Allen Knott - Chairman Expand I joined Dorset Youth Association as a Trustee in 2009 and I feel most honoured to be Chair of this organisation since 2011. I have lived in the great County of Dorset all my life. I left school at the age of 16years to become a Police Cadet and joined the Force as a Constable in 1969. I served in Poole, Lyme Regis and Bridport and in 1981 I became a specialist Juvenile Liaison Officer. This involved working in a multi-disciplinary setting with both professional and voluntary organisations. I retired from the Dorset Police in 1999 and became a Dyslexia Therapist working in local schools. Although retiring some four years ago I still have a private practice. I started voluntary youth work in 1966 when I helped run a Cub Pack. I eventually became a Group Scout Leader. Over the years I have supported young people in a variety of ways. I have run a Church Youth Group, been a manager of some County Youth Clubs, a school Governor, Chairman of the Board for a local prep-school, and Child Protection Officer for Dorset Athletic Association and also St John Ambulance. I am engaged in other charitable work. I am a Director of Dorchester Football Club, now a Community Club, A Lay Minister in the Church of England and President of the Dorchester Disabled Association. I believe in investing in young people, especially those who are disadvantaged in some way. This is just one way we can ensure a healthy future for our society.
Amanda Hewitt - Family Link Worker Expand I have lived in Dorset all my life; through my own family I became interested in working with children and families. I joined Dorset Youth Association, as a Family Link Worker in September 2016, having gained experience of working with children and families from a wide range of settings. From managing Dorset’s first Neighbourhood nursery for 0- 9 year olds in Bovington, working in schools, Children’s Centres, early year’s settings, homes and on Traveller sites. This gave me an opportunity to work with a wide range of professionals including those in health, education, housing, the prison service, youth services, social care and many voluntary organisations. Many of the families I have worked with are reluctant to engage with services. Building trusting relationships has been essential and I have found that being willing to be flexible, meeting parents and their children in their own home and making sure that I address their concerns have been key to establishing positive changes for the child and families. My NVQ 4 in Child Care and Education, training in Mental Health, Autism, ‘The Incredible Years program‘, ‘Working with Resistant Families’ have enabled me to apply my understanding of parenting issues in order to empower parents, helping them to engage with other services. Having such experience gives me an opportunity to offer advice and support on child development, the importance of play and healthy lifestyles, to achieve the best possible outcomes for their children.
Angus Campbell HM Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset - President Expand I was raised in North Dorset. My father, from a family with a strong military tradition, settled in the County on retirement from the Army in 1949. I was educated in Dorset and Devon, and emigrated to New Zealand in 1970 to work for the Auckland Herd Improvement Association at the age of 20 and gained my Private Pilot’s Licence whilst working in that country. Returning to the UK after my two year contract was completed; I applied to join the Army with a view to flying. I was Commissioned into the Army as one of the first direct-entry Army Air Corps Pilots and served in West Germany, United Nations Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Canada and finally as Second in Command of 16 Flight Army Air Corps in Cyprus before retiring at the end of this Short Service Commission. I continued as a Territorial Army Pilot until 1982. On retiring from the Army, I returned to the family farm near Iwerne Minster in North Dorset and diversified my farming activities with an interest in running several Game Shooting enterprises. Drawn into local politics for four years 1989/93 when elected to be the Dorset County Council Member for Blandford Forum, I became Vice-Chairman of the Education Committee but did not stand for re-election in 1993. However, I returned to local politics on election to the North Dorset District Council in 1999 serving as Leader for the first four and a half years. Standing for Dorset County Council again in 2001, I became Deputy Leader from 2002 to 2006 and then Leader for the seven years between 2006 and 2013. In 2013 I stood down from local politics. Whilst serving within Local Government in Dorset, for five years I also Chaired the Strategic Leaders Board for the South West that became South West Councils, and represented the South West on the Local Government Association’s Executive Board. I was also Chairman of the Dorset Olympic Board (2006 - 2012) with responsibility for the delivery of the Olympic Sailing Events in Weymouth and Portland in summer 2012. In January 2014 I was appointed by The Queen to represent Her Majesty as Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset. I live with my wife Carola in Iwerne Minster and have two daughters. My interests include; Archaeology, History, Country Sports and Writing. Dorset Youth Association has a proud history of supporting the young people of Dorset. It is vitally important that such organisations are supported so that they can continue to improve the life chances of our youth. It is a huge honour to be their President.
