Meet the Team

Our experienced team are passionate about supporting children and young people.  Our ethos, ‘You are valued, You are Welcome, You Belong’ is the heartbeat of our organisation and guides all our interactions.

This is us

We are a wonderful mix of stories, backgrounds and personalities at Krunch West Midlands.  All robustly trained, with our own specialisms, our team work hard as a collective to serve local children, supporting their needs with compassion and dignity and a big dose of fun!

Mark Cavell

Centre Director
WM LEADERSHIP TEAM
CENTRE DIRECTOR
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I have worked in leadership roles within charities in the UK and internationally for over 12 years. Before moving into the charity sector, I worked in banking and structural engineering.

I believe no experience is ever wasted, and that lessons from the past can positively shape the decisions we make today. 

I love working at Krunch and am passionate about supporting the team to deliver high-quality services for children and young people, while also ensuring staff have space to reflect, learn and grow.

I believe the most effective services are delivered by organisations with healthy cultures, and I am proud that Krunch is one of them. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, discovering new places, creating experiences and enjoying good food.

Lynsey Grant

Services Manager
WM LEADERSHIP TEAM
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I have a background in education and as Krunch West Midland’s Services Manager my primary focus is safeguarding and developing services that positively impact young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.

I strongly believe that listening carefully to children and young people with genuine interest can change lives. Feeling heard is the foundation of trust, and this belief underpins all the support delivered by our therapeutic mentors.

I am passionate about creating services that are safe, responsive and centred around the needs of young people. Supporting the team to deliver high-quality, meaningful work is a core part of my role.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, good friends and my dog. I love travelling to new places – and you might occasionally hear me singing too!

Wayne

Senior Mentor
WM LEADERSHIP TEAM
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My journey into this work began through volunteering at my local church and developed into youth work across Birmingham, supporting children and young people in a variety of settings.

These experiences led me to my current role as Senior Mentor at Krunch West Midlands, where working alongside young people is where I feel most fulfilled. I believe every young person deserves to be heard, valued and supported to become the best version of themselves.

I’m passionate about helping young people build confidence, develop healthy relationships and strengthen their emotional wellbeing so they can make positive choices for their future.

Being part of Krunch allows me to see first-hand how encouragement, guidance and consistent support can grow hope, resilience and self-belief. Outside of work, I enjoy action movies, anime and Marvel films, gaming with my son, going to the gym, cycling and spending time with friends and family.

Jean

Office Administrator
WM LEADERSHIP TEAM
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Welcome! I’m often one of the first faces you’ll see at Krunch West Midlands, as part of my role involves covering reception.

You’ll always receive a warm welcome – and usually an offer of tea or coffee – as we aim to help everyone feel comfortable and at ease.

You may have already spoken to me via email or phone to arrange a meeting, so it’s always nice to put a face to the name. One of the things I enjoy most about my role is meeting visitors, getting to know them and hearing how they are.

It’s especially rewarding to see young people grow in confidence as they progress through their mentoring sessions. Being part of that journey is a real privilege.

Ed

Senior Therapist
WM COUNSELLORS
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I am a Senior Therapist with a deep-rooted passion for mental health and the impact it has on young people’s lives. My journey began in 2001 as a volunteer in youth clubs, before becoming part of the mentoring team in 2003. As a counsellor and mental health professional, I love coming alongside people, creating safe spaces where people can feel valued and listened to.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me outside enjoying nature, gardening or heading out for a walk with my dog, who keeps me well entertained. I’m also a big football fan (from the stands, not the pitch) and enjoy watching my team as often as I can.

Esmie

Mentor
WM MENTORS
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I believe acceptance, understanding and care are essential foundations for young people to grow in confidence, build resilience and feel truly valued. Being able to offer this support is a real privilege, and at the heart of everything I do is the belief that every young person’s voice matters.

My journey with Krunch West Midlands began through a personal connection to supporting young people with SEN. This quickly grew into a passion, leading me to train as a SENCO and take on a SEN lead role within the team.

I’m always searching for new tools and resources to help mentees thrive – my desk is often covered in fidget toys. With a background in fashion, textiles and youth work, creativity plays a big role in how I connect with young people. Outside of work, I enjoy long dog walks, good food and time with my family.

Jennie

Mentor
WM MENTORS
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I’ve lived in the Black Country all my life, as have generations of my family. I’m a mum to three teenagers and have over 20 years’ experience working in education.

Alongside my role at Krunch West Midlands, I’m currently studying Psychology, which deepens my understanding of how children and young people learn and develop.

When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy writing, singing, travelling when I can, and spending time with family and friends. I have a real love for animals and enjoy being around them whenever possible. A fun fact about me is that I dream of travelling the world one day – and perhaps even living life on a canal boat!

Lianne

Mentor
WM MENTORS
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I enjoy living a simple life and spending quality time with friends, family, and travelling whenever I can. After having children, I returned to education and completed my Level 2 and 3 Counselling qualifications, which strengthened my understanding of how to support others.

Before joining Krunch West Midlands, I volunteered with a youth group for several years, where I discovered my passion for working with young people and realised this was my calling. I love my role and the opportunity to help young people recognise their strengths, overcome challenges and make positive changes.

Building strong relationships is at the heart of my work, and I enjoy learning about each young person’s interests and using these as a foundation for growth. Whether through creative activities, practical skills or meaningful conversations, I aim to make every interaction supportive, empowering and encouraging.

Lisa

Mentor
WM MENTORS
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I am passionate about supporting young people as they discover who they are and learn to respect themselves and others.

