Meet the team

This idea was birthed in September 2022 when I was running Slaithwaite Youth Club for Kirklees Youth Alliance. KYA was looking for a charity or CIC to take over the club. It was evident at a meeting I had the skills, passion and commitment to set up my own CIC. With the support from Susan Greenwood we made it happen and here we are running various youth projects for young people in Kirklees and the surrounding areas. The journey has been incredible, I love working with young people and watching them grow into their full potential. This work has always been a calling for me and now we are making changes that is very much needed for the young people and our future.

It’s amazing to be part of a talented and passionate team where I can use all of my experience to help build a service that has a positive impact for so many young people.

Susan Greenwood is the CEO of local youth work infrastructure charity, Kirklees Youth Alliance, and before that had a 23 year career in social housing of which the last 14 of those was focussed on teenagers tenancies and child safeguarding. Outside of paid work, Susan volunteers for two local youth organisations in Huddersfield. She is passionate about positive outcomes for young people.

I have over 25yrs experience of working with young people in various settings, such as centre based, outreach & detached youth work. I am passionate about ensuring the needs of young people are met. As one of the directors of Youth Matters, I am able to share my knowledge & experience to support the development of positive practice. I feel privileged to be part of this amazing team.

I am proud to be part of the Youth Matters team albeit in a subtle way. A mother, small business owner and a work history in both public, private and charitable youth work mine and Cheryls paths crossed some years ago. Having known each other personally for many years proceceeding, our youth work professional paths came together 10 years ago. Quite by chance I worked part time as an assistant youth worker, at the youth group were Cheryl had her Uni placement. From the offset it was clear Cheryl had a magical presence with young people. Wholly natural. Since then we both enjoyed seperate youth work journey’s, coming together again when I started a youth group for the benefit of home educated young people and thier families. Now fully qualifed having Cheryl as our youth work lead was a blessing. Not only for our young people but for myself as project coordinator. Pavilion Youth Club was extradinarly good. Thanks to the staff team. Cheryl and Lewis were incredible. As colleagues, mentors and ambassadors. Without question the best. The heartbeat of youth work, and youth advocacy. Sadly the pandemic stopped Pavilion Youth Hub in it’s tracks, so when I heard Cheryl was ready to share her sparkle with Youth Matters, how I could I refuse? My input is almost seditory these days, but I know our shared past experiences are now the present once more. Youth Matters care. A team with heart and passion. I’m personally very happy to know that they havent forgotten the home ed community, as this means a lot to me on a personal level. Its an honour to be part of this team.

My name’s Charlotte and I’ve been volunteering with Youth Matters since March 2023. I’ve loved getting to know the young people who attend our sessions, guiding them through activities and watching them achieve different goals that they set their minds to! I especially enjoy assisting them with crafting and baking, helping them to follow recipes and to create using their amazing imaginations!

I like volunteering at Youth Matters because I can make a positive impact on the young people by guiding them on the right path and helping towards their personal growth as well as my own. I can also teach them skills and hobbies that I have talents in such as art activities.

I love volunteering at youth matters because I like making kids feel safe and knowing that they always have someone to talk and I love teaching them new skills such as how to do makeup. It’s also made me more confident in my self, it’s like my second family. 

I have been a staff member at Youth Matters Kirklees for nearly a year and I have enjoyed every moment and opportunity that has come my way. I love meeting and communicating with all the incredible young people and watching them flourish and become more confident every week. Youth Matters Kirklees really is a great place to work and a great place for the young people of our community to come, participate in activities and enjoy.