Our team

Everyone who works with young people at Sidecic has the same short card: a line, a few points behind it, and the full story if you want it. Associates are named only if they choose.

John

Young People’s Service Lead

Useful rather than helpful. Think gym spotter, not personal trainer.

The second half changes every day. They are all sidekick jobs: each gets you to the destination without taking you there.

  • 23 years in youth and community work
  • A BA (Hons) in Educational Studies, and JNC-qualified in youth and community work
  • Schools, alternative provision, youth offending, substance use, family support, outreach and detached work
  • NHS contracted work, inspections and consultations, and Network Coach work across charity, public and private sectors
  • A sleep coach

I work with neurodivergent people to recognise their strengths, build connections that feel right for them, and find opportunities that matter to them. Relationships at home, in education and at work can be complicated, so I work alongside people to make sense of barriers, weigh up their options and decide their own next steps.

I also work with services, schools, colleges, organisations and communities to deepen their understanding of neurodiversity, improve accessibility and create spaces where neurodivergent people can belong and thrive.

I have 23 years in youth and community work, which is funny, because I never planned to get into it at all. At 16, I saw a TV programme about youth and community work and something clicked. With encouragement from a few people around me, I found my way in. Looking back, I should have seen it coming: mine was always the house where everyone was welcome, all at once.

I have a BA (Hons) in Educational Studies and I am a JNC-qualified youth and community worker. Over the years I’ve worked across schools, alternative provision, youth offending, substance use, family support, and outreach and detached youth work. I’ve delivered contracted work for the NHS, contributed to inspections and consultations, and worked as a Network Coach across charity, public and private sectors. Now I’m bringing all of that together as a social enterprise.

I aim to be useful rather than helpful. That might sound contrary, but the difference matters. Think driving instructor, not Uber: I won’t take you where you’re going, but I’ll be alongside you while you learn the route. Sometimes I’m more of a logistics coordinator, helping plan the journey even when I’m not in the car. I love developing tools and techniques with people, so they have what they need to get where they want to go.

I’m flexible, I love a challenge, and I’m at my best in a crisis or when bringing people together around a shared goal. I believe that people, families, professionals and services usually want the same thing, the best for the person at the centre, and I’m here to complement that, not compete with it.

The board has five equal seats: a Chair, a Finance Director, a Safeguarding and Quality Director, a Young People’s Voice and Influence Director, and the lead. Their cards go up as they join.