Team Members Archives - Page 2 of 2

Riyad H.
Sessional Youth Worker

05/10/2023

by admin Team Members

Riyad is a trainee English Teacher who works with us as a sessional youth worker.

Her role plays a vital part in engaging and supporting young people during specific sessions or programs. This flexible and dynamic professional brings enthusiasm and expertise to create a positive and inclusive environment for youth. Whether facilitating workshops, organising activities, or offering guidance, the sessional youth worker contributes to the holistic development of young individuals. Their part-time commitment allows for adaptability and a fresh perspective, ensuring that each session is tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of the youth they serve. Through their dedication and passion, sessional youth workers make meaningful contributions to the well-being and growth of the young people they interact with

Fran Nicolaou
Sessional Youth Worker

01/10/2023

by admin Team Members

Fran, who is 26 years old, joined Youth Unity as an inexperienced youth worker, initially helping at a youth club. Her kind and approachable nature quickly made her a trusted figure, especially among young girls who feel comfortable confiding in her.

Since joining, Fran has grown in confidence, developing her skills through training and experience. She is now a key member of our team, often leading detached youth work sessions across various communities. Recognising her great potential for leadership, Fran has recently taken on the role of Youth Lead for our detached youth work, where she continues to inspire and support both young people and fellow youth workers.

Along the way, she has discovered new talents, becoming a skilled chess and table tennis player, activities she now uses to engage young people. Fran’s journey highlights how the right support and opportunities can help individuals grow and thrive in youth work, and this is just the beginning of her incredible path!

Jhiselle Feanny – Consultant & Clinical Supervisor

29/09/2023

by admin Team Members

Jhiselle Feanny has over 17 years of experience in social care and management, specialising in leading teams and ensuring high-quality services for children, young people, and families. She focuses on fostering a solution-focused and systemic approach, embedding best practices, and driving meaningful interventions.

Jhiselle excels in creating collaborative cultures and championing evidence-based practices to set benchmarks for excellence and positive change. Her expertise spans management, safeguarding children and families, and addressing adolescent risk. She has worked extensively to prevent reactive care entries, resolve housing and homelessness issues, promote reunification, and reduce offending behaviours.

We are pleased to welcome her expertise to the Youth Unity Team.

Yasmin Hacib
Sessional Youth Worker

05/09/2023

by admin Team Members

Yasmin is one of university student’s who works with us as a sessional youth worker.

Shanice Jones

25/08/2023

by admin Team Members

I have over 20 years’ experience working with young people, beginning my journey as a dance teacher and sports coach, before transitioning into education to support students with behavioural and social-emotional needs. For the past 12 years, I have served as the Lead for Behaviour across schools in Greenwich and Bexley, where I’ve been dedicated to delivering impactful, student-centred support.

Throughout my career, I’ve remained deeply committed to creating safe, inclusive environments for young people and their families. I’ve designed and implemented high-quality interventions, using creative, solution-focused approaches tailored to individual needs—ensuring that no young person is left behind.

Outside of my professional role, I also use my skills as a DJ to engage young people, especially those who might not connect through traditional routes. Whether it’s school fairs, community events, or local skate sessions, I give back through music—bringing young people and families together, creating moments of connection, positivity, and joy.

Tamara Walcott-Brown
Youth Development & Mental Health Specialist

22/05/2023

by admin Team Members

Tamara Walcott-Brown is a highly driven youth practitioner and psychology graduate with extensive experience supporting young people facing complex challenges. With a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology from Queen Mary University of London, Tamara combines academic insight with hands-on expertise in trauma-informed mentoring, mental health, and early intervention.

She has led impactful work across mentoring programmes, IAPT mental health services, and community-based projects, specialising in culturally responsive support for young people from African Caribbean heritage. Tamara has worked with Shaw Trust, MIND, and grassroots youth organisations to design and deliver targeted mentoring, employability guidance, and wellbeing workshops.

