Fay Wrixon Friend of YSS Expand Fay has been involved with YSS for the past eight years as a volunteer Appropriate Adult. Fay decided to become a Friend of YSS after being inspired by the important and active part YSS plays in helping a diverse range of people across Worcestershire, Shropshire, Hereford, Telford and Wrekin, and this also encourages her enthusiasm to promote the organisation at every available opportunity. A former broadcast journalist, Fay is now an independent ghost writer working from her home in rural Herefordshire.
Patricia Bradbury MBE JP DL Friend of YSS Expand Patricia was appointed in 1991 by Bromsgrove Magistrates’ Youth Panel as a member of the Management Committee of ISS (Intensive Support Scheme), which was a project of the Diocese of Worcestershire Board for Social Responsibility. The project was so successful that, in 2001, it became an independent charity, now known as YSS. Patricia was the first Chair of Trustees at YSS, serving from 1995 – 2007. She said: “I really enjoyed assisting with the transition that saw YSS become an independent charity. Seeing the vision of assisting the most disadvantaged young people in our society grow and flourish into all of the various projects undertaken today has given me much pleasure, and so I am delighted to be a Friend of YSS, continuing to promote the very valuable work the charity undertakes.”
Prof Saul Becker Friend oF YSS Expand Professor Saul Becker, Provost of the University of Sussex, has been researching and working with young carers for almost three decades. His 50 research studies, 500 publications and presentations, have had a direct impact on public awareness, laws, policies, services and practices in many countries. His work has exposed the impact that caring can have on children’s lives, psycho-social development, education, and their transitions to adulthood and employment. He is regarded internationally as the world leader in young carers research and as a passionate communicator and advocate for young carers. Professor Becker’s work focuses on ‘making an impact, for a better world’ – using research evidence through public engagement to deliver better policies and services to support young carers and their families. His focus is on the global as well as the local.
Ray Peel Friend of YSS Expand Ray commenced his business career in the Cheshire Agricultural Industry where he was involved with the local community and village Youth Club. He travelled worldwide in his employment to all parts of Africa and India assisting communities with control and eradication of health-threatening pests, protecting crops and distributing food to outlying areas. He later entered into the world of Tourism and the Airline business where he supported young people into work by way of apprenticeship. He became a Magistrate in 1986 sitting in Telford and South Shropshire Family and Adult Courts, where he served as Deputy Chair and later Chair of the Family Bench and also as a Magistrate Assessor through Worcester, Hereford and Shropshire. Ray became involved with YSS and joined the Board of Trustees, serving 11 years prior to retiring a short time ago. He feels remaining as a Friend offers further support and anyone who knows, or is close to YSS, will understand the dedication and tireless work the charity does in supporting the community through difficult times.
Bishop John Friend of YSS Expand Bishop John is Lord High Almoner and 113th Bishop of Worcester. In the latter role he is the chief pastor of the Diocese of Worcester, which has 280 churches across Worcestershire and Dudley. His previous posts include that of a Vicar on Inner City Tyneside and Chaplain of Harrow School. His first degree was in chemistry and he taught that subject before ordination. He is the Church of England’s Lead Bishop for Cathedrals and Church Buildings, which involves concern for the Church’s 16,000 or so parish churches across the nation.
Vanessa Briggs Friend of YSS Expand Vanessa graduated from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne with a politics degree. Her involvement with the voluntary sector has included being a Governor of two voluntary aided schools and a Director of a charitable trust. An active member of The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMP Birmingham, it is through her association with the prison that Vanessa was introduced to YSS. Married with three daughters and living near Worcester, Vanessa became aware of the work of YSS’ Worcestershire Young Carers service, and quickly decided to become a Friend of YSS to support young carers as well as those responsible for resettling ex-offenders into the community.
Paul West Friend of YSS Expand Paul West has 32 years of policing experience, including 13 years as a chief officer and eight years as the Chief Constable of West Mercia Police. Whilst serving as a Chief Constable, he led the national programme that introduced the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (more generally known as “Sarah’s Law”) in all 43 police forces in England and Wales. He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for distinguished police service in 2005. Upon retiring, in 2011 and 2012 he served as joint Director of the Indian Police Service Mid-Career Training Programme Phase IV, based at the National Police Academy in Hyderabad, India. Paul says: "I was aware of much of the good work that YSS undertook with young people during my time as Chief Constable and have been very pleased to see how the organisation's reach has broadened in more recent years, such that they now provide much needed support to a wide range of vulnerable and disadvantaged members of local communities in and around Worcestershire."