Meet Joel: the creative engine behind many of our arts programmes.

From mural projects to mentoring young talent, Joel’s vision shapes much of what we do at the Youth Zone.

Q: What inspires your work with young people?

A: I’m a trained drama teacher with a background in creative engagement in the arts. When I was 16, I was a young leader for my local youth club, taking primary school children on trips and hosting activities for them.

This was my first taste of youth work really and throughout my career in every role I’ve always looked back on those moments.

I knew I wanted to work with young people combining youth work with the arts, celebrating culture of drama, music, visual arts and more. The inspiration is giving young people new opportunities and sharing my passion with others.

Q: Favourite moment this year?

A: In the three-and-a-half months I have worked at the Youth Zone, I have been lucky enough to have had lots of brilliant moments.

On a Friday night Seniors session, we decided to spontaneously take all of the instruments up to the roof to have a rooftop jam. The sun was shining and the backdrop of Warrington accompanied by young people playing music, singing, and dancing was a really nice moment and one I’ll remember for a very long time.

Q: What exciting things are happening at the Youth Zone this year?

A: Lots of brilliant things are happening!

We are celebrating our 3rd birthday on Saturday 5 July and having a festival-themed party full of music, performances and activity.

We also have our upcoming production of Macbeth, being performed next month in Hill Cliffe Church Hall, which our performing arts group have been working incredibly hard on.

I’ve also been working on our VPX Days (Victoria Park Experience Days), which will be events every Wednesday in August across Warrington Town Centre, designed for young people to play and have fun over the summer holidays.

Joel brings heart, humour, and serious skill to our team. We’re lucky to have him – and now you know why.