Her approach is rooted in building trust, empowering individuals, and fostering long-term resilience. She brings energy, empathy, and a deep understanding of safeguarding, youth mental health, and engagement strategies, making her a vital part of Youth Unity’s mission to support and inspire the next generation.

Outside of her professional work, Tamara is a passionate singer, and was part of the Chaka Khan Meltdown Chior using music as a creative outlet and a tool for connection and healing.

Adam Bessadi
Youth Worker

05/11/2022

by admin Team Members

We’re thrilled to introduce Adam Bessadi as the newest member of the Youth Unity team. Adam has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, and he joins us as a Youth Worker while also volunteering his expertise to support our marketing strategies.

Adam combines a strong academic background with real-world experience in both marketing and community engagement. His hands-on work has included running social media campaigns, event promotion, and content creation, all valuable assets as we continue to grow Youth Unity’s reach and impact.

Beyond marketing, Adam has a genuine passion for working with young people. He holds a UEFA C License and has several years of experience coaching football at university level, where he fostered leadership, confidence, and teamwork among players. His commitment to youth development aligns perfectly with our mission.

Adam’s unique mix of creative skills and community focus makes him an incredible addition to our team. We’re excited for the fresh perspectives and energy he brings, both in supporting young people on the ground and in helping us amplify our message.

Adrian Tuitt
Youth Worker/Mentor

19/04/2022

by admin Team Members

Meet Adrian who is Empowering Young Minds Through Sport & Mentorship

With over 10 years of experience working with children and young people, Adrian is a dedicated coach, mentor, and motivational speaker passionate about improving well-being, confidence, and self-worth. Whether it’s supporting students through anxiety and behavioural challenges or motivating young people to reach their full potential, he brings an empathetic, energetic, and engaging approach to every session.

Experience & Expertise

As the Head Coach at The Little Runners Sports in Schools Limited, Adrian has successfully led a team of sports coaches, delivering high-quality school programs including multi-sports clubs, holiday camps, and mentoring services for children needing extra support. He has a strong track record of building positive relationships with students, parents, and teachers, ensuring young people receive the guidance and encouragement they need to thrive.

Beyond coaching, Adrian is a motivational speaker and family mentor, delivering inspirational talks and tailored 1:1 coaching on mental well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Through sports and mindset coaching, he empowers young people to overcome challenges, stay motivated, and believe in their own abilities.

Qualifications & Commitment to Safeguarding

To ensure the highest standard of support and care, Adrian holds multiple CPD-certified qualifications in mentoring, behavioural management, domestic violence awareness, and child safeguarding. He is also Enhanced DBS checked and holds a Level 2 Diploma in Sports Science Coaching.

A strong advocate for youth development, blending sports, mentorship, and personal coaching to create meaningful impact.
Experienced in working with schools, families, and community organisations to deliver engaging and supportive programs.
Passionate about helping young people build confidence, resilience, and life skills through sports, education, and positive reinforcement.

Adrian’s mission is simple, to inspire, empower, and uplift young people, helping them realise that they are capable of achieving greatness.

Arron Blaire
Professional Footballer, Ambassador

22/03/2022

by admin Team Members

Aaron Blair – Footballer, Role Model, and Youth Unity Advocate

Aaron Blair is a talented and dedicated footballer who currently plays as a striker, most recently making his mark at Braintree Town, where he scored 20 goals and provided five assists during a standout season that helped drive the club’s promotion-winning campaign.

Aaron began his footballing journey through the apprenticeship scheme at Dagenham & Redbridge, spending three seasons at Victoria Road. It was during this time that he first joined Braintree Town on loan a move that became permanent in October of last year due to his exceptional performance and potential.

More than just an athlete, Aaron is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment. As a long-standing family friend of Youth Unity’s founder, Shirley Jackson, Aaron brings a personal connection and shared vision to our work. He understands the challenges young people face and is committed to using his platform to inspire, support, and guide others toward positive futures both on and off the pitch.

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