Col. David Swann CBE - Vice President / Trustee Expand I was born in Manchester but from an early age moved around the country – school in Cumbria, university in London – and the world during a full career in the British Army before retiring last year. My military career was spent with The Queen’s Royal Hussars, the early years of which were largely in Germany in the days of the Cold War and I saw active service with the UN in Cyprus, in Beirut and the first Gulf War. I commanded my regiment, based in Germany 2000-2002, and led it through a six month deployment to Kosovo. Shortly after command I was promoted to Colonel and undertook two assignments in Dorset and my final military appointment was as the Defence Attaché at the British Embassy in Kabul 2012-2014. Following retirement from the Army I became the Chambers Director for a barristers’ set based in the Temple, London. Whilst serving as the Commander of the Armour Centre and Bovington Garrison I became a Trustee of the Dorset Youth Association; and for a short period chaired the Executive Committee. Despite having known the county for many years, and marrying a Dorset girl, I had no idea of the isolation and hardships that can be faced by too many young people across the county. I fully endorse the DYA’s aims and feel privileged to play a part in the charity’s governance.
Debbie Shaw - Finance Officer Expand I am the Finance Officer for Dorset Youth Association working full time from our Headquarters in Lubbecke Way, Dorchester. I started in 2001 on a part time basis and I manage the Associations finance and human resources together with ensuring the smooth running of the office and managing the venue hire. Leaving extended education with a BEC National Diploma (Distinction) in Business Studies my career has been finance based having spent the early 10 years with Nat West Bank, working through all the clerical grades and gaining ‘Institute of Bankers’ qualifications. I then decided to focus on accountancy and gained Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification prior to my returning to the workplace after raising a family. I have supported the Associations financial journey as it moved from hand written ledgers to excel workbooks and through to the dedicated finance software programmes we currently use. As a mum of 4 children I have used my skills to support their activities through a variety of voluntary roles - committee member for local playgroup, treasurer for the school PTFA and as a Scout Leader. I believe young people are the key to the success and happiness of our local communities and am privileged to work for an organisation that endeavours to give young people the best opportunities in life.
Dr Stephen Kinnersly - Trustee Expand I have lived in Dorset since 1978 (Weymouth then Dorchester) and am married with 3 grown-up children and 2 grandchildren. Growing up near Heathrow Airport, I obtained a BSc in chemistry from University College London then a D. Phil. In theoretical chemistry from the University of Sussex. A 40 year career in science and engineering has involved working as researcher, software developer, manager and consultant with both UK and overseas clients. The main focus has been safety and risk. This has included development of a code of practice and professional guidelines for safety assessors. In parallel with my career and bringing up a family, I have had a long involvement in youth activities. These include helping to run church-based youth groups for 10-14 year olds and leading a Holiday Club for 5-10 year olds. I was a school governor for almost 20 years, initially of Castlefield Girls School, Dorchester, then of its successor the Thomas Hardye School where I was also a trustee of the Thomas Hardye Trust. My time as a governor of the Thomas Hardye School included many years as chairman of the school’s Policy and Resources Committee and three years as Chairman of Governors. Music has always been a big part of my life. An experienced pianist, I have accompanied, performed with or led musicians and groups with ages ranging from 10 to 70. This currently includes being accompanist for an adult choir and pianist for the DASP Youth Orchestra.
Gideon Daly - Honorary Treasurer Expand I have been a Trustee of the Dorset Youth Association since 2009 and Vice Chair for the last few years. I am always immensely impressed by the young people involved with the charity, either those who volunteer or those have been beneficiaries of its programmes. I have endeavored to support the charity as it has weathered the harsh economic climate of recent years, continuing to deliver its vitally important work of giving Dorset’s young people the best possible start in life. I work as the Financial Controller at Wyatt Homes, a growing traditional housebuilder of quality homes based in Poole. I am also an Associate Governor at The Purbeck School in Wareham, a Foundation Governor at St Mary & St Joseph’s Primary School in Wool, a singer in the Wareham Choral Society and my local church choir and a keen runner of anything from local park runs to marathons. My role within the Executive Committee includes using my experience as a chartered management accountant to help guide the Committee in overseeing the sound management of finances for the purpose of fulfilling the charity’s aims of improving the lives of young people in Dorset.
