Gaz

About

I have always been passionate about helping children and young people, and I'm so grateful for the opportunities I've had to work with them.

Initially, I started out in Youth Work within children's residential settings, where I built up my experience and skills in supporting young people who were facing a range of difficulties, predominantly SEMH. It was an incredible opportunity to really get under the skin of each child's situation, and to help them make sense of their world. This experience gave me my key value drivers I still hold to this day.

I loved seeing the positive changes in them as they gained confidence and grew into young adults. It was a privilege to be part of that journey and it made me realise that this is what I want to do with my life.

Now I can continue helping staff to build positive relationships with young people and change their lives for the better. It never feels like work when you love doing what you do.

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Life Before Training

When I finished school, like most, I didn't really know what I wanted to do. I took a job in Procurement, but I found it so dull that I had to constantly keep an eye on the clock! 

As much as that taught me what I didn't want, I quickly realised I wanted to work with people that really need support, specifically children who might not have had the best start to life. This sort of work resonated with me.

I volunteered in many roles and took part in charitable events for young people, which ultimately led me to a job within youth work. After that, I found myself as a Residential Children's Worker looking after children between the ages of 10 and 18. Over the course of 17 years in the education and care sector, I have been promoted to various management roles and I certainly don't clock watch anymore!