Our Team
Meet the team who make Holt Youth Project what it is!
Julie Alford BEM
Co-founder and Manager
Julie established the youth group 35 years ago in her own home in Holt with passion and dedication. After the opening of the Project’s purpose-built building in 2004 Julie has managed and supported the team to create and deliver the vital service it provides today. Julie is very proud of all the Project has achieved and puts this down to the amazing young people and their energy, to her they will always come first.
“The greatest reward is empowering young people to achieve their dreams and aspirations whatever their background or need”
Jamie Merritt
Senior Youth Practitioner & Wellbeing Mentor
Joined the team in 2006. Jamie is a highly experienced member of the team who is qualified in Gym Instruction, Youth Work, Mentoring and Teacher Training. Jamie heads up the Health Hut, Men’s group and supports Young Carers. He plans and delivers youth sessions to all age groups providing support and leadership within the programmes.
“I get a lot of satisfaction from helping young people grow and flourish, being able to watch them gain power over their lives and achieve their potential is a privilege to watch.”
Lisa Pittingale
Senior Youth Practitioner & Education Co-ordinator
Lisa joined the team in 2009. Lisa is a highly experienced member of the team who is qualified in Children and Youth Work, Mentoring, Teacher Training and trained in Beauty Therapy. Lisa currently heads up the delivery and management of our City and Guilds qualifications and delivers youth work.
“I love being able to open doors and create long-lasting memories for young people, I find their way of looking at life infectious. My job is certainly never boring!”
Vicki Alford
Senior Youth Practitioner & Young Carers Co-ordinator
Joined the team in 2019 with a background in IT Service Management and experience running a small photography business. Vicki feels her years as a Mum to five is really what has equipped her with the experience and skills needed to support young people. She holds a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling skills and is currently studying to be a qualified Counsellor.
“Young people are amazing! I love their energy and am always in awe of the potential I see in them every day.”
Sira Bailey
Carers Support Co-ordinator
Sira joins our team with childcare experience a plenty! She is a mum to two teenagers herself and has worked with children ranging in age from babies to school age in a variety of settings as well as for a charity supporting young adults with learning disabilities.
Sira has also trained in Children’s Yoga & Mindfulness and brings a calm, fun and caring nature with her.
Ben Ranner
Assistant Youth Practitioner
Ben joined our team in May 2023. Ben had previously volunteered for another charity as a youth worker and found he could relate to and mentor young people. His experiences allowed him to understand and sympathise with young people. Ben will be an asset to our team.
“To be a part of their growth and development is the biggest privilege and I am proud to be part of the team.”
Will Campbell
Assistant Youth Practitioner
Will joined the team in 2022. He is a qualified teacher and enjoys working with young people and families. He is interested in how people learn and likes to come up with fresh solutions to boost the potential, skills and confidence of individuals. He is also a published author.
“It is great seeing that moment when true learning happens and the young person becomes the hero”
Hannah Roper
Activity Co-ordinator
Hannah joined the team in March 2024. She is used to a fast paced, fun environment as she has three children of her own. Hannah will be in our craft and cooking area planning fun crafts for everyone to do.
“I believe young people are our future! So I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to give back to the community and make a difference.”
Martin Garrard
Assistant Youth Practitioner
Martin runs a family business in Holt with his partner that has been established since 1973, he is well known in the community and joined the team in May 2024.
“I’ve wanted to be involved with Holt Youth Project for a while, so I was over the moon when I got a job with them. I love working with the different groups especially the REBOOT young mens. I feel I have a lot to offer young people.”
Sharon Hannah
Assistant Youth Practitioner
Sharon joined the team in May 2024. Sharon has a background in working with children and young people with complex needs. Growing up in Holt herself, Sharon is very keen to make a positive impact on the children and young people of Holt and surrounding villages.
“I am over the moon to be part of the team at Holt Youth Project a truly unique youth service.”
Adehl Brown
Personal Assistant for Julie Alford
Adehl recently joined the team at Holt Youth Project in March 2024, as Personal Assistant to Julie.
With many years’ experience providing administrative support throughout her career, working within Charity organisation, health service environment and more recently hospitality.
