Yasmin Hacib

Yasmin Hacib
Sessional Youth Worker

by Team Members

Yasmin is one of university student’s 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.

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Shanice Jones

by 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.

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Tamara Walcott-Brown
Youth Development & Mental Health Specialist

by 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.

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Tomiwa Amao
Youth Worker

by Team Members

Tomiwa is a passionate and engaging youth worker with hands-on experience leading and mentoring young people through structured programmes. As an NCS Youth Engagement Leader, he supported groups of 15–17-year-olds to build confidence, develop self-esteem, and achieve personal goals through a mix of activities, discussions, and reflective sessions .

Known for his ability to connect with young people from diverse backgrounds, Tomiwa creates safe, inclusive spaces where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered. He has experience working with young people with additional needs, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence, adaptability, and safeguarding awareness.

With a background in finance and strong organisational skills, Tomiwa brings a reliable and structured approach to youth work, balancing energy and creativity with consistency and care. He is committed to helping young people grow, make positive choices, and reach their full potential.

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Mike
Youth Worker

by Team Members
The Team / Mike
Youth Worker • Sport & Fitness Lead

Mike.

Mike uses sport and physical activity to engage and support young people, running high-energy sessions that build confidence, teamwork and a sense of belonging.

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Mike, Youth Worker and Sport and Fitness Lead at Youth Unity
On & off the pitch

Sport is more than physical activity. It’s a tool for connection.

01

Sport as the way in

Mike is a dedicated youth worker who uses sport and physical activity as a powerful way to engage and support young people. With a strong passion for fitness, he delivers high-energy sessions that encourage participation, build confidence and promote positive lifestyle choices.

02

Structured but fun

Through football, basketball and group fitness, Mike creates an inclusive environment where young people can develop teamwork, discipline and resilience. His sessions are structured but fun, giving young people the chance to stay active while building strong peer relationships and a sense of belonging.

Everyone gets a game, whatever their ability. The point is not who wins, but who turns up, joins in and comes back next week.

Supported on the pitch, and off it.
03

More than a game

Mike understands that sport is more than just physical activity. It is a tool for connection. He uses it to open up conversations around wellbeing, mindset and personal growth, helping young people feel supported both on and off the pitch.

Some of the most important conversations happen on the walk to the changing rooms, or catching a breath on the sideline. That is where Mike does some of his best work.

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Adam Bessadi
Youth Worker

by 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.

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Zipporah

by Team MembersZipporah
The Team / Zipporah
Young Ambassador • Podcast Host

Zipporah
Podcast Queen.

Zipporah is our Young Ambassador and the voice of the Youth Unity podcast. She earned the crown by turning up every single week.

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Zipporah, Youth Unity Young Ambassador, at the podcast microphone wearing headphones
Every week

She shows up, gets involved and makes the conversation better.

01

She kept showing up

Nobody handed Zipporah a title on day one. She came along, got involved, and then came back the next week, and the week after that. Each time she took on a little more, asked better questions and grew in confidence.

It did not take long for the team to notice that she has a real flair for communication. She listens properly, she puts people at ease, and she can say in one sentence what others take five minutes to get to.

02

Earning the crown

So we gave her the microphone, and a title to go with it: Podcast Queen. Zipporah now leads on our podcast, helping to shape the conversations and making sure they sound like young people talking, because they are.

When a young person hosts, guests open up differently and listeners hear themselves in the room. That is something no adult presenter can fake, and it is why Zipporah is at the heart of what we record.

Giving young people a voice, and the opportunities to use it.
03

Studies come first

Zipporah is a student getting ready for her A-Levels, and at Youth Unity her studies always come first. Recording fits around revision, never the other way round, and if she needs to step back at exam time, the microphone will be waiting when she returns.

We see the two as working together. The confidence, preparation and clear thinking she is building behind the mic are skills she takes back into the classroom, and on to whatever comes next.

04

Growing with us

Zipporah is young, so she does not do any of this alone. Our team supports her throughout, from planning an episode to the conversation afterwards about what went well and what she would like to try next.

As our Young Ambassador she represents exactly what Youth Unity is here for: giving young people a voice and opening up real opportunities. As she grows, we intend to grow those opportunities with her, and we are excited to see where she takes them.

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Adrian Tuitt

Adrian Tuitt
Youth Worker/Mentor

by 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.

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Arron Blaire
Professional Footballer, Ambassador

by 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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Thomas Anderson

Thomas Anderson

by Team MembersThomas Anderson
The Team / Thomas Anderson
Senior Serious Youth Violence Mentor

Thomas
Anderson.

Thomas mentors young people affected by serious youth violence, bringing a boxing coach’s discipline and a DJ’s ear for what moves people.

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Thomas Anderson, Senior Serious Youth Violence Mentor at Youth Unity
25+ years

A wealth of experience, brought to every conversation with a young person.

01

Someone in their corner

Thomas is the Senior Serious Youth Violence Mentor at Youth Unity CIC, with a wealth of experience spanning more than 25 years. He works alongside young people who are caught up in violence or at risk of being drawn into it, and he stays alongside them for as long as it takes.

Mentoring at this level depends on trust, and trust is slow to earn. Thomas earns it by turning up when he says he will, listening before he speaks, and being straight with young people about where their choices lead. As the senior mentor on the team, he also sets the standard for how that work is done.

02

In the ring

Thomas is a boxing coach, and the gym is one of the best mentoring rooms he has. Boxing asks for discipline, self-control and respect for the person in front of you. It gives anger and energy somewhere safe to go, and it shows a young person, round by round, that effort gets results.

Some of the most honest conversations happen between rounds on the pads. A young person who would never sit across a desk and talk will often open up with gloves on.

Meeting young people where they are.
03

Behind the decks

Thomas also knows his way around a set of decks. He DJs and mixes music, and he uses that skill the same way he uses boxing: as common ground. Music is already a huge part of most young people’s lives, so it is a natural place to start a conversation.

Learning to mix takes patience, timing and a good ear. It also gives young people a creative outlet and something they can be proud of, which matters a great deal to someone who has mostly been told what they are getting wrong.

04

Why it works

Put the three together and you get a mentor who can reach young people in more than one way. Some connect through sport, some through music, and some just need a steady adult who will not give up on them. Thomas offers all three, backed by 25 years of knowing what helps.

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