Andy Richardson
Position: CEO
Role Description
Overall oversight of Uprising, working with the Trustees to ensure Uprising runs smoothly and efficiently on a day to day basis.
Favourite part of the job
Working alongside people who are passionate and dedicated to seeing lives transformed in Ashford, and having the opportunity to come alongside young people to encourage and change aspirations. I also enjoy power tools and CAT gives me the platform to use them although not as often as I would like!
Interesting Fact
From the age of 2-15 all I ate was marmite on toast for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As a result I have to have marmite on a daily basis otherwise I get withdrawal symptoms!
Lisa Bloomsar
Position: Youth Work Co-Ordinator
Role Description
I lead Uprising's alternative education programme Aspire. I am responsible for the day to day running of the programme and teaching and supporting the young people that attend the course.
Favourite part of the job
Seeing the progress that young people make whilst on the course and the sense of achievement they gain.
Interesting Fact
My hair has been every shade of red and I love every kind of doughnut invented.!
Isaac Rai
Position: Youth Work Co-Ordinator
Role Description
I lead Hang10 and Community Action for Uprising. I am responsible for the day to day running of these projects and making sure that we have a visible presence in Ashford.
Favourite part of the job
Playing football with young people on Hang10, who wouldn't like to get paid to do that!
Interesting Fact
I used to be a young person that attended Hang10 and I love marmalade!
Robert Bragg
Position: Youth Work Co-Ordinator
Role Description
I used to be part of a gang and God turned my life around. Now I share my story with young people across Kent through assemblies, workshops and mentoring about the realities of gang life and knife crime, through our Metanoia Project: Mind, Heart, Action.
I also support Uprisings other projects and enjoy supporting and encouraging young people in their personal, social and educational development, to help them reach their full potential in life.
Favourite part of the job
Building positive relationships with young people and encouraging them to make good choices, hopefully learning from my mistakes.
Interesting Fact
I have been to the top of the Hollywood Mountain, California, USA and had a Bible study.
Abi Wylie
Position: Youth Work Co-Ordinator
Role Description
I support Andy with the day to day running of Uprising helping with everything administrative. I also help deliver some sessions of Hang10.
Favourite part of the job
Going out on detached work and working with Young people on the streets of Ashford.
Interesting Fact
I lived in Northern Ireland for 10 Years.
Chris Marlowe
Position: Session Worker
Role Description
I help support the delivery of Aspire programmes, as well as Hang10 and Community Action Teams (CAT).
Favourite part of the job
I really enjoy working out in the community on CAT, there is nothing better than tackling a big patch of brambles!!
Interesting Fact
I completed the Aspire course 10 years ago and once ate 23 slices of pizza in one sitting!
Shirley Suwala-Suwalski
Position: Session Worker
Role Description
Supporting and encouraging our young people with their education and life skills.
Favourite part of the job
Seeing our young people grow and mature in their learning and personalities.
Interesting Fact
I absolutely love and adore food of all types and kinds but have to physically work hard so I can keep up my excessive eating habits! They call it balance I guess!!