I began volunteering as a youth worker in my local church in Birmingham over 40 years ago, where I quickly developed a passion for supporting young people to achieve their full potential. Since then, I have dedicated my career to youth and community development, working alongside individuals, families, and organisations to create opportunities and positive change.

My early career included fundraising and community development projects aimed at improving local neighbourhoods, as well as establishing a targeted youth work programme for young people who had been excluded from school. During this time, I also completed a degree at the University of Birmingham while continuing to develop community initiatives and raise my three children.

In 2003, my family and I relocated to Thornbury to work with a charitable organisation. I helped establish a new outreach charity, working directly with young people on the streets and in schools, and was involved in the Work2Learn programme, supporting young people at risk of becoming NEET by connecting them with meaningful work placements.

Serving others has always been a shared passion for my husband and me. Together, we ran two community-focused cafés in Thornbury, creating welcoming spaces that brought people together and supported both older residents and young people.

In 2013, I founded Krunch South West with the support of Krunch UK and a dedicated team of youth workers who shared a vision of reaching and supporting young people in our communities. More recently, I joined City of Bristol College as a lecturer, helping to develop the next generation of youth workers. I feel privileged to have spent my career supporting young people to overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and realise their potential.

I have been privileged to work with Krunch South West, and alongside Penny Baker, since our beginning in 2013, and it has been incredible to see both the organisation grow and the positive impact it has had on so many young people’s lives. As Operations Manager, my role now is to ensure the behind-the-scenes operations of the youth service run smoothly, maintaining high standards across our development work while leading the monitoring and evaluation of our services.

I particularly enjoy connecting with parents and helping make our opportunities accessible to a wide range of young people. I also value the chance to be involved in face-to-face work when needed, including one-to-one mentoring, small group sessions and summer activities, where I can see firsthand how we engage, equip and empower young people to thrive.

I live locally in Thornbury, and outside of work I enjoy exploring different forms of art, spending time with my adult children and family, watching a good box set, and going on plenty of long walks with my dog.

I am a passionate Delivery Co-ordinator at Krunch South West committed to empowering and inspiring young people to achieve their full potential. My role involves planning, co-ordinating and overseeing the day to day delivery of Krunch South West’s programmes and services. I enjoy walking alongside young people on their individual journeys, supporting their growth in confidence, resilience and self-belief, while celebrating every step of progress they make.

One of the aspects I value most about my role is the strong sense of community within our team. We maintain a professional approach while genuinely caring for one another, creating a supportive, family-like environment. This positive culture naturally extends to the young people we work with, helping to provide a safe, welcoming space where they feel valued, encouraged, and able to thrive.

Outside of work, I love spending quality time with my husband and our two children, creating special memories together as a family. I also enjoy singing at church, staying active through exercise, and spending time with friends on days out.

My name is Daisy, and I am the Lead Youth Worker at Krunch South West. I am passionate about supporting young people and love the variety my role brings, from mentoring in schools and leading youth clubs to connecting with the skate community. 

Having spent much of my own teenage years attending youth clubs and benefiting from the support of youth workers, I always knew I wanted a career where I could give back and make a difference in the community. After completing a degree in Youth Work and Community Development, I developed the skills and confidence to empower young people while gaining valuable experience volunteering at a youth club in Leicester. 

Over the past three years with Krunch, it has been a privilege to support young people, listen to their experiences and help ensure their voices are heard. I am excited for the opportunities ahead and to continue making a positive impact within the community.