I first became connected to Manchester Young Lives in 2000 when I registered my children to the play provision at the Adventure Playground in Benchill. It wasn’t long after I expressed an interest in the role of parent volunteer. The role involved supporting the play team on holiday playschemes, community open days and afterschool clubs.
A year later the opportunity for a playworker position became available on the outreach play team. I was successful in my application and 22 years later I am the Play and Youth Manager at The Addy Young People’s Centre.
I have worked across several MYL centres, built up a portfolio of training and acquired relevant qualifications including L4 in Leadership and Management and L2 in playwork. I have led on the delivery of play in MYL centres, the outreach Parktastic project and delivered training to the Manchester Play Network.
When I first started volunteering at MYL, I never thought I would be here 22 years later. I have seen lots of changes in the organisation over the years, however children and young people have always been at the heart of everything we do, which is why I love working at MYL.