St John Ambulance, bringing experience in crisis response, resilience and working under pressure. My practice is rooted in informal education, advocacy and early intervention, with a commitment to ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background or barriers, has access to meaningful support, trusted adults and opportunities to flourish.

(She/Her)

Education and Participation Lead

lauren@thecyp.co.uk

07455 399581

About Me:

I hold a degree in Fashion Design and have recently completed a Master's degree in Art Psychotherapy, with accreditation currently pending. My passion for youth work has grown from a love of creativity, self-expression and supporting young people to explore who they are in safe, inclusive and imaginative ways.

Growing up in the countryside and Young Farmers gave me a deep appreciation for rural life, the natural environment and the importance of supporting agricultural communities. Those experiences continue to shape my work and inspire me to create opportunities that harness the benefits of nature, creativity and meaningful connection to support young people's wellbeing.

As the Education & Participation Lead at Colwall Youth Project, I develop and lead innovative opportunities that help young people connect, learn and thrive. I developed and lead Plot Twist, a youth-led environmental wellbeing project that brings together creativity, nature and community to support young people's mental health and wellbeing. Working alongside young people, I create experiences that build confidence, strengthen relationships, develop practical life skills and encourage a lasting sense of belonging. I am particularly passionate about adapting projects to meet the needs of young people in rural communities, recognising the unique opportunities and challenges that come with growing up in outdoor and agricultural environments.

The philosophy behind Plot Twist- "Growing up, our way." underpins everything I do. To me, it's more than a project tagline, it's a commitment to giving young people the agency to shape how they grow, learn and belong.

(He/Him)

Youth Worker (Open Access & Education)

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)

Youth Worker (Inclusion & Wellbeing)

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)

Finance Officer

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)

Volenteer Youth Support Worker

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’.