A warm welcome to Rafael, Lib and Izaak who began new roles at Shieldfield Youth Programme this summer!

Rafael (pictured here sporting our fetching plush caterpillar as a scarf) is our new Sessional Youth Worker! He recently joined our team to support the Shieldfield Youth Programme, working with Izaak and Lib to lead sessions. He also works for Skimstone Arts, who are based in our building, as Project Youth Support Co-ordinator. He has a background in Marine Biology, and is passionate about research, conservation, and sharing his knowledge with the public.

Lib is moving into the role of Youth Worker, delivering meaningful youth activity for children and young people as part of the Shieldfield Youth Programme. This involves getting out and about meeting young people and their families, running weekly activities, monthly skills workshops, trips, and events. They first joined the NewBridge team in July 2023 as a Sessional Youth Worker. Alongside their work at NewBridge, Lib works freelance as a facilitator and artist in various settings including running Little Builders at The Farrell Centre.

Izaak is our new Youth Programme Producer, he oversees the planning, management and delivery of the Youth Programme across development, operations, administration and communication. Working closely with Lib and Raffa to design an engaging programme of activities that not only meets the needs of young people but has their voice and vision at its centre. Izaak is also an experienced facilitator and theatre maker who is passionate about championing the voices of LGBTQIA+ communities.

The Shieldfield Youth Programme is an ongoing programme of activity developed by Dwellbeing Shieldfield and The NewBridge Project in collaboration with young people living in Shieldfield. The summer programme of activities started up in July, overseen by this fabulous new team.