Youth Worker Jackie Willliams

Hi I'm Jackie Williams.

I'm 21, and from Manchester and I've recently been appointed as the new Youth Worker for St Martin 's Church, Desford. I am starting a 3 year degree course in Youth and Community Work and Applied Theology at St Johns College in Nottingham at the same time.

Youth work has been a part of my life since I was 18. I have been involved in various youth projects in Leicester, and was previously involved in a project called Youth for Christ in Nuneaton, where I worked in schools and churches providing youth clubs, and mentoring young people, as well as providing events and clubs that they could come to and be part of.

This year, I've just finished working in a secondary school, working with young people (14 year olds) with behavioural problems. It was wonderful to see how the young people developed in my year there; two who I helped throughout the year could not really write their name at the beginning of the year and through hard work, were able to write a two page essay when I left. That was so uplifting!

I now have accommodation in Desford and started as Youth Worker on the 7 th September 2009. I have been away with several of the people from St. Martin 's church to an event in the South West called ‘Soul Survivor' in August. It was great to get to know them. Over the next three years, I'm hoping to get to know so many of the young people of Desford and work with the projects that already exist along with setting up some new youth projects and initiatives that the young people would not only wish to come to, but would want to be a part of. Whether it's new or existing projects, it would be great that whatever we do, they can get to know new people, and where they can relax, enjoy themselves and most importantly they feel safe and accepted.

I am looking forward to meeting you.

Jackie.

Don't forget to look at our youth section of the website.