Meet the team

Robin – Robin is Co-Founder and Director of Rise:61. It is his passion, expertise and commitment that drives the charity forward and ensures we provide the very best for young people. Robin has lived and worked on the estate for over 10 years and has been working with young people since 2005.

“I love helping young people grow and develop, as well as just hanging out with them and having fun. I am passionate about following Jesus and the difference he makes in people’s lives and I love being part of a local church. When I’m not working I enjoy going for walks, runs, swims and bike rides with my beautiful wife Emma and dog Alfie. I believe there is so much potential in this community to see positive life-giving clubs, activities and even businesses grow and I feel so lucky to be a part of that.”

Simon – Simon is our Bemerton Heath Bike Hub Manager. He’s a qualified bike mechanic, trained teacher and an incredible musician. His role involves overseeing our Bike Hub project, running bike mechanic sessions with local young people, and restoring and selling second hand bikes.

“During my time living in Bemerton Heath I have met some amazingly creative and energetic young people, and it’s been great seeing young people thrive through their involvement in the Bike Hub. When I’m not fixing bikes I love listening to and playing music, sharing meals with friends, trail running, and playing board games.”

Becks – Becks is our Creative Hub Manager. She makes sure the Creative Hub log cabin is equipped and ready to be filled with students in the daytime, and local young people in our after school Creative Club. Anything creative that young people want to have a go at, she tries to make happen! Becks is also our Volunteer Lead, Safeguarding Schools Liaison, and she does 1:1 mentoring.

“I’ve been a youth worker since 2009, and still love working with young people – the teenage years are so unique, intense, fun, yet complicated and often really hard. To be able to give quality attention and support to young people walking this stage of life is such a huge privilege! When I’m not working you’ll find me chasing after my two young sons, or lapping up nature somewhere, somehow!!“

Ben – Ben is our Active Hub Manager, overseeing detached youth work and our Active Club. His role involves engaging with young people, wherever they are, and discovering new projects to serve the young people in our community.

“I really love working for Rise:61, I’m excited to engage and get alongside young people in the heath! When not working for Rise:61 I am a Personal Trainer, and enjoy working with others to help them reach their healthy lifestyle goals, and training myself!”

Mike – Mike is a Co-Founder of Rise:61 who now works as Head of Operations. With a Business degree, Social Work masters and a background in social enterprise, fundraising and youth work he brings many skills together to support the operations of Rise:61 to run smoothly.

“It has been amazing being part of the team that has seen Rise:61 grow and develop since the start. I passionately believe in the potential of young people in this community. I mostly work remotely and visit every couple of months as I now live in Cornwall with my wife Ayelet and 3 young boys.”

Joe – Joe previously worked with youth for 4 years as an outdoor instructor and after completing a degree in Youth and Community work he joined Rise:61 in 2022. Joe is full of energy and ideas and you’ll see him working alongside young people in a range of settings including riding bikes, lifting weights or taking them on adventures. Joe also leads our Life Group with his wife Beth. 

“Working with the young people of Bemerton Heath is wonderful. I love being able to come alongside young people hear their stories and encourage them to reach their goals and potential. My faith in Jesus gives me hope and excitement for this community. When I’m not working you can usually find me doing something active with my wife or alternatively in a coffee shop with a good book.”

Beth – Beth has been working with youth since she stopped being one and started work with us in 2022! She loves working with young people and getting to know their story. She is a big fan of anything classified as fun, whether that be climbing, swimming, pottery making, painting or sitting in cafes. Beth is particularly passionate about mentoring young girls/women and finds she is often inspired by their courage, joy and strength..

“I love being a part of the Rise:61 team. There’s something pretty special about working in such a tight knit community and a massive part of that is getting to know the young people and their families through our clubs, events and Alternative Provision. The reason I’m in this job in the first place is because of my faith in Jesus. He’s shown me the importance of caring for those in your community. I am trying my best to follow his example of loving others, he is the one who grounds me and helps me see hope when things get tough. I hope I can share some of that hope in my role as a youth worker, even if that’s just by showing up!”

Danni – leads the trustee team and has extensive experience and skills in the areas of charity leadership, operations, and strategy planning. Danni is Chief Network Officer at the Trussell Trust, an anti-poverty charity that supports a community of food banks across the UK and works toward a future where no one needs to use a food bank to survive.

“I am really delighted to join the board at this exciting time as we explore our future strategy. Over the past few months as I have got to know the organisation more, I have been struck by the passion, commitment and calibre of the staff, trustee and volunteer team at Rise:61, and the excellence and integrity in which all the projects are carried out.”

Andy- brings a wealth of skills in finance, people management, youth work, safeguarding and charity governance to the trustee team. He is the Chief Executive of SMASH Youth Project in Swindon.

“I grew up in Salisbury and am delighted to be able to support Rise:61 with their incredible support and investment in young people. As a youth worker for approaching 20 years, I love their commitment to the area of Bemerton Heath and believe passionately in the team and they work they are engaged with.’

Liz- works in investment management and was a founding trustee of the Trussell Trust helping develop its network of foodbanks across the UK. She endeavours to help Rise:61 with its governance and writing grant applications.

“It’s a privilege to be a trustee of such a dynamic charity and to work alongside colleagues who have seen the need to build relationships and hope across Bemerton Heath. They are brimming over with God’s love for the community and are passionate about seeing lives changed and hope restored.”