The Team – INSPIRE WALWORTH

MEET THE TEAM

INTRODUCTION

At Inspire Walworth, our team is made up of passionate and dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to support our community. From helping young people build confidence to guiding residents into employment and supporting families through challenges, every member of our team plays a vital role in making a difference.

Our leadership provides the vision and direction that drive our mission forward, while our frontline teams work directly with residents to break down barriers and create opportunities. Our administrative staff keep everything running smoothly, and our trustees offer strategic guidance to ensure we stay true to our values of inclusivity, honesty, and compassion.

Together, we are more than just a charity – we are a community connector, committed to empowering individuals and families in Walworth to thrive.

Meet The Inspire Walworth Team below:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Inspire Walworth’s Chief Executive

“I joined Inspire Walworth as Chief Executive in May 2019 following two years based in Odesa, Ukraine having set up a local organisation to assist families who had been displaced during the first military invasion over 10 years ago. Before that I had 20 years’ experience in senior management roles with several small charities across West Sussex supporting families and children including those with various disabilities. My role is responsible to our Board of Trustees and involves managing Inspire’s senior management team so that we have the resources and ability to deliver all our community-based services in youth work, parenting support, youth employment support and our local gardening group. I also need to ensure that our charity has a strong relationship with our funders and partners without whose support Inspire would not be able to be the great community organisation it is today.”

– Nigel Scott-Dickeson

THE YOUTH TEAM

Inspire Walworth Youth Team: Empowering Young People Together

The Inspire Walworth Youth Team is dedicated to creating opportunities for young people to unlock their full potential. We understand the challenges young people in Walworth face, from navigating social exclusion, financial constraints, and limited role models, to dealing with loneliness, isolation, and exposure to anti-social influences.

Through tailored programmes, we offer creative, recreational, and social activities that build confidence, skills, and resilience. From weekly sessions providing art, social, and sporting opportunities, to life skills workshops and with a continuation to employability support, we aim to provide a safe and inclusive environment where young people can grow and flourish.

Our team fosters positive mental health, strengthens social connections, and empowers young people to overcome barriers, ensuring they are equipped to succeed in education, employment, and life. Together, we’re building a thriving, supportive community where young people can lead the way towards a brighter future.

“I’m proud to serve as the Young People’s Programme Manager at Inspire Walworth, having spent most of my life in this community and raised my children here. My journey began as an outreach and detached youth worker, engaging with young people on the streets and in local spaces, building relationships through meaningful conversations and activities. I worked closely with the community, running estate-based youth clubs and organising events on the Newington and Gateway Estates, as well as activities at our Aylesbury Estate based youth club. These experiences deepened my understanding of the challenges and potential of local young people. Now, as Programme Manager, I listen to young people and use their feedback to shape the activities and programmes they want and need. I’m passionate about creating inclusive spaces where every young person feels supported and empowered to reach their full potential.” – Zara

“I first engaged with Inspire in my late teens as part of the Film Club, then I went on to volunteer at the drama workshops. From there, I went on to teach drama and work as a youth worker before stepping into my current role as Senior Youth Worker. Growing up on the Aylesbury Estate, I’ve always been connected to this community, and I’m passionate about supporting young people from all backgrounds. As a Muslim woman, I’m particularly aware of cultural sensitivities, especially for young women, and I’m proud to empower and support all young people, helping them navigate challenges and find their voice.” – Kawthar

“I’ve been with Inspire for 10 years, starting as a youth worker and now as Head Football Coach. Growing up in the area, I’ve always valued the sense of community here, and it’s been rewarding to mentor young people – some of whom have gone on to become part of our staff team. For me, football is about more than skills; it’s about teaching discipline, building character, and helping young people realise their potential. Being part of their journey is something I’m truly proud of.” – Andrew

“Working with Inspire has been an incredible journey. With a background in teaching, I bring my experience to running the football sessions at our Friday youth club, teaching chess, and organising pool tournaments. Each activity gives me the chance to connect with young people and help them grow. For me, it’s about creating a space where they feel valued, supported, and motivated to reach their potential. Whether it’s on the football pitch or over a chessboard, I love seeing them develop new skills, build confidence, and enjoy themselves. Being a youth worker isn’t just a job – it’s a way to give back and make a real difference in the community.” – Idriss

“I really enjoy working as a youth worker, creating a safe space where young people feel seen, heard, and valued – something that’s especially needed in these times. I chose this path to give back to the community, offering guidance through open and honest communication. My role involves providing one-to-one support, listening to young people’s concerns, and helping them through tough times. I support them in making positive choices and offer encouragement in both their school and home lives, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and understood as they navigate life’s challenges.” – Tracey