My work is driven by a commitment to equality, healing and growth, and I believe that understanding healthy relationships – with ourselves and with others – is essential to wellbeing.

I have over 20 years of experience working with children and young people in a wide range of roles. This includes supporting young people who have been exploited, autistic children, looked-after children, and those displaying harmful sexual behaviours.

My career has given me the privilege of working across the UK, as well as within community projects in New York and the slums of India. I bring compassion, experience and a trauma-informed approach to all my mentoring work.

Nessa

Mentor
WM MENTORS
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With over 40 years of experience in childcare and education, I am deeply committed to supporting the wellbeing and personal development of children and young people.

My work focuses on empowering individuals to build self-esteem, practise self-care and strengthen emotional resilience.

I support young people through structured activities, discussion and accredited learning units, helping them recognise their strengths and celebrate their achievements.

I believe encouragement, reflection and positive reinforcement play a vital role in helping young people grow in confidence and self-belief. Alongside my professional work, creativity is a huge passion of mine.

I enjoy expressing myself through poetry, baking, art and songwriting, and I often bring this creative mindset into my mentoring work.

Rebecca

Mentor
WM MENTORS
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I am a creative mentor with a background in print design, and I love experimenting with colour, texture and pattern. I have a strong interest in therapeutic arts and enjoy exploring how creativity and colour theory can help young people express emotions and work through their feelings.

When I’m not crafting or planning my next project, I’m usually watching a good film or searching for a cheap flight for my next adventure.

I believe surroundings – both people and places – have a powerful impact on wellbeing, and I’m always looking to learn, grow and explore.

I love mentoring because of its face-to-face approach and see myself as empathic, approachable and adaptable. I aim to bring joy, creativity and fun into my work.

Sarah

Mentor
WM MENTORS
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I have a background in fostering and experience working with trauma, SEN and teaching sign language.

I strongly believe in giving young people a voice and creating safe spaces where they feel able to express themselves and explore their hopes for the future.

Building trusting relationships and supporting young people to become the best versions of themselves is central to my work. I enjoy connecting with young people and supporting them as they develop confidence, resilience and self-belief.

Outside of work, I love travelling, especially to warm places, and I’m an avid reader. I have a big family and enjoy spending time together, sharing fun experiences and good food. I also love animals of all kinds and have several family pets – so you’ll often find me watching cute animal videos!

Support Krunch

Help us Krunch all the good numbers

900
+

We’re proud to have supported over 900 children and young people this year.

4550

We have offered 4550 sessions, ranging from one-to-one mentoring to youth clubs and school holiday activities.

27

Our staff team now numbers 27 – a fantastic group of passionate individuals united by a shared commitment to the wellbeing of young people.

Testimonials

Krunch consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism. Their approach is structured, with robust outcome measures in place, ensuring accountability and impact. What truly sets them apart is the dedication and skill of their mentors, who bring genuine passion and expertise to their work with young people. They build meaningful relationships, offer consistent support, and help children navigate complex challenges with empathy and care. Krunch is a valued partner in our efforts to provide early, effective interventions that make a lasting difference.

Head of Youth Justice and Interventions
WM

I have worked with Krunch for many years in my role in the police. Their consistency has always been to a very high standard, even though we all have faced financial challenges and cut backs. 

They have always had the ‘let’s see how we can help’ attitude which has always put their organisation at the forefront of any issues, concerns or projects we have in mind.

Sandwell Police Officer
WM

Krunch has a wealth of knowledge, which is backed by a good reputation and years of experience delivering services in Sandwell. Krunch’s longevity in the sector is a testimony to their reliability and understanding of local needs and challenges. A strength is in consistent and professional staff who have strong values ensure that every child and young person receives meaningful, compassionate, and effective support.

Sandwell Police Officer
WM

Mentoring has helped me greatly, I now feel more confident and brave and feel better about myself. I now understand how to control my emotions and anxiety.

Young Person
One-to-One Therapeutic Mentoring

Krunch mentors go above and beyond their mentoring role to support students at the college. Their support goes further than the mentoring sessions and mentors truly care for the young people they are working with.

One-to-One Therapeutic Mentoring

Krunch staff can work with and engage lots of young people who have a variety of different needs and tailor their support to fit that young person. Krunch also provides feedback and works well in tandem with other organisations.

Local Education Authority
One-to-One Therapeutic Mentoring

Krunch offer insightful and supportive work with young people. Krunch staff are often more successful in forging positive relationships with young people, building trust quickly and providing opportunities for the young person to open up.

School Pastoral Lead
Real Respect

I’ve had a lovely time with Krunch. I always looked forward to sessions, and they’ve overall had a very positive impact on my life.

Young person
Hands Off! Thinking On!

I love Krunch because of how I can get stuff of my chest and having someone to talk to and who actually listens to me. I feel more welcome and feel my better about myself. It helps a lot.

Young person
LGBTQ+ Youth Group

I am very grateful for my mentor as they helped me realise a lot of things about myself and the people around me. I really valued their advice as I could tell they were a genuine person and would not judge me based on what I shared.

Young person
One-to-One Therapeutic Mentoring

Krunch provide a vital service to our learners helping them to overcome emotional difficulties that affect their learning. Lynsey and Mark are very supportive of the college as a whole, listening to feedback and being flexible when needed. We have a long-established relationship with Krunch and look forward to continuing this partnership.

College Assistant Principal
One-to-One Therapeutic Mentoring