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I'd been teaching part-time in higher education for several years and was leading a youth group as a volunteer when I took up this post. I have always enjoyed communicating with young people, so this seemed a great opportunity.

Originally the job was for 24 hours a week, which attracted me because I could continue with my other commitments.

I manage a team of seven, including three full-time workers, who devise and lead sex and relationship education sessions in schools and youth clubs and run training for professionals. We also support teenage parents.


I work in a supportive atmosphere, with a team linked by a shared belief in the rights and potential of all young people.

Young people are often demonised in our culture and certainly when you first encounter a group of young offenders or looked-after children their behaviour can be scary! Make the effort to build trust with them though and 99 per cent are open to change and have a lot of energy to offer.

On Monday mornings it's the fun of working with them that drags me out of bed.

We also work with a variety of agencies - primary care trusts, social services, education, youth service, Connexions.


It can be frustrating if you feel not everyone is focused on young people's best interests. But the many inspirational people I've met through this job help me overcome this.

A day like yesterday keeps me going. After a hectic few hours in the office I raced home, made my kids their tea and rushed off for a session with a group of care leavers.

I was shattered and they looked unenthusiastic. But soon we were laughing and discussing the terrible things life has thrown at them. Their openness, humour and resilience was great and they responded well to the sexual health issues I raised. I went home totally energised.