ABOUT US
OUR Values
WE ACCOMPANY…
We accompany children and young people through an accepting, pastoral and attentive presence. We develop meaningful relationships and actively listen to the needs of young people.
WE AFFIRM…
We affirm the inherent value of each child and young person. We endeavour to develop self-confidence, positive wellbeing and participation.
WE EXPLORE MEANING…
We explore meaning together by thinking deeply about beliefs, values and authentic choices.
WE ENCOURAGE…
We encourage young people to discover their potential.
WE CHALLENGE…
We challenge young people to consider how their skills and aspirations can postively impact others and their communities.
OUR ETHOS
WE WELCOME
WE SUPPORT
WE ARE KIND
WE ARE HOPEFUL
OUR TRUSTEES
MARIAN KEARNEY
Marian has enjoyed an extensive and varied career in schools and youth services. Since her retirement she has continued to support the education of young people at home and in Malawi through volunteering with a couple of specific charities.
As well as sharing her experience she brings to the group a lifetime commitment of helping young people to unleash their true potential
Marian acts as treasurer to Youth Presence.
Sr Connie Cameron
Sr Connie has been a Salesian Sisters for over 27 years. She is passionate about her vocation and her mission to the young. She is a fully qualified Youth & Community Development Worker and has worked in many different youth work settings and contexts. Over the years she has co-ordinated residential youth retreat projects, been a Learning Mentor in a Secondary School, been Director of VIDES UK Charity that promotes the development and training of volunteers and projects for disadvantaged children and young people at home and abroad, Manager of a Youth Provision in London, Assistant manager of a College for disaffected young people in Education, set up an Outreach Faith Development Project for Young People in schools and parishes, and in July 2020 has completed 6 years’ service as Provincial of the Salesian Sisters in Great Britain.
‘I believe in the brilliance and potential of all young people. I look forward to the creative and innovative ways Youth Presence can support and respond to the needs and hopes of our young people.’
Kinga Rolak
Kinga is a Law student at the University of Leeds. Kinga will be managing Youth Presence social media as well as being a trustee alongside her studies.
Kinga has been attending youth events, including projects with VIDES UK and the Salesian Family, from a young age. She is passionate about providing young people with the opportunities she was given when she was younger. Kinga believes in making a difference to young people based on the values which align with that of Youth Presence. She aims to work towards empowering young people and believes in making a difference to the local community.
fr hugh pollock
Fr. Hugh was born in Blackpool in 1955 and later studied History at Lancaster University. He trained and worked as a lawyer but after six years left and became a social worker for the Church of England, at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London. Fr. Hugh thoroughly enjoyed this, certainly compared to being a lawyer. He then studied to be a priest and was based in Rome for six years before being ordained a Catholic priest. He has worked in the Diocese of Lancaster since 1997 and is currently based in Kendal.
‘Ten years ago I was a University Chaplain and was surprised at the lack of self-esteem of many of the students. Since working in a parish I have come to realise that this can start at an early age for many. Any help for young people in a world that has become increasingly difficult to navigate can only be a good thing. This is what drew me to Youth Presence and its mission.’
IAIN BIDDLE
Originally from Wolverhampton, Iain is now settled in the South Lakes area. Whilst secondary teaching for the last fifteen years, Iain has also had the pleasure of many hours of working with young people through VIDES UK and local groups. In his spare time, he enjoys being with his family and following the ups and downs of Wolves FC.
‘I believe in the brilliance and potential of all young people. I look forward to the creative and innovative ways Youth Presence can support and respond to the needs and hopes of our young people.’
Mary biddle
‘Youth Presence is committed to working with and supporting children and young people. I am so excited to be part of this new charity. Having grown up in Kendal, I am passionate about supporting my local community and paying forward the support and encouragement I received as a child. I hope that together we can make a difference.’