“I joined Inspire as a Drama tutor and youth worker, and now I focus on connecting with young people as a youth worker. Alongside my role here, I work as a writer and producer for TV and write for the stage, which allows me to bring creativity and storytelling into the work I do with young people. Growing up in this area, I’ve seen the challenges young people face, and I’m proud to be a positive role model, showing them there’s a way to make positive choices and follow their dreams. I thoroughly enjoy learning about the young people’s interests and supporting towards achieving them, whether that’s moral support or practical support. They have such drive and ambition and it brings pleasure to reinforce the idea that no goal is too big. Additionally, it’s always a great joy to help facilitate a safe environment for young people in which a trust has been developed and they start to confide in you. It’s invaluable to be able to discuss things openly without judgement and I pride myself in creating a space for them to do so. Finally, I enjoy playing games (table tennis, connect four, football) with the young people and observing and supporting a development of skill.” – Tyrell

“Inspire has been a big part of my life since I was 14, first as a young person attending football sessions and youth club, and now as a coach and youth worker. Growing up, I had amazing role models at Inspire, and now I’m proud to be that person for the young people I work with. Football is my passion, but it’s also about helping others build confidence, stay positive, and reach their potential – just like Inspire did for me.” – Amon

“Growing up in Southwark, I understand the value of discipline and respect, and I bring that to every football session as coach. I’m passionate about finding young players with real potential, but also welcoming those who see football as a way to socialise and have fun. Whether you’re here to push your skills or just enjoy the game, I’m dedicated to challenging those with potential and creating a positive, supportive environment for everyone.”– Prince

“Since the age of nine I have been a part of inspire through their drama club and youth sessions. Both these sessions have taught me a lot about self-discipline and confidence. Now working for inspire feels like a full circle moment and I cannot be anymore grateful to the team and their incredible support. Because of this as a youth worker I want to inspire children to achieve their dreams the same way the youth centre did to me. I want to be able to give back to the community that has help me so much through the thick and thin.” – Nadia

“ I’ve been connected with Inspire since I was 9 years old, when I first started attending the youth centre for many activities. It has given me so many opportunities and helped me grow my confidence. The support and encouragement I received from the youth workers inspired me to follow in their footsteps. Now, as a youth worker myself, I’m committed to giving back by supporting young people to grow, feel empowered, and make the most of their potential.” – Iman

INTO WORK SUPPORT

Inspire To Work Programme Manager

“As a Programme Manager at Inspire Walworth, I am dedicated to supporting young people aged 16–25 in overcoming barriers to employment and reaching their full potential. With over six years of experience in the employability sector, I lead the Into Work Programme, providing tailored CV support, interview preparation, and career guidance. My role involves designing and delivering initiatives that build confidence, life skills, and aspirations, ensuring that young people have the tools they need to secure meaningful employment. I work closely with individuals to foster a sense of community and breaking down barriers to success. Through my expertise and passion, I strive to empower young people to navigate their career paths with confidence and resilience.”

– Stephanie Blackford

PARENT SUPPORT

Inspire Parent Programme Manager

Sarah Parry

Sarah developed the parenting programme for Inspire in 2012, which is based on a statutory advocacy model originally used for Looked After Children and Care Leavers. The parenting programme advocates for and supports parents throughout Southwark to better care for their families. Advocacy issues including housing difficulties, debt, health (including mental health), Universal Credit and benefits, work, education, childcare, legal issues, and caring responsibilities are dealt with within the project, with a particular focus on advocating for those parents who experience the consequences of failures of statutory systems.

THE TRUSTEES

Trustee – Ant Mazen

Ant is a senior leader in Human Resources at Lloyds Banking Group (LBG). Following the Lloyds Foundation’s support of Inspire, Ant initially began his work with us as a business mentor but he was so impressed by Inspire’s work and the difference it was making that he decided to become a Trustee at the end of 2024. In addition to a wealth of Human Resources skills and experience, Ant also brings business strategy expertise following 10 years as a Management Consultant with Accenture.

Trustee – Harriet Mena Hill

Harriet has lived in Walworth for 35 years and is a visual artist whose socially engaged practice has been focused in and around the Aylesbury Estate and its community since 2018. Her interest is in using the power of art to give voice and visibility to communities and individuals who are often overlooked.

She has worked over many years with young people at Inspire who have participated in numerous art workshops and exhibition opportunities.

Away from the Aylesbury Estate her teaching practice continues at the Foundling Museum working with Families and Care Experienced young adults.

Her studio project ‘The Aylesbury Fragments’ which documents the regeneration of the Aylesbury Estate on salvaged demolition concrete continues to grow has been shown nationally and internationally.

She is hugely committed to the positive impact of Inspire in the Walworth community and in supporting its work.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO HELP US CONTINUE THE WORK WE DO

CONTACT US

hello@in-spire.org.uk

ADDRESS

Newington Tenants’ Hall

77 Canterbury Place

Walworth. London

SE17 3AD