If anyone says it how it is, it’s the young people we work with.

“Lee worked with me over many years encouraging me to showcase my art via music production, mixing and graffiti she helped many young people like me stay out of trouble. I had some very dark times during my teens but what Lee taught me gave me the positive mindset to keep going and push forward to be the person I am today.”

Sean (Young person Lee worked with from 2004 - 2008)

“Lee was so supportive of the fact that I needed a safe space where I could be myself, without judgement. She has this magical ability to understand how you're feeling and seems to know exactly how to help. Every discussion with Lee helped me become a better version of myself and I have to say that without her, I wouldn't be here today. I owe Lee so much and the work she did for me, as a young person that's a part of the LGBT+ community, allowed me to fully embrace who I am."

Zara (Young person who attended an LGBTQ+ group Lee set up in 2018)

“I first met Lee in the early 2000’s when she came to my secondary school to teach us about sexual health and relationships. I liked her straight away because she was real with us, used language we were comfortable with and she was proper funny! I remember all the stuff she talked about to this day especially what she said about what positive relationships should look and feel like, this was so useful at the time as a few of my friends were in toxic relationships where the boy was manipulating them and I was able to use what she taught me to help my friends get out of dangerous relationships.

A few years later I met Lee again when she was delivering radio production courses to us students on the Fresh Start course at Henley College. I was really pleased to see her again and loved working with her on a radio show for 12 weeks on that course. The radio show part of the course ended up being my favourite part. Lee taught us lots, not just about radio and recording but also how to communicate well and work as a team, she made everything fun and created an environment that felt safe to experiment with creative ideas. Big up Lee you are a wicked youth youth worker!

Chloe (young person Lee worked with in 2002 and then again in 2007)

“I managed to find Lee online years after she supported me (I’m in my mid 20’s now and Lee worked with me when I was 16). I reached out to her as I wanted to let her know how grateful I was for her support when I discovered I was pregnant just before I was going on a big residential. She played a key role in normalising what was going on for me at that time and was completely non-judgemental and so kind to me. That time of my life was a really challenging and emotional and Lee was the steady and calming influence I needed. I’m so glad she was there at that time in my life.

Lee is a real icon and has helped so many young people. Young people instantly warm to her and trust that she has their best interests at heart. When I found out that Lee was now training professional youth workers I was so pleased because she’s the right person for the job! “

Young person from a youth residential Lee delivered (Name Anonymous)

“For me, Lee is someone who goes above and beyond what you believe a youth worker to be. A good friend to share laughs and fun times with, a judgement-free confidant who brings optimism to whatever situation you’re going through - allowing you to freely be yourself and a teacher whom you can always rely on for good advice or interesting conversations on many topics such as issues that we experience in our day-to-day lives. But personally, Lee has stood out to me as a motivating role model. Her dedication to providing a safe and engaging space for young people and the importance she places on mental health, which was clearly seen during my time in the sage group, has made me want to make others feel the same comfort and belonging that Lee has made me and many other young people feel..”

Melissa (A young person Lee worked with in 2018)

“Lee was a mentor to me during the pandemic. We had weekly calls where she checked on how I was doing and I really appreciated and learnt lots from our conversations. Lee wasn’t like any other adult in my life as she told me things that I sometimes didn't want to hear and challenged me. These conversations were a real life saver during a pandemic when it felt very much like both our education system and government was letting us young people down, but she also helped me reconcile stuff about myself that in my opinion helped me become a better version of myself. I would recommend Lee to any young person as a mentor, she will always be there for you when you need her.”

Christopher (Young person Lee supported between 2021 and 2022)

“Lee was a wonderful youth worker. Her sessions were planned perfectly with a good balance of education and fun. We had sessions which were serious where we talked about [things like] mental health issues, anxiety, LGBTQ+ issues, stresses of school etc. Lee created an environment which felt safe and I felt extremely comfortable talking about my personal issues. I will forever be grateful for the safe place she provided me. She also bought great snacks :)”

Olivia (A young person who attended a LGBTQ+ youth group Lee set up)