ABOUT
We are a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that aims to empower young people and their families to improve their lifestyle and wellbeing.
We believe in the practice and values of Youth Work to engage young people in positive life changing projects which can add value to their life experiences and give them a clear focus and direction for a brighter future.
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We are based in the West Midlands region, where we want to build delivery partnerships and support multi-agency work for the benefit of young people and the community.
DIRECTORS
Tara Foster
Director
Tara is an experienced and qualified practitioner in Youth and Community Work JNC PGDip in public and voluntary sector. Having worked in Coventry Youth Service, Solihull Youth Offending Service, Worcestershire Extended Schools given insight into working with young people from diverse backgrounds.
Tara is an Assessor/IQA and EQA for courses relating to Work with Young People and Youth Work Practice. Establishing in 2018 Aptitude as a Centre for delivering Accredited Courses.
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Tara is passionate about improving lives of Young People through engaging them with grass roots Community Youth Work which truly empowers them and offers opportunities to turn their lives around. She has worked with young people to improve mental health and well-being by engaging young people in various Youth Work Programmes, and offering support for the whole family. Experienced in behaviour management and working with challenging young people in educational and community settings.
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Laura Evans
Director
An accredited Business Coach (Accredited by the Association for Coaching) and Prince 2 practitioner, Laura has extensive skills in strategy and planning, managing financial budgets and complex projects, partnership working, and is adept at turning strategy into meaningful action on the ground.
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With 10 years experience in the third sector as previously a Chief Executive of a CIC offering therapeutic family support managing a budget of over £1.6m.
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Laura is currently a Well-being Practitioner offering Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, Safeguarding and Youth Work Practice Assessor and IQA.
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Laura originally studied Youth and Community Work at Birmingham University and also a Trustee and Director of another small community youth project in South Birmingham and so has direct experience of challenges and opportunities of running non for profits on both large and small scales.
Simon Burton
Director
Simon has worked as an IT Sales Professional for over 20 years within the Public Sector specialising across the NHS & Local Government in driving better outcomes for patients and citizens through transformational business.
He has always had a passion for supporting young people to achieve greater things and by involving young people in new projects it will bridge the gap between business and local communities.
Simon lives in the West Midlands and has been married since 1991 and has 3 children.
Faye Parker
Director
Faye is skilled with Finance Management from her experience as and academy school Business Director, qualified as a SBM (DiP).
Experience in strategic planning, project management, partnership engagement and budget management. Curriculum development and gaining funding to develop a community hub and youth centre.
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Faye can offer consultancy and advice to schools on how to develop strategy, source extra funding streams, including through new business ventures, and project management as a qualified Prince 2 Practitioner.
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Faye is aware of the challenges young people face today and is passionate about their transition to adulthood. As a qualified JNC Youth Worker Faye has experience of delivering alternative curriculum qualifications including ASDAN, Workskills and Business Retail.