OUR TEAM
Meet our staff team
Our passionate staff team brings a diverse set of skills to support and amplify young peoples voices and strengthen the youth sector.
Stuart Dunne
CEO
He/Him
With 30 years of experience in youth work, 25 of those as a JNC qualified youth worker Stuart specialises in engaging young people in participation projects. He’s well-versed in young people’s voice with lesser heard groups, holding an MA in Participatory Action Research and an Mphil in Education.
Sarah Lanchin
Deputy CEO
She/Her
Sarah Finlay
Learning, workforce development & equality manager - SHE/HER
Sarah has had the privilege of working with children, young people and families for over 20 years in both the public and third sectors. During her time as a JNC Qualified Youth Worker, she has supported children and young people through participation, targeted programmes and alternative curriculum projects.
Sharon Watts
Business Development MANAGER SHE/HER
Sharon takes pride in supporting the organization’s resilience amid recent challenges in the youth sector. Now in her 25th year with Youth Focus North West, she admires the dedication of young people and youth workers, keeping youth work close to her heart.
Peta Barker
Content Creator
SHE/Her
Peta, a dedicated digital media content creator, is advancing towards an apprenticeship with Youth Focus NW. Through her role, she crafts content that not only showcases the organisation’s initiatives but also ignites discussions and strengthens community bonds. Her journey with Youth Focus NW has been incredibly fulfilling, offering her the chance to contribute to significant projects and observe the evolution of emerging young leaders.
George Ryder
Youth Voice Lead
He/Him
George started in youth work 11 years ago whilst completing his University studies. He embarked on what began as a 6 week work experience placement, and within this time, developed a passion that has seen him remain in the sector all these years later.
George has gathered valuable experience working alongside young people and delivering projects within local level community settings.
Hannah McMullan
Youth Voice Lead
SHE/HER
Hannah, originally from Northern Ireland, embarked on her university journey in Liverpool in 2016. Volunteering at a local youth group during her studies, she found her passion for youth work. She earned her MA in Youth Work and Community Development from Liverpool Hope University in 2021.
Ebenezer Daramola
Youth Voice Worker
HE/HIM
Ebenezer has worked with young people with additional needs in the Liverpool area, where he used sports, games, the arts, and cooking as tools to engage young people and support them in building social skills.
He has previously worked with a diverse group of young people from across the 371 tribes in Nigeria to facilitate sessions on the importance of the sustainable development goals, to promote peace and unity, and to provide plausible pathways to adulthood.
Lilasuri Morris
For Planet project manager SHE/Her
An experienced charity Director and Senior Manager with over 20 years project management experience in the environmental, health and wellbeing, arts and culture sector.
Lilasuri feels privileged to be working with YFNW as the For Planet Project Manager taking the development of an innovative environmental mobile phone app, developed with young people for young people, into the next exciting phase.
Louise Wardale
ASsociate
SHE/HEr
Louise is a registered Social Worker with a career spanning over 35 years across children’s and adults voluntary and statutory systems. Her direct experience includes children and young people’s mental health, young carers, child protection, residential social work, field work, multi-disciplinary team working and whole family approaches. Louise is passionate about better outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and families with their authentic participation firmly at the centre.
Promoting and supporting quality Youth Work across the North West.
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