Our Team
The team at The Participation Works NW is more like a family. We welcome volunteers and key workers from all backgrounds and walks of life, and value diversity in what our team can give back to our young people, community and the individuals within it.
Our expertise means we have a great understanding of the needs and issues of young people, which enables us to deliver specific projects to address those needs by working in partnership with the young people themselves, their families and other community stakeholders.
Whilst our qualified Project Officers, Community Leads and Youth Workers bring qualifications and experience in their fields, we couldn’t do anything without our essential team of volunteers, who support in everything we do behind the scenes as well as out in the community.
Lynne Blackburn - Director
Lynne is a well-respected and highly passionate youth and community development professional, with over 20 years of experience in the field.
She has a real commitment for making a difference to the lives of those she works with, and involvement in youth and community work is her absolute passion. Skilled in the sourcing of/application for funding, and is able to use such resources to get out in the field to organise and deliver a range of community events and activities, where she has a reputation for engaging local people, building capacity, and bringing the community together.
Outside of work, Lynne enjoys weekends away, walking in the countryside & spending time with her family.
Emma Fuller - Project Co-ordinator & Lead Youth Worker
"Hi, I’m Emma, my job role for Participation Works is Project Coordinator, Lead Youth Worker and one of our DSLs. I have worked for Participation Works for over 12 years.
I initially started working on the Youth Bus, I now work in the office and deliver on our day time provision. Our day time provision looks at different topics to support young people, from transition to high school, aspirations and careers, health and wellbeing and SRE. My favourite part of my job is engaging with children and young people, being able to understand them and their lives, and hopefully, supporting them with any issues. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, my son Jack and our dog Alice. I like music, films and eating out!"
Jade Bond - Youth Worker
"Hi, I’m Jade. As well as working for Participation Works, I work for Brook (sexual health and well-being service) as an Education and Wellbeing specialist...
I work mainly with young people and vulnerable adults. I deliver education sessions in schools for whole classes or group sessions and also work on a 1:1 basis with young people. I organise and partake in outreach sessions within Blackburn and Darwen helping promote better sexual health to vulnerable groups and young people. This includes visiting youth clubs, colleges, hostels, health centres and day centres.
Within Participation Works, I work on some of our projects in schools doing sessions on healthy relationships, I also work on the Youth Bus in the evening and as part of our town centre detached team. I also help out with our youth panel and any new projects we could potentially deliver to young people
For the past 10 years my parents have fostered children and I have been hugely involved in supporting them. I see first hand the challenges young people face and I am proud to be a part of 2 companies that champion and support young people everyday. Out of work, I enjoy spending weekends away with my family and exploring our countrysides."
Cat Shaw - Youth Worker
"I have worked part-time for Participation Works since August 2022 - I work on the Space bus, Youth Futures project, Detached & School projects. I am also currently in my final 6 months of my Adult Nurse Training at UCLan, Burnley, I work for North West Ambulance Service in Manchester and Salford as an Enhanced First Responder. I used to work in arts and festival management prior to the pandemic. I love the variety of all my work.
The skills I bring to my role at PW are: * Passionate about youth work * Engaging and relatable to young people * Mental, Physical and Emotional Health and Wellbeing * Teaching RSE * Supporting young people with Autism/ADHD and learning disabilities * Being an advocate
Outside of work, my interests include my beautiful lurcher Bronte, keeping fit and getting out into the fresh air. I also love a good drama on TV."
Evie Wraight - Admin & Marketing Officer
"I have been working part-time for Participation Works since June 2022. My working background is in education, in both teaching & pastoral roles, and I have also voluntarily run a variety of community groups for many years. I have a passion for community work and the potential it has to positively impact so many lives in our communities; it is great to now work for an organisation which is doing just that.
As well as my role in admin & marketing, since September 2022 I have also been supporting one of our community projects, Make A Meal Of It. I have really loved getting to know the group of participants, providing support & teaching new cooking skills and recipes along the way.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, in the garden & on our allotment, as well as looking after my 14 chickens!"