She enjoys working with this worthwhile project, who are supporting the young people in the local community .
Mairi Long
Office Finance Administrator
Mairi joined the team in November 2023 with many years’ of experience in Accounts & Administration assists where needed in the project.
“Although not actively involved with groups or activities, it gives me great pleasure to be part of the team and seeing just how beneficial the services of Holt Youth Project are for the young people from behind the scenes”
Our Trustees
Meet the Holt Youth Project Trustees!
Stuart Ross
Stuart has recently become our newly appointed Deputy Chairman. He has served as a dedicated volunteer since 2006. His commitment to the evening youth hubs has been priceless, always offering to support the young people wherever he can. Stuart has singlehandedly raised money for the Project. Stuart is very much respected by the young people and is a real asset to the Project.
Nigel Flower BA
Secretary & Safeguarding Representative
Nigel brings with him a wealth of knowledge and support after retiring from his job as Pastoral Head and Interim Head at Gresham’s School. His sound advice and support is vital to the smooth running of the Project.
Sue Roberts MA
Sue is a valuable asset to the Project. She has a passion for young people especially those who need additional support. The energy Sue brings to the Project reflects positively on the young people helping them to achieve their goals. Sue also helps with fundraising.
Colin Scoles MBE
Colin has been with the Project since its conception. He brings to the Project hard work, dedication and commitment. Colin is an all-rounder helping where ever he can. His larger than life character means there is always energy and a feeling of” get up and go” whenever he is around.
Georgina Sargent
Having grown up in Norfolk, in 2019 Georgina came back to live near Holt with her husband and two children. She runs her own Africa travel business and having supported a number of projects both locally and abroad, is a key member of the fundraising team.
Charles Barratt DL
Charles has been High Sheriff of Norfolk, a Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, an Honorary Doctor of Civil Law at the UEA, and is High Steward of Norwich Cathedral.
He has been heavily involved in Norfolk Charities for the last 40 years, having been Chairman of Norfolk Victim Support, Chairman of the Norfolk Community Foundation, Chairman of the Friends of Norwich Cathedral and was Deputy Chairman of Priscilla Bacon Hospice – having been a major funder raiser for all, including many other Charities in Norfolk.
In his leisure time enjoys the countryside on his farm, and golf at Brancaster but most of all: walking and talking to his dogs.
Rodney Smith
Rodney became a trustee late 2019. Rodney is a Councillor at Holt Town Council. He is active across the community as a member of the Holt Lights Committee, Holt 1940s Weekend Committee, and a Member of the ‘Love Holt’ team. Rodney provides a direct and valuable link with the Holt Town Council, local groups, residents, and business.
Tom Hume
Chairman
Tom brings enthusiasm and passion for helping and supporting young people to develop and reach their potential. His business experience contributes to the running of the charity and he is an occasional fundraiser with various sporting challenges. Most recently this culminated in him completing a solo swim across the English channel.
Roger Unite
Treasurer
A qualified Chartered Accountant, Roger had spent many years specialising in the Charity sector before retiring to Norfolk. He joined the team in 2021. He hopes to ensure the Project remains on a firm financial footing. In what is left of his spare time, he can often be found birdwatching on the Norfolk coast.
Mark Nicholas MBE DL
Mark was born in Norwich in 1976. He studied at UEA and King’s College London. Until 2016 Mark served in the British Army.
Mark is currently Managing Director of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association which promotes and supports food production, farming and the countryside in Norfolk. He is a trustee of the Food & Farming Discovery Trust, Royal Norfolk Regiment Association and Museum and, until 2023, he was Chairman of the Board of Governors Langley School. He is a fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. Mark and his family live in Holt.
Our Patrons
Meet the Holt Youth Project Patrons!
Charlie & Caroline Barratt
Robert DL & Charlotte Carter
Lady Dannatt MBE
Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk
Lady Anwen Hurt
Sir Norman Lamb & Lady Mary Lamb
Adel MacNicol
Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk
Nigel & Sandra Worthington
Former Norwich City Manager
Duncan Baker
Our Activity Groups
See what activity groups we offer in the list below!
