Meet our youth practitioners

We're here to help you work through life's challenges, sort out conflicts and rebuild relationships.

Our support covers health, safety and wellbeing, self-esteem, school and college, decisions about your future – and anything else you might be dealing with. We can also make sure you get the right help for any specific needs you might have.

We’ll go at your pace and are here for as long as you need us. And, once you're back on track, we'll keep in touch to make sure you continue to stay safe and supported.

Home > Youth Platform > Meet the Team

Andrea, North West

Why did you decide to become a youth practitioner?

I want to make sure young people have someone to talk to and support them through problems and difficulties so they don’t feel the need to go missing from home.

What are you most scared of?

I would say I am most scared of change. Obviously things change and move on and we all have to adapt, however the prospect of change does unnerve me.

What’s your favourite biscuit?

Anything chocolatey!

Danica, Glasgow

Why did you decide to become a youth practitioner? I benefited from youth work myself – it gave me the confidence to become who I am today, so now I want to offer that same support to others.

What’s your best trait: Definitely my creativity – I love thinking outside the box and inspiring others to see things differently!

What’s your favourite biscuit? Shortbread, because I’m Scottish!

Laura, Yorkshire and Humber

Why did you decide to become a youth practitioner?

I really like the idea that we work from ages 10 to 18, right across the country and internationally. I’ve worked with young people for 15 years but only across Leeds, so to have a wider understanding of issues young people face in different areas is important. I love the work I do and get to meet some fantastic young people and families. The best bit for me is that young people have a choice in whether they would like support from me. It’s on their terms and for a long as is needed.

What’s your most annoying trait?

I ask questions through a TV show or movie – I know, I know! I try to concentrate but get excited and want to know everything that’s happening. I love true crime TV shows.

What’s your favourite biscuit?

I love a good cup of Yorkshire Tea so it’s got to be a biscuit I can dunk! So, I reckon a chocolate digestive – I don’t want to drop my biscuit in my brew!

Heather, Glasgow

Why did you decide to become a youth practitioner? I have always worked with people and have a passion for trying to help people and make their lives a little easier or more fun! I have firsthand experience of living with anxiety and therefore I am really passionate and understanding about mental health and the everyday battle it can cause. I also think life can be particularly tough when you’re young, so I want to help however I can.

What’s your most annoying trait? Probably that I talk too much (I’m a ‘yapper’!). It’s also probably my best trait – I’m chatty and friendly!

What’s your favourite biscuit? If its allowed a KitKat. If not, a dark chocolate digestive.

Nev, London

Why did you decide to become a youth practitioner? I have always worked with and supported young people, it is something I am good at and I was pleased to be able to join the team at the very start of this project.

What are you most scared of? I hate spiders. Anything bigger than a grain of rice is not for me.

What’s your favourite biscuit? Easy. A chocolate bourbon.

Liz, North West

What made you want to become a youth practitioner? I’ve worked with young people for over 30 years which is a very long time, I know! But I’ve never lost my commitment and enthusiasm to work with young people – to bring about better outcomes and to try, in some way, to make them safer and happier. Working for Railway Children has allowed me to continue doing this and has not only opened up opportunities for me but for young people as well.

What’s your best trait? I am calm and like to listen to people and that enables me to work with young people who are in crisis.

What’s your favourite biscuit? All biscuits are my favourite! But I love a Penguin.