TJ Diaro

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Growing up was tough. I came from an area in London where youth violence was a recurring issue. From Postcode wars, to gang related issues, or even just random attacks, it was a consistent problem that, through the years, has almost become normalised within street culture. And for what?

After graduating from university, I decided to dedicated my time to helping and mentoring the next young Kings and Queens of today. I feel with the increase of youth violence and the more its being televised, it is important we teach them the ramifications of causing bodily harm to someone as well as what to do in a potentially life-threatening situation.

This is why I feel what we do at  Streetdoctors is vital in providing that necessary knowledge, giving them the confidence to help save more young lives that have fallen victim to street violence and maybe think even think twice about carrying a harmful weapon.

Sarah Bloxham

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I joined StreetDoctors in July 2020, after many years as a book publisher, and more recently as Business Manager of the training operation of a local hospice. Its courses were designed to give social care workers the skills and confidence to deliver great end of life care. I saw at first-hand how knowledge can inspire self-belief and empower people to achieve their full potential, and this is what attracted me to become part of the StreetDoctors movement. That, and having two sons who have been involved with youth violence, the youth justice system and various other adolescent services, and would have benefitted from our intervention (if only StreetDoctors had a team in Kent!).

I strongly believe in the transformative power of knowledge; that all young people do well if they can; and that support and encouragement are much more effective than judgement and punishment. It is both exciting and humbling to work with StreetDoctors delivery partners and volunteers in inspiring young people to stay safe, become more aware and grow in confidence; and I want to help reach every young person who needs us.

Jacqui Highfield

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I’m excited and honoured to be joining the Trustee Board for StreetDoctors having seen first-hand the positive outcomes achieved from the life-saving skills sessions delivered to young people within Youth Offending Services. I was so impressed by the energy and commitment of the StreetDoctors volunteers and am really looking forward to working with the Board to support them.

I have been working in the area of Serious Youth Violence for over a decade and am currently the Director of Programmes for Redthread – a charity that embeds specialist trauma and health informed youth workers into A&E departments in hospitals and other health settings across London, Nottingham and Birmingham.

Joanna Vidal

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I am passionate about volunteering and providing opportunities for others to give back to their community. SteetDoctors volunteers provide peer to peer teaching of life saving first aid for young people, where the next generation of healthcare professionals can inspire and encourage young people while also developing their own skills. The approach that involves young participants and volunteers learning from each other is what first attracted me to StreetDoctors. 

Having previously worked with young people in care I am a strong advocate for social justice; empowering young people to make decisions about their future and limitless potential. 

I have managed volunteers in various capacities over the last eight years, from local project level to national oversight. A common trait I have seen in all volunteers is their dedication, enthusiasm and empathy for others. StreetDoctors volunteers have these qualities and many more in abundance. I am privileged to work with them all. 

Dr Jasmine Fulcher

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Hi! My name is Jasmine (or Jaz as most people call me). I’m excited and honoured to become a Trustee. StreetDoctors is a charity very close to my heart; I’ve been a volunteer with them since 2014 and in that time have taken on various roles including Team Leader, research and development team lead, as well as delivering teaching sessions to young people across the country.

A bit about me… I was born and raised in South East London. I’m a junior doctor, qualified in 2019 and work in the NHS. I’m the first doctor in my family, so as you can imagine, it was (still is) a big deal for us all. Before becoming a doctor, I was a registered nurse, also within the NHS. I’m very proud of being a doctor and of my nursing background, but actually when I left school, I wanted to be an actor! I went to the BRIT school for performing arts and have a BTEC National Diploma in Theatre Arts.

I have always been passionate about justice and inclusivity, which is why I believe so strongly in the work that StreetDoctors as a charity does. Young people deserve to live a life free from fear and stigma. I like to think that the work we do with StreetDoctors, alongside other organisations, is helping little by little to create a world where young people are protected, respected and believe in their own power and potential.

Helen Berresford

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I am delighted to be joining StreetDoctors board of trustees. StreetDoctors delivers such important work around the country to give young people critical lifesaving skills. I am looking forward to working with the trustees, staff and volunteers to contribute wherever possible to the impact they make.

I have spent my career working to improve policy and practice for disadvantaged young people and adults. With over 15 years experience working in Parliament and the voluntary sector, including in charities such as Nacro, Save the Children, and women’s charity Platform 51, I have successfully influenced Government policy across a range of areas including equality, childcare and poverty.

Dr Shola Apena Rogers

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As a Londoner born and bred, I am passionate for working to support and empower young people within the community.

I am a Chartered Forensic Psychologist, Lecturer at University of Birmingham. I have worked as a practitioner and researcher within various contexts, including the criminal justice system, Children’s Social Care, NHS and voluntary sector to achieve impact and positive outcomes. I am also a Consultant Trainer delivering Motivational Interviewing, Adolescent Mental Health and Trauma Informed Practice training programmes.

I am keen to work with a charity like StreetDoctors, which harnesses the potential of their volunteers to really make a difference.

Dr Liam Fenn

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I am passionate about using data and research evidence to drive social change, and excited to join StreetDoctors given the charity’s commitment to impact evaluation and learning to support young people affected by youth violence in society.

I have worked in a variety of research and evaluation roles over the past ten years in the public and charity sector, and currently lead the Strategy and Insights team at Police Now, a charity with a mission to transform communities by recruiting, developing and inspiring leaders in policing.

Having recently completed a PhD in Sociology, I am enjoying having a little bit of extra time on my hands, which I mostly spend reading, running and playing golf. As a self-confessed foodie, I also love nothing more than spending time enjoying a good meal with family and friends.

Fauziya Lakhi

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I first joined StreetDoctors as a volunteer in September 2018, when I was impressed by the innovative way they tackle youth violence. After graduating with a BSc in Paramedic Science, I worked as a paramedic for a year but I was increasingly interested in my social action work, from running a community group in Hackney to being a StreetDoctors volunteer, so I was very excited at the opportunity to join the central team.

I was born and raised in Hackney, and coupled with my experiences as a paramedic, I have witnessed the effects of youth violence. I welcome this opportunity to enable young people to change their lives.

Gerard Mitchell

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I joined StreetDoctors in June 2020 following a decade working in fundraising for homelessness prevention in London. The central concept of StreetDoctors, that young people are part of the solution and not the problem, is a transformative approach that plays an important role in the holistic community response to youth violence. I’m proud to be part of the team of staff and volunteers working towards growing StreetDoctors and the impact we can have in empowering young people to be lifesavers in their communities.