Our Staff
Bright Futures team are all fully trained and experienced professionals from various backgrounds providing individual skills and professional qualifications.
Joined Bright Futures in 2012
Dominique joined Bright Futures in April 2012 graduating from Sunderland University Community & Youth Work degree. Dominique has experience of delivering youth work sessions, one to one education and prevention work and designing accredited programmes for the organisation.
In her role as a youth worker, Dominique embodies empathy and understanding, creating a safe and supportive space for young people to explore their potential and overcome challenges.
Dominique recently qualified as an IDVA – Independent Domestic Violence Advocate and has a passion in working with women and girls, particularly those who are victims of abuse. Dominique plays a pivotal role in steering projects towards success, empowering young women towards a brighter future.
“As a Youth Worker at Bright Futures I am passionate about developing the organistion. I have seen the organisation grow and develop during the period of time I have worked there enabling me to further my skills, learning and knowledge within my role. Being able to work with young people and their families allows me to build strong trusting relationships, whilst the young people go through their transition.”
Joined Bright Futures in 2014
Hannah Woodward is a full–time project worker at Bright Futures. Hannah is an Advanced Child Sexual Exploitation Practitioner and is also studying for her BA in Community and Youth Work Studies, through a degree apprenticeship at Sunderland University; where Hannah won Apprentice of the Year 2025.
Hannah’s journey with Bright Futures began as a service user after being referred to the charity after being subject to abuse. Hannah turned her pain into purpose, developing and leading the Girls Standing Up project. Hannah is passionate about empowering young women and creating spaces where they feel valued, confident, and strong. Over the years Hannah has grown from apprentice to project worker and now has extensive experience delivering quality youth work sessions and specialist CSE support, with her level 4 ACSEP qualification.
"Bright Futures isn’t just where I work—it’s a part of who I am. I feel incredibly grateful to be in a role that allows me to empower young women every day while continuing to grow and develop as a youth worker. Winning Apprentice of the Year 2025 was an incredible achievement, but my greatest reward is working for a charity that truly defines who I am. "
Joined Bright Futures in 2024
Claire joined us in May 2024 as a mental health project worker. Claire’s passion is delivering quality mental health programmes to young children and young adults, advocating for SEND parents and supporting families in their journey through parenting & childhood.
Claire has worked for Nudge Education as an Education Advocate, supporting young children who were chronically disengaged from school. She then went on to support young children wishing South Tyneside primary schools, delivering emotional well-being programmes on a weekly basis through her Relax Kids South Tyneside business. She has previously worked with Bright Futures delivering Relax Kids classes on a 6-week rotation and enjoyed working with the young women.
Claire and Ellen now support numerous young women with the She Leads mental health programme Claire also leads the Women Standing Up Project, which helps women network together and support the younger generation.
Joined Bright Futures in 2013
Lianne works full time, supporting young people on a one to one basis around healthy relationships and exploitation. Lianne also run’s lunch time drop in’s, delivers presentations and informal education in local secondary schools during the day.
On an evening Lianne is apart of Girls Standing up project, Mini ambassadors and generic youth work provision. When there are no group’s in Lianne is out with the team hitting hot spot area of anti social behaviour looking to engage more young people in opportunities such as social action projects, sports, key funds and more.
Whilst attending weekly sessions Lianne likes to look to develop new groups and opportunities, attending training to keep up to date knowledge to deliver to the best of her ability.
“I am passionate about my work and love helping young people develop and grow. Having grown up in South Tyneside I am aware of the limited opportunities for young people in today’s society. Due to receiving support from Bright Futures I have been able to build up my skills, knowledge and confidence and I can now support young women in a similar situation I found myself in. I am happy to be part of the Bright Futures and give others a Brighter Future.”
Joined Bright Futures in 2019
Toni works part-time over the course of four days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. She graduated from the University of Sunderland in 2018 with a degree in Community and Youth Work Studies. Before joining the team at Bright Futures Toni volunteered as a mentor at The Children’s Society/ SCARPA Project in Newcastle City Centre where she supported young people at risk of CSE and CCE. Regarding previous employment Toni worked with the homeless community and predominantly those aged 16-24 at The Key Project in South Tyneside.
Toni began her career at Bright Futures as a detached/outreach worker working with young people on an evening to deliver informal education, accredited courses, positive activities and social action projects. Over the last 5 years Toni has been involved in delivering school assemblies, facilitating school drop in’s and classroom teaching. A big element of Toni’s role involves working with young people on a one-to-one basis to deliver our ‘Young Women’s Healthy Relationship’ Guide which covers healthy relationships, grooming and online safety. In 2022 Toni was nominated by The Key and shortlisted for NE Youth’s ‘Youth Worker of The Year Award’. Most recently Toni has completed a Level 4 Diploma in Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Training through The Survivor’s Trust.
“Throughout my career, I have taken every opportunity to support my practice and understanding of current trends, political agendas and all legislation that relates to the work I do. I am grateful for being given the opportunity to work alongside the team at Bright Futures.”
Joined Bright Futures in 2018
Ellen is a Project Worker at Bright Futures and began by volunteering in 2018 after graduating from Northumbria University with a BA Hons Degree in Criminology and wanting to gain some experience working with young people. She spent time volunteering, learning new skills and developing partnerships with other agencies and after 12 months volunteering, became an employee at Bright Futures.
