HYPE Team
I had one teacher in school that I got on with, he pushed me in his lessons and his lessons were enjoyable. I try to use the same style in my sessions with young people I get to know quickly. There was a really positive youth worker as well who worked with all my mates at the time and got the most out of us and got us involved in things other than football.
I bring a lot of experience having worked at HYPE since 2008 working in many different communities across the Wirral and Liverpool and have worked with literally thousands of young people.
As a teenager when hanging out with my mates, Police were constantly moving us from street corners and out of parks. Having park projects and youth clubs locally would have given me more options to get more involved in positive activities.
Dave has worked as a teacher in secondary schools in Birkenhead since 1997. His background as PE Teacher and in Behavioural Management has enabled him to develop a range of extensive projects for young people within HYPE. As HYPE’s safeguarding officer he works closely with our dedicated team of staff, schools and partner organisations.
Dave has experience working with young people in USA, China and in recent years with HYPE in South Africa.
Dave said “I think it is important for myself to be a role model for local youths and lead by example, the local community really do mirror us and thrive in a positive environment”.
Sean said “HYPE values come from a place close to my heart, as a youth not being incredibly academic but more of a creative person, the two hours of Art and one hour of music a week in School were just about the only lessons I enjoyed.
I was starting to fall behind and i was struggling to find direction. At a young age I found a passion in djing and it was the local youth workers that were there to help carve out confidence, opportunity, advice and passion in what I really enjoyed. The local youth club provided a space and apparatus to practice, build confidence and even host my own events at the age of 15.
The tools that the youth club gave me were the fundamentals that started my journey djing that has seen me play in some of the biggest and best clubs in the world holding residencies with some of the biggest clubbing brands in the world.
HYPE has taken what the youth club provided tenfold giving young people so many opportunities and so many platforms to find a direction in to go on their own personal journeys. its an incredible organisation with a very important role and proud to be a part of it.
Ursula
Senior Programmes Manager
I didn’t have access to many activities or clubs growing up and that experience really stuck with me. Being part of something that gives children the chance to express themselves, learn new skills, and build confidence feels deeply personal and purposeful to me. It’s about giving them what I didn’t have, and making sure no child feels left out.
HYPE is more than just a catchy acronym (Helping Young People Everywhere), it’s a statement. It says, “We believe in young people, and we’re excited about their potential.” It turns support into something energetic, bold, and full of purpose. HYPE speaks to reach and inclusivity. It’s not bound by geography, background, or status, it’s about empowering every young person to rise, thrive, and lead.
As someone who believes in lifting others up, especially the next generation, it’s aligned with core values like equity, mentorship, empowerment, and opportunity. It makes me think of how impactful even one moment of support can be in a young person’s life, whether it’s access to resources, encouragement, or simply someone believing in them.
At HYPE, you’re not just part of an organisation. You’re part of a movement. A family. A mission that’s bigger than all of us but powered by the belief that every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.
Will
Community SportS COACH
I consider myself incredibly fortunate for the opportunities I've been afforded throughout my life. From a young age, I was blessed to have had exceptional coaches and role models who instilled in me the values of perseverance and leadership. My passion for community development led me to pursue a degree in community coaching at Manchester Metropolitan University, where I gained valuable insights into empowering individuals and fostering inclusive environments.
Spending the past two summers in America, working at a children's summer camp, further fuelled my commitment to youth development. Joining the team at HYPE as the Community Sport and Volunteer Coordinator allows me to make a tangible difference in the community. I lead on projects that give more young people the opportunity to express themselves and discover their potential. Additionally, I'm able to share my experiences from working in America with other young people, encouraging them to pursue their own journeys of growth and self-discovery.
I have always been revolved around sport since I was a child, starting football at the age of 6 and taking up other sports like swimming, Thai boxing and running along the way. As I got older I was fortunate enough to travel abroad to play football and plan to do so with my coaching, as I currently coach an under 14s team who bring me joy every week and inspire me to do the best I possibly can, to give them the incredible opportunity I was given as a child, to be involved with sport as much as they want.
Being presented with HYPE's opportunities is something I am grateful for as they have not only given me the opportunity to work in different countries like America but also given me coaching opportunities locally to gain my confidence and experience to develop my skills as a coach and a leader. I also feel lucky to find a place to work, that supports both career and personal development. Which is why I love working with HYPE as being able to work in an American summer camp was life changing and has been some of the best things that I have experienced with new groups of people.
As a child, I loved getting stuck into anything creative and arts and crafts clubs were always my favourite. Now, in my role as a youth worker, I've come full circle by leading the crafty side of our sessions and watching young people explore their own creativity. My mum has always been a big inspiration to me. She raised me as a single parent while working incredibly hard to become a primary school teacher, showing me the importance of perseverance and making a difference in the lives of others.
HYPE really resonates with me because I've always felt a strong purpose to help people. Whether it's through a simple, friendly conversation or by teaching a young person a new skill, HYPE gives me so many opportunities to support others in meaningful ways. It's a place where young people are truly seen and heard, and I'm proud to be part of a team that creates that environment.
The best part of my job is building trusting relationships with the children I work with. I love being someone they can rely on, not just to have fun with, but to feel safe making mistakes, asking questions, and growing into themselves. Watching them become more confident and comfortable week by week is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
As a young person I always enjoyed creative clubs like drama and singing as well as taking part in crafts and big team challenges. I loved being able to express myself and always looked up to theatre performers and youth coaches.
HYPE has an amazing range of activities each day and I take pride in managing our schedule to ensure there is something for everyone! I believe children, young people and their families should have access to free, inclusive sessions to take part in regardless of their background and HYPE offers just that.
The best part of being the Project Manager at our Central Park Hub is that no two days are the same. We are forever connecting with local partnerships to provide a diverse range of activities and seeing a difference in the young people we support is an amazing feeling. I look forward to our continued progress and creating unforgettable memories.
Following a sporty childhood and a passion for football, my experience as a youth worker began as a youth football coach and has matured into the activity coordinator at our lively and busy Central Park Hub.
I've enjoyed various aspects of working with HYPE, from engaging with a range of ages, delivering exciting and meaningful activities and experiences and learning about the value of community spaces for our local families and young people. Alongside my sporty childhood, I also have a passion for acting and filmmaking and it has been brilliant incorporating these skills into the activities we deliver at our youth hub. From drama classes, music sessions, team building games, comedy nights, it makes for a busy week of fun.
The most rewarding aspect of my experience whilst working with HYPE has been witnessing the growth and development of some of our quieter, more shy young people, into confident and outgoing individuals, making new friends, always getting involved in our activities and seeking out our Central Park Hub as their safe haven after school.
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