Youth Workers

Having done an HNC in Radio Broadcast Dave joined the team at YMCA as a full time volunteer under Project Scotland and he liked it so much he stayed. We liked him so much that we took him on to the full time staff where he specialised in the Radio project.  Dave now runs the Plus One Mentoring programme where he recruits, trains and supports volunteers from the community who are keen to make a difference in a young person’s life and in their community.  Dave has a gift for getting alongside young people and offering them an honest challenge which he will support them in meeting.
Dave is always on hand to help with the technical side of things not only does he understand the Radio software but is also a whiz with Powerpoint!

James is married to Lynn and has two children, he is a sports fan and is regularly seen playing pool or crazy pool as its known at the YMCA. He has completed an Honours degree in Youth Work and Applied Theology and contemplating further studies. James Co-ordinates the Sidewalk Project. This project seeks to develop informal relationships with young people, who congregate on the streets of Perth, often at weekend evenings, and through this contact attempts to advice, support or educate young people through known risk behaviours. Once he gets to know individuals James can offer them particular support e.g. to engage better with schools or to interact better with their family. He is a very patient and thoughtful person who listens and supports young people through their personal trials.

James is our “thinker” who encourages the rest of us to slow down occasionally!

Matthew discovered YMCA in Perth from a friend on the staff team. He was thinking about a career in youth work and joined YMCA in Perth as a full time volunteer under Project Scotland. He has remained with us in this capacity to date and is currently working on a degree in Youth Work by distance learning with the YMCA George Williams College in London. Matthew has a great ability to take anything in his stride without being phased. That calmness is a great asset in building relationships with young people whose lives are sometimes very chaotic.
Matt is a very calming influence in the madness of life at YMCA in Perth!

Juliet joined the team as a student placed with YMCA from the International Christian College in Glasgow and she gives our team a truly International feel as she joined us from Endola in Zambia. Juliet was a Primary School teacher in Zambia but she wanted to train as a youth worker and hopes to bring the skills of youth work back to her home country and develop the delivery of youth work there. Juliet is very good at picking up the little signs that help her to build up a complete picture of individual young people and using that insight to enable them to make positive progress.
Juliet has acquired a lot more warm clothing since coming to Scotland!

Tony joined YMCA as a full time volunteer through Project Scotland. In fact Tony, along with another local young person, was one of the first two volunteers to be placed nationally by this excellent Programme. Tony got a job shortly after joining YMCA as a full time volunteer with Project Scotland but after two days he came back to YMCA because he would rather be here. He has since gone to the International Christian College in Glasgow to train as a professional youth worker. Tony has a great empathy with young people who are hurt and confused and is very committed to understanding and supporting them. Tony is the coordinator for the 3 Cs project.
Tony grew up in Swaziland and has Italian ancestors so the rest of the team are still trying to get our tongues around his surname!

Pamela is a student at the International Christian College in Glasgow. Originally from Glasgow Pamela is pursuing a BA in Youth Work and Theology which involves her studying at the College two days a week and working as a trainee youth worker at YMCA three days a week. This is a great way to get a qualification which gives practical experience of youth work alongside studying – and avoiding that dreaded student loan. YMCA in Perth have had a number of students working with us on this programme some of whom have gone on to join the full time staff team in Perth while others have taken up post elsewhere. Pamela brings her quiet stability and willingness to learn to the team and is a great asset to the work we do in Perth. Pamela works on the Sidewalk Project.

Pete joined YMCA as a student at the International Christian College in Glasgow. He lives in Perth where he works with YMCA three days a week and spends two days studying for a BA in Youth Work and Theology. Pete has experience of working with young people in his home in Derbyshire. He is adjusting to life north of the border and to the accents. Pete is very committed to young people and his ability to listen carefully to individuals means that he can offer real practical support to individuals which is invaluable.

Alick, known as AJ, joined YMCA in Perth in September 2009 having spent three years with YMCA in Portree. Before being involved in youth work AJ was a marine engineer and worker with the GPO so he brings skills with him from these experiences. He is the primary staff member for the Grounds Work project which is part of the Future Jobs Opportunity at YMCA. AJ recently graduated from the George Williams College in London and is continuing with post graduate studies in youth work. In his spare time AJ competes in Highland Games including tossing the caber so if we need to move some furniture in the office we all turn to AJ!