Debbie Jenkins
Project Coordinator
My interest in youth work stemmed from my belief in equality and social justice. I gained my first experience as a young volunteer and then part time Youth Worker. I went on to gain my Community and Youth Work Degree and completed additional training in Management and Sexual health. For the past 12 years I have worked in a range of settings all over the North East with a special interest in Detached Youth Work and Sexual Health work with further experience in Management and Supervision and Fundraising. I have spent most of my career working for grassroots charities for the benefit and development of young people.
Olivia Cummings
Support Youth Worker
As a young person I completed my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award with Durham City Youth Project. From the age of 17 I volunteered with the project and then I was lucky enough to work for them as a support youth worker. I am passionate about this amazing youth project as it is supportive and has amazing opportunities. It is now my time to give back to the project what they game me.
Alex Waterson
Support Youth Worker
I have been a member of the project for the past 3 years, taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh group, Girls Group and the Support Group. I am currently at college studying Joinery as well as working at Diggerland. As a new member of the team my role is to support the Detached Youth Work and engage young people. As an ex member of the Youth Project I understand the issues and difficulties young people face.
Mick Johnson
Duke of Edinburgh Youth Worker
I am a qualified, level 3, Youth Worker and a trained detached and outreach worker. I am a Level 3 Basic Expedition Leader, a Duke of Edinburgh Award trained Facilitator and a Duke of Edinburgh Assessor. I have twenty years experience of working with young people. I have held various roles, during this time, including centre and street based youth work, working for alternative education providers for young people excluded from mainstream education and as a sexual health counsellor in various County Durham schools. I have lived on the east coast of Durham all my life and I am very passionate about the progression, prospects and aspirations of young people in County Durham.
In my spare time I like walking, ornithology and watching wildlife. I volunteer at my local kayak club, skateboard, do arts and crafts and play the bass guitar.
I am new to the team but I am looking forward to contributing to the progression of the young people of Durham and DCCYP.
Jane Bowman
Office Manager
Hi, I’ve worked for Durham City Youth Project since 2014 as Office Manager. Having previously worked in private sector for many years as a PA and having had my own business providing Administration Services for small businesses, I decided that working for the voluntary sector would be a new challenge. I’m involved with the general running of the office providing accounting and Payroll services, secretarial and administrative support to the Project Coordinator, Youth Workers and the Trustees. I’m also involved with fundraising and developing links with partners who help to sustain the charity. Durham City Youth Project, is a well valued and worthwhile project supporting our young people and I’m very pleased to be part of it.
Jibril Mohammed
Support Worker
Hi, I am Jibril. My interest and passion for youth work started back in 2013 in Nigeria where I volunteered with The Young Consultants Ltd to provide support service to people who were ravaged by the Boko Haram crises in the Northeast Nigeria. I am currently a Social Work Post-graduate student with Durham University to further development my skills and competence in working with children, young adults and families. I joined this amazing team in December 2017 and play a role of a support worker working with young people towards ensuring that they live a confident and fulfilling life. As a youth support worker, I am more passionate about development in young people by ensuring a wide range of support is delivered to address and overcome any complex needs.
Denise Howard
Support Worker
I joined the team as a Support Youth Worker in September 2017. I support the lead Youth Workers in delivering Youth Club and Duke Of Edinburgh Awards. I am also a qualified counsellor. As a counsellor I have worked with both adults and young people, and I currently also volunteer as a School Counsellor. I believe passionately in early intervention and providing a safe space for young people to have a voice and be heard!
Hayley Manning
Youth Worker
I’ve been a youth worker for almost 15 years and have worked with young people in a range of settings. I spent a long time working at a college in south Tyneside and was responsible for developing the Student Council, class representatives and enrichment programme. I believe that young peoples views should be at the heart of everything we do and aim to develop fun learning opportunities that respond to and reflect the needs and interests of young people in the Durham area. I almost forgot to mention, I am also a master of the arts and crafts.
Kathryn Barrass
Youth Worker
Hi, I’m Kathryn. I’ve recently joined the team at DCYP, and have been a youth worker for the past 12 years, working in a number of settings within the local area, starting as a volunteer, and qualifying as a Level 3 youth worker in 2009. To further my support and understanding of the issues faced by children and young people, I have completed further courses and qualifications, as a youth worker, foster carer and school governor. I am passionate about working with young people and helping them recognise and celebrate their strengths, gain confidence, build self-esteem, develop positive relationships, achieve good mental health, reach their potential, and become active and engaged with other young people and the wider community. It’s really important for young people to have a safe space where they are able to go and seek support and advice, and have their views and opinions heard.
