Our Team
Kevin Franks
Chief Executive
kevin@youthfocusne.org.uk
As a JNC-qualified youth and community worker with over 30 years experience, Kev is the leader of YFNE. Expertly guiding the team to provide a fun, transformational and high quality experience for every young person we work with.
David McCreedy
Director of Youth Programmes
dave@youthfocusne.org.uk
Laura Bush
Director of Youth Work
laurab@youthfocusne.org.uk
As lead on the strategic vision of YFNE, her main area of focus is: youth voice, social action and community development. Laura both passionately leads the qualification delivery and works with partners to develop projects & programmes.
Heather Insull
Youth Strategy Manager
heather@youthfocusne.org.uk
After producing many successful youth groups in Middlesbrough, Heather has now broadened her reach to the whole North East; taking the challenge in stride, she continues to be a successful and dynamic manager.
Caroline Garrity
Operations Manager
caroline@youthfocusne.org.uk
Expertly providing senior operational management support, working closely with the Board of Trustees, and offering first-class administrative and HR support. Caroline skilfully works with the whole team to keep the organisation running smoothly.
Jodie-Leigh Foster
Programme Manager
jodie@youthfocusne.org.uk
Samantha Logan
Programme Manager
sam@youthfocusne.org.uk
Sam manages our open access work in Gateshead, leading on Free Space session, and on a Paul Hamlyn funded project aimed at enabling young people to access services that will have a positive impact on their life, with a positive transition to adulthood.
Kurt Heron
Youth Enterprise Manager
kurt@youthfocusne.org.uk
Zoe Jackson
Training and Development Officer
zoe@youthfocusne.org.uk
Zoe works with Laura Bush on developing and delivering the professional youth work qualifications training programme.
Amy Randall
Office Manager
amy@youthfocusne.org.uk
With over 10 years of youth work experience, Amy ensures the Middlesbrough office runs smoothly and efficiently as Office Manager; supporting the delivery team with the administration of their funded programmes.
Barry Flux
Administration Officer
barry@youthfocusne.org.uk
A member of the administrative team, Barry ensures that records are kept up to date, and creates statistical reports of work done by the organisation.
Judith Bennett
Communications Support Worker
judith@youthfocusne.org.uk
Caitlin Stephenson
Lead Youth Worker
caitlin@youthfocusne.org.uk
Danny Trewin
Lead Youth Worker
daniel@youthfocusne.org.uk
Emma Abbott
Lead Youth Worker
emma@youthfocusne.org.uk
With a background caring for adults with learning and physical disabilities, Emma is able to bring amazing experience to her role and giving her a helpful insight in supporting young people while they create their own opportunities and provisions.
Hannah Potter
Lead Youth Worker
Great North Children's Hospital
hannah.potter16@nhs.net
With a background in Education, SEND and Youth Theatre, Hannah is able to use this knowledge and experience within her role. This includes; being an advocate for groups of under-represented patients, and overall bringing practical & emotional support to the children on the wards.
Mark Lowdon
Lead Youth Worker
Great North Children's Hospital
mark.lowdon@nhs.net
Megan Stratton
Lead Youth Worker
megan@youthfocusne.org.uk
Tilly Stephenson
Lead Youth Worker
tilly@youthfocusne.org.uk
Tilly's role involves working with young people in the community, running youth sessions and one to one work.
Frank Lewins
Lead Sessional Youth Worker
Adele Buttery
Sessional Youth Worker
Amelia Bradley
Sessional Youth Worker
Ann Hanratty
Sessional Youth Worker
Bethany Risker
Sessional Youth Worker
Bradley 'Chief' Matufa
Sessional Youth Worker
Cara Moore
Sessional Youth Worker
Chichi Dagogo
Sessional Youth Worker
Joanne Smith
Sessional Youth Worker
Kate Burman
Sessional Youth Worker
Katy Mann
Sessional Youth Worker
Liani Weston
Sessional Youth Worker
Lindsay Wayman
Sessional Youth Worker
Marie Dorman
Sessional Youth Worker
Mark Risker
Sessional Youth Worker
Samuel Mann
Sessional Youth Worker
Susan Todd
Sessional Youth Worker
Ellie Butters
Peer Researcher
Ellie Symon
Social Action Lead
Liana Crump
Peer Researcher
Jessica Elliott
Peer Researcher
Yousaf Khan
Peer Researcher
Our Board of Trustees
Rob Laycock, Chair
Marc Mason
Mark Bagnall
Michelle Atkinson
Jennie Franks
Norma Tullock
David Hesselberth
Karen Marshall
Nathan James
