Meet the Team

I grew up in the early 80s in a community where helping others was part of the fabric of life. The area had suffered hardship due to pit closures several years before, but although the pit had closed, the comradery remained.

Along with the local club, the People’s Centre was the heart of the village – like in many North Tyneside communities. This Centre was a perfect environment to learn the importance of people and community, and was a place which served to form youth and community workers. In our village, several of these workers are still active today – nearly 40 years later – and I would not be the educated and socially active woman I am today without them. They were valuable role models who taught me about mutual support and collective action, and that I could achieve my potential if I worked hard.

Later, I was saddened to see the loss of so many youth centres, clubs and activities for young people and that is why, in 2018, I established Projects4Change. I wanted to help ensure that community spaces for youth are here to stay. After 20 years working mainly in the voluntary sector, I am proud of the positive difference youth work can make to the lives of young people. Long may it continue.

Amy is a Production Manager for an events company and a busy mum of two. She loves baking, sewing, knitting, drawing, having adventures with her children and watching a bit of reality TV as a guilty pleasure.

Becoming a mum made Amy realise the value of local communities and how important it is to support young people, to give them the tools they need to build a great future. She’s excited to be part of a great team at Projects 4 Change.

Hi! My name is Chesley and I am a Community and Youth Work Studies Student at the University of Sunderland. I am from Middlesbrough but I am currently living in Newcastle.
 
I have done kickboxing from a very young age and got my black belt when I was about 13 (however moving house and work from uni have taken over at the minute!).
 
I am passionate about all aspects of equality and social justice and love learning from other people about how to be a good ally. I love working with young people and whilst they can be badly represented in the press, I strongly believe in the power of them to change the world!
 
I am very excited to be working with Projects4Change as part of my placement and am already energised by the young people that I have met.

Tahir is a certified public accountant (ACPA) who has been in private practice for almost 30 years. He holds a BA (Hons) in Accountancy & Finance along with his professional qualifications. He specialises in providing accountancy and taxation services to SMEs. Tahir has always lived in Newcastle and is committed to providing services to the community.

Tahir was the founder Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Monkseaton (1999) and then progressed to President of the Club. He was heavily involved in fundraising and charity work on a local, national and international (West Africa) level.

Tahir is passionate about leading young people into education and appropriate careers in their futures. He was one of Barclays Bank’s representatives mentoring and encouraging 16+ year olds into further and higher education. He is currently a school governor at St Bede’s RC school and, having, a young family recognises the needs of young people in the community.