Hannah Snowdon - Clubs & Groups Worker Expand I have been in post as the Clubs & Groups Youth Worker for Dorset Youth Association since October 2017. I work part time, supporting youth clubs and groups across Dorset through our affiliation process. This support ranges from template policy and procedures, DBS checks, access to training, safeguarding support, national and local updates (including government guidance), networking opportunities, funding opportunities, to being able to offer affiliated groups a discounted rate on their insurance. I am a JNC qualified youth worker, gaining a BA (Hons) in Youth & Community Work from Plymouth Marjon University. My journey into youth work started as a young person, where I attended my local youth centre. As a young carer, my youth club gave me a chance to be myself – which developed a passion to provide that opportunity for others. I was lucky enough to be a young person in the height of the statutory youth service offer and was given the chance to be a member of my local Youth Parish Council, the local Youth Opportunity Fund group (a group of young people awarding grants to youth clubs and groups in the county), a senior member at the youth club and went on to be an adult volunteer at the local young carers support group. I know first-hand the difference that youth clubs make and am testament to their empowerment. However, I know that traditional youth club sessions are not right for everybody, so I am keen to help organisations develop their offers, ensuring young people have access to the opportunities that are right for them – something that can be tricky in such a rural county! I am constantly inspired by the people in Dorset who are working relentlessly for the benefit of young people and am grateful to Dorset Youth Association for the chance to be part of that.
Jess Ledbury - Family Link Worker Expand I joined the team at Dorset Youth Association in June 2013 as a Family Link Worker. My role within the organisation is to work with families who need practical, direct support with a range of issues. Previously I have worked in mental health and with young offenders around substance misuse. Although I enjoyed both these roles, I wanted to work more directly with families as a whole, using a holistic approach. This way of working was encouraged during my social work training. I have completed various training and development courses during my time at DYA, including Strengthening Families, Intense Support to Families with Complex Needs Level 4, and Group Teen Triple P. Continuing to develop my knowledge and skills in this way has enabled me to understand some of the problems families face, and provide strategies to support them in moving forward and sustaining this. As a Family Link Worker, I have been able to work with a variety of different people and it is inspiring to see the changes some families can make when they have the right support and motivation. I feel that in order to achieve change the needs of the family should be addressed alongside each other, and not just individually.
Joe Snowdon - Volunteer Social Media Coordinator Expand I have been at Dorset Youth Association since 2013 and I am currently the Volunteer Social Media Coordinator, in previous roles I have been the Youth Sports Development Worker and also the Clubs & Groups Worker. During my time doing these roles I always took a lead in the online presence of the Association, working on the development of our new website from inception to 'going live' and also the day to day running of our social media. In February 2020 I left my paid position with DYA however felt that I could still be of service by volunteering my time to keep our online presence current and valid. I have a qualification in Digital Promotion for Business and also have more than 6 years experience now in developing social media for our charity. I really enjoy making sure the people of Dorset and further afield know what we do and who we are.
Lindsey Halford - Operations Manager Expand I have been working for Dorset Youth Association since 2008, and in 2012 took on the role of Infrastructure Manager based at our Lubbecke Way Headquarters, and am a member of the Senior Management Team. Since leaving my management position in the public sector, I have worked in the Voluntary Sector in Dorset for over 15 years and have a wide knowledge of how the sector works and a wide network of colleagues, locally and regionally, to refer to when necessary. Since joining Dorset Youth Association I have been facilitating the 0-19 Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) Forum, and enjoy bringing people together to be part of a collective voice in Dorset. I have excellent working relationships with statutory colleagues, and use my communication skills to empower the VCS to inform them of the voluntary sectors views and help influence their thinking. I am fortunate to work with other professionals who feel passionate about the children, young people and families we work with, and the sector we work in, and it is empowering for me to see the successes they have achieved and the changes they have made through this passion.