Ellen has completed numerous training courses including advanced child sexual exploitation training with NWG to help support the delivery of education work with young people on a 1-1 and group work basis in schools and throughout the community. Ellen has helped to deliver various projects including the Mini Ambassadors, Ladies Group, evening youth work groups and Girls Standing Up throughout her time here.
Most recently, Ellen has worked alongside Claire to develop our She Leads course and is now our dedicated Young Person’s Mental Health lead, supporting young people with their mental health and wellbeing through a range of different resources and activities
“I love working at Bright Futures, no two days are the same and it gives me the opportunity to work on a range of different projects, developing my skills and knowledge around ongoing issues for young people. It’s great to see young peoples confidence develop and their self-esteem grow from their time spent with Bright Futures.”
“Working at Bright Futures has given me the opportunity to work on a 1:1 basis with young women, to focus on their needs and to develop a package of support to address those needs. It’s so rewarding to help girls and women to work through issues that are preventing them from reaching their full potential, and to empower them to achieve positive outcomes.”
“I am so grateful to be working as part of such a lovely, supportive team. From the first group session I attended, as a young mum, my motivation and confidence has come on leaps and bounds. I was very enthusiastic to help young people in similar situations to myself and support the best way I can. Seeing the mums develop, mentally, socially and emotionally and building trusting relationships with them, gives me great job satisfaction.”
Joined Bright Futures in 2021
Whilst I was studying my Public Health Degree at Sunderland University 2016-2019, I had to carry out a placement within the community. After days researching various charities and organisations within South Tyneside, the one charity that I felt very passionate for was Bright Futures. I was lucky enough to be taken on and started my placement the next week.
After finishing my degree, I was very fortunate to then become a paid member of staff for Bright Futures and join of the amazing team in 2021. Within my job role: I am involved in various projects: running the lady’s group, evening provision groups, supporting girls with CSE education, GSU programme and weekly school drop ins.
“I really love working as part of the Bright Futures team, I am very passionate about the courses we deliver to the young women within South Tyneside. Feeling like you’re making just a small difference could be a massive one to many of our clients.”
Joined Bright Futures in 2019
Ellie joined the Bright Futures team in January 2022 and volunteered for 10 months with Bright Futures, while at university studying Health and Social Care, before becoming an employee. Ellie always had a passion for working in schools with young people who needed extra support and when given the opportunity to volunteer at school drop ins delivering education to groups of young people, was excited to get involved.
Since then, Ellie has become a part time project worker within the team, delivering youth groups across the many projects that Bright Futures offer. Including the Girls Standing Up project, mini ambassadors, school drop ins, evening youth groups and detached work out in the community. Ellie has led on many projects and loves helping young people reach their full potential.
Alongside this, Ellie works on a 1:1 basis supporting young people at risk of grooming and exploitation, offering prevention education work, after completing her Level 3 Advanced Practitioner in Exploitation and Grooming training course. Supporting young people in schools across South Tyneside and out in the community.
“Bright Futures has never felt like work to me. Every day is unique and allows me to work on different projects and try new techniques, gaining a wide experience with young people.
“Being given the opportunity to support young women with issues I have not long ago faced myself and use my skills and experiences to support and educate other young women on important topics such as healthy relationships and grooming, is extremely rewarding. Being that supportive person in a young woman’s life is inspiring to me, that I get to be a part of their journey, watching their self-esteem and confidence grow into strong females””
Jessica Lamb
Part-Time Project Manager
Joined Bright Futures in 2023
Jess is a part-time Project worker at Bright Futures. Jess is a dedicated early years worker with a comprehensive background in children’s services, safeguarding, and foster care. Since joining Bright Futures in September 2023, Jess has focused on driving positive change in the lives of those she has supported by offering tailored guidance and assistance. Jess’s caring nature and love for children enable her to achieve positive outcomes for those she works work with. Jess also provides support to 1:1 clients on an as-needed basis and helps individuals with education, training, and employment opportunities. Additionally, Jess works late with evening groups, including fitness sessions, to promote overall well-being. Jess’s extensive experience equips her to contribute meaningfully to the team, ensuring that every individual feels respected and empowered.
“I really enjoy my work at Bright Futures. I love the friendly atmosphere and enjoy talking to the clients when they attend their groups at the Hub. It’s great to hear them chat, laugh and join in with others who may have experienced the same challenges and pressures. It is a very rewarding role.”
Miriam Smith
Office Manager
Joined Bright Futures in 2024
Miriam joined Bright Futures in January 2024 and works part-time over three days – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Miriam was unfortunately made redundant after 21 years in the construction / building services industry before working as a Personal Assistant for the NHS. However, she felt she needed a change of direction and wanted to work in a more informal, personal, hands on environment which she found here at Bright Futures.
“I really enjoy my work at Bright Futures. I love the friendly atmosphere and enjoy talking to the clients when they attend their groups at the Hub. It’s great to hear them chat, laugh and join in with others who may have experienced the same challenges and pressures. It is a very rewarding role.”
Gain skills and experience
Peer educators are involved in delivering educational group work sessions and accredited courses
Learn At Your Own Pace
Our courses can be completed at a pace that suits you and can be adapted to meet your individual support needs
Accredited centre with One Awards
We are an accredited centre with One Awards, which enables us to offer a wide range of qualified courses.
Want to learn more?
If you are interested in any of our courses please contact us on the following: