Let’s start with some introductions… 

Hi, I’m John, Community Youthworker for Cirencester. I’ve been in youthwork for around 15 years, both paid and voluntary. In that time I’ve worked in various settings including (as some people may remember) The Door and in churches. I recently moved back to Gloucestershire and am pleased to have found a role back with The Door team.

And I’m Maddie, Community Youthworker for Fairford and Lechlade. My background is in Psychology with an interest in forensic mental health. After I finished my Masters I was exploring my options for jobs and heard about The Door through my family. This role opened up and here I am!

Welcome both of you! So, what does Community Youthwork mean for you?

J: It’s about taking a holistic approach to youth delivery by partnering with the community and advocating for young people’s provision and voice.

M: Exactly it’s all about being active in the local community, networking and immersing yourself in the life of the towns and villages. It’s about getting to know the local young people so we can best support their needs and serve their community.

The Door is new to the areas you are working in, what are you most looking forward to?

M: I’m looking forward to creating a youth club in these areas, a safe space where the young people can find familiarity and a sense of family.

I’m excited to be working in a brand new space, and be figuring it out alongside the young people. It’s going to be new to them and new to us. I can’t wait to establish a core group of young people in the youth centre.

And John What about you?

J: I’m looking forward to actually hitting the ground and getting stuck into some detached youthwork in Cirencester. This will help us better understand the local young people and discern the best way to support them.

Sounds like you both have some big plans moving forward. What challenges do you think you might have ahead?

J: For me I think it will be establishing youth club sessions and arranging all the practical resources for our youthwork. We don’t yet know what that will look like in Cirencester.

M: For me it’s the pressure to be starting something from scratch and making sure that our youth clubs feel like home while sharing buildings with the wider community. 

Thank you, now onto the somewhat less serious questions…

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be

M: Lot’s of people will probably disagree with me but I would want loads of fruit! 

J: Steak.

As simple as that

J: Yes.

Ok now onto sports teams who do you follow?

J: Football, Arsenal. NFL the Texans, ILP Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gloucester Rugby.

Just a few! Maddie how about you?

M: I don’t really follow any teams but my brother supports Arsenal, so if there is a match on that’s who I’ll be cheering for.

And finally.. do you have a quote or verse to leave us with?

J: Titus 2:11-14 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us to set us free from every kind of lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are truly his, who are eager to do good.”

M: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending”

Thank you