Lynne Rockey - Strengthening Families Coordinator & 0-25 VCS Forum Expand I am the Coordinator for the Strengthening Families Programme 10-14 (UK) working part time from our Lubbecke Way office as part of the Infrastructure Team. I have been with DYA for over 8 years and in this role since conception of the project in 2012, when I trained as a facilitator for the programme. Having developed and delivered the Strengthening Families Programme, I have a wide knowledge and understanding of what the programme provides and how it benefits the families. My organisational and communication skills have helped to bring this project together and, through building excellent working relationships with other agencies, successfully deliver this project right across rural Dorset. There is a huge sense of achievement in watching the change in families from when they first meet us to successfully completing the programme. As a parent, and now grandparent, I understand how tough it can be, not only to ask for help but to then take that step of joining a parenting programme. When our children are young there is a natural bond between parents at the ‘school gate’ and a time to reflect on behaviours that it is likely we are all going through, that remind us that we are not alone in the difficult world of parenting. As our children grow into young teenagers and start to make their own way, this support is not there and can make us feel isolated. Parents and Young teenagers benefit from time to openly discuss their own concerns and issues, and I feel that this programme works with families to provide tools that can be used and the support and environment for open discussion. I strongly felt this would have been a huge benefit to my family and wanted to be involved to make sure the programme was accessible to those who needed it. I am very proud of the success that this programme has been in rural Dorset. I hope that my compassion and approach to the role helps make this a little easier.
Matthew Hodgett - Maintenance & Cleaning Expand I have worked at DYA since 2014. My role is the cleaning and maintenance of the Routes and Headquarter premises and grounds. As we hire out both the Main Hall and Seaton Room at the Headquarters I am aware of the need to keeping the building and grounds in good order, ensuring a safe and pleasant environment for everyone using our facilities. Through other similar roles I have experience and am appropriately qualified in food hygiene and health and safety My background is in engineering and having gained an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Portsmouth University. I have worked as a Civil Engineer and in Facilities Management, and enjoy the practical work of rebuilding a car, giving me many skills which I have been able to apply at DYA. I enjoy working as part of such a friendly and passionate team and like the variety of jobs associated with the position.
Mike Bennett - CEO Expand I am very honoured to be the new CEO of DYA and be part of an organisation that supports young people, families and other Voluntary organisations within Dorset. Dorset has a strong history of volunteers and organisations that strive to improve the lives of others in their community and I am glad to be a small part of that working for DYA. I moved to Dorset in 2008 as the Area Youth Worker based in Sturminster Newton and ran clubs in the surrounding North Dorset area. We established open access provision, school and project based work within the local community. We established a strong DofE programme as well as working with young people on employability programmes as well as tackling local need for young people within North Dorset. Establishing provision such as a climbing wall, moped and off road motorbike projects, outdoor activities, first aid training, babysitting courses, holiday provision, peer mentoring and the senior member programme. All this was only possible through the partnership working with volunteers and the Voluntary Sector. In 2015 I left the Youth Service to run a CIC company running projects within schools and other Local Authorities in the UK. This then lead to designing and developing the Global Youth Ambassador Programme focusing on Global Citizenship and linking mainstream schools with international schools. A project that in 3 years provided training to 2000+ 8-18 year olds and opportunities for teachers and 750+ students, many of which were Pupil Premium to travel to another school in different country for free. I am very much looking forward to working with so many fantastic young people, families, volunteers and professionals again within Dorset.
Tom Amery - Vice Chairman / Trustee Expand I have lived in Dorset for over 20 years with my wife & family and originally moved to the area due to my work in the Watercress Industry. I studied at Writtle agricultural college and prior to that was an early user of the YTS Vocational Scheme in 1991 after leaving school and gaining employment in horticulture. I have a keen interest in the fulfilment potential and opportunity provided to youngsters both in and out of school but also in those transitional years between leaving school and further education and full-time employment. My role in business has allowed me to gain invaluable experience on how youngsters can integrate into employment and succeed through vocational training and achieve and exceed in personal improvement and happiness.