Trustees
Ronan Palmer
Trustee
Ronan, is currently a student at the University of Suffolk (BA Psychology and Youth Studies), with plans to go into lecturing, research and youth work.
“Being a Trustee at Outreach Youth is of major importance to me, due to my previous use of the charity as a young LGBT+ person – I have experienced the benefits of this charity first-hand, with it’s enabling me to improve my public speaking and general social skills. Furthermore, I want to use my position to give the young people the chance to create their own discourse within both the public and professional space, allowing them to develop a greater sense of agency.”
Alongside being a trustee and a student, Ronan is also a volunteer both in Outreach Youth and the LGBT+ Forum and a member of the Suffolk Pride committee.
Russell Smith
Trustee
Russell has spent much of his life working with young people, a large part of this as a secondary school teacher in Suffolk.
He currently work as an Operations Officer for a large national charity that provides young people with the skills and experiences to develop and achieve.
“I love being a part of Outreach Youth and wish that such a fantastic charity had been around when I was growing up; discovering who I was and what I wanted in life.”
When I’m not working he loves being in the outdoors; walking, canoeing, cycling and camping. He’s currently a member of Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue where he volunteers as a Search Technician.
Heidi Dix
Safeguarding Trustee
Heidi has been a qualified social worker since 1997 and has experience of working in both adult and children’s services.
She is currently working on a part-time basis with Suffolk Youth Offending Service and is a Lecturer in Social Work at University of Suffolk.
As a practicing social worker Heidi is passionately committed to social justice and her interests include single gender work, relationship-based practice within social work and exploring effective ways of engaging young people within the youth justice system.
She is proud to be a trustee for Outreach Youth
Mark Sherman
Treasurer
Mark took early retirement in 2016 following a long career in the automotive industry at a senior management level.
His skill set is based around sales, marketing and finance.
He is actively working on his own technology start-up business, as well as involvement in other local learning and business projects.
He loves to travel and enjoys walking and reading.
Pauline Henry
Chair
Pauline is an experienced senior manager of Young People’s services, having held a variety of roles, working with and for young people for over 40 years. This has included Detached Youth Work in South London, managing community- based youth projects in London and Suffolk.
She was instrumental in the development of meaningful Young Peoples involvement in Suffolk Connexions, and Co Production in Commissioning within Suffolk County Council.
Pauline strongly believes in working in partnership with young people to identify and celebrate their skills and talents.
“I have been involved with Outreach Youth for the past 2 years and have been chair of Trustees since early 2018. I love this charity and am constantly learning from the young people about their lives, their aspirations and their challenges.”
“As Chair of Trustees I want to be part of a team that grows the charity in order that we can support more young people across Suffolk whilst retaining our commitment to deliver top quality youth work.”
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Safeguarding statement: Outreach youth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.