Our Team

Shine Youth is a team of dedicated, trained and regularly supervised individuals, most of whom are volunteers from counselling, teaching and youth work backgrounds. The team has a strong reputation of supporting students and delivering training in schools across Solihull over the past 4 years. The difference our work has made, along with the advice and professionalism of our staff and volunteers, has been praised by staff in schools.

Every staff member and volunteer have Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates and complete initial NSPCC and regular, in-house Safeguarding training delivered by qualified and experienced practitioners alongside that delivered by Solihull Safeguarding Children Partnership. All team members receive regular case supervision and training in a range of relevant areas.

CHERYL - CEO

Cheryl brings a wealth of experience to her role from her previous work as an advisory teacher for a Local Authority Virtual School, as a senior children and families social worker and as a secondary school teacher. “It is an immense privilege for us to sit alongside young people as they share what is difficult and then see them become more peaceful, confident, resilient and happier!”

LUKE - Therapeutic Services Manager

Luke is a qualified therapist with extensive experience of working in Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and a Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) Team as an individual and a family therapist.

He is also a Clinical Supervisor.

GILL - Wellbeing Lead

Gill has 20 years experience as a teacher and has been a Pastoral Mentor for 10 years. Gill is running a variety of Wellbeing Groups for teenagers to learn and become equipped to develop their strengths and manage things like anxiety well. She also works with our YOUTH VOICE groups of 12 - 18 year olds to ensure the voices of young people are at the heart of what we do. “I love inspiring young people to see them thrive.”

JAMES - Youth Worker

James has 10 years experience as a youth worker, as a Pastoral Mentor supporting bereaved teenagers and running a youth club for boys with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis. He loves running the Wellbeing Cafe and delivering Wellbeing and YOUTH VOICE Groups. “Having been supported by youth workers myself between the ages of 15-20 years old, I am passionate about supporting, caring and making a difference in the lives of young people.”

BETH - Youth Worker

ANDY - Counsellor (BACP)

SARAH - Counsellor (MNCPS)

LIZ - Data & Finance Administrator

Liz is our invaluable asset in the office. She brings a range of business skills to managing all of the administration, data and financial processing for Shine Youth. “I love being part of a team that’s making such a difference to its community.”

JENNIFER - Trustee (Chair)

Following a successful career as Human Resources Manager, Jennifer now runs her own coaching business and is also involved in careers education for secondary school students. “I love meeting some incredible young people and witnessing their resilience and courage to overcome their challenges.”

ZOE - Trustee (Treasurer)

Zoe is a qualified accountant and the Business Manager of a Multi-Academy Education Trust. “The valuable service Shine Youth provides listening and supporting young people in times of struggle is such a worthwhile cause and it is immensely rewarding to help young people thrive.”

Volunteer Pastoral Mentors, Wellbeing Group & Wellbeing Cafe team members

The majority of our volunteers are from counselling, teaching and youth work backgrounds. They are all selected for their warm personalities, excellent listening skills and ability to facilitate young people exploring their own story and creatively identifying positive change within their situations.