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TRUSTEES
Chris Bruce-Morgan
I’m Chris, I have been a volunteer since 2018 at Thame Youth Projects Group (TYPG) and became a Trustee in 2023. I worked as a Paediatric Nurse for 40 years working in the NHS and retired in 2022. I was advised by colleagues to use my skills in retirement and decided to volunteer at TYPG and give back to the community. I am a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and qualified First Aider. I assist with setting up and organising activities including crafts, kitchen activities and board games. I find inspiration working with the young people of Thame providing activities, support and a safe place for them and I enjoy working with and supporting the other volunteers. Every week is different, full of interaction and laughter with the young people, as we often say the young people are not a problem to solve but a wonder to behold.
Paul Cowell
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I’m Paul, a trustee of TYPG, as well as a volunteer. I work with the other trustees to ensure that TYPG are able to provide a safe place for young people to be themselves, to have an opportunity to meet others, learn from new experiences. To be listened to and welcomed for the difference they bring.
My working life was spent within healthcare, working both in hospitals and the commercial sector. I have been lucky enough to live overseas. This has enabled me to see how young people in other cultures develop and learn with the focus for many being the family structure.
Why did I join TYPG? simple I believe the young people are our future and they should have every opportunity to grow and experience life to the full irrespective of their background. It is also clear that young people are often forgotten and in today’s world often find it difficult to express themselves or speak of their personal challenges. The team at TYPG are dedicated to supporting young people to attain the best they can be.
Linda Newton​
I am Linda, and I have the honour of serving as the Chair of TYPG.
In 2012, Thame Town Council approached us to establish youth work in Thame, and since then, we’ve worked diligently to deliver youth services across the town in various capacities.
I am deeply passionate about young people and believe they need space, time, and activities to support their development during their teenage years. My involvement in not only Thame Youth Projects but also Girlguiding and other youth initiatives has been extensive.
Volunteering for TYPG is truly a joy. With an incredible team, we have a lot of fun together. I firmly believe in our motto: “Young people are not a problem to solve but a wonder to behold.”
Alex Pazik
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I’m Alex, the Designated Safeguarding Lead for TYPG. My role is to promote the safety and welfare of everyone within the charity. For me, it’s about creating an environment where young people feel safe and comfortable to talk, knowing they will be listened to and supported.
I have been working in a safeguarding role within the Education sector since 2016, and I am fortunate to have found my calling and be able to truly say that I love my job and the work that I do. Human behaviour has always fascinated me, which lead me to read Clinical Psychology at University. My degree has been incredibly useful in my safeguarding role, particularly mental health, which the majority of young people I work with require support with.
I first started to volunteer as DSL for TYPG in 2020 and became a trustee in 2022. I bring my experience in safeguarding and my passion for supporting others to the charity and in return, I’ve had a lot of fun and laughter with some incredible people. I feel proud to be able to support the fantastic work of TYPG.
Linda Smith​
My name is Linda and I took over the role of Treasurer and Trustee for TYPG in July 2024.
My previous employment was in finance administration. I was Treasurer of the PTA for the local primary school, a local club, and part of the Build Committee and Treasurer and Bookings Secretary for the Girl Guide HQ.
My main role in TYPG is dealing with the day-to-day finances, maintaining accounts and submitting reports/returns for committee and annual meetings and charities commission, dealing with any salaries, ensuring compliance with the group’s finance policy and helping to arrange and facilitate ways of collecting funds for the group.
I am pleased to be part of TYPG, providing a safe environment where young people can meet, be given any support and advice they need and can take part in a variety of activities.
Sarah Welford
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My name is Sarah and I am a proud trustee at Thame Youth Project. I came on board to offer some assistance with marketing and fundraising, and I am looking forward to being a part of something exciting as the project moves forward.
I have worked for a small charity for a number of years, and I saw this as a great opportunity to pass on some of the knowledge I have gained to help another great cause. When we invest in our young people, they believe in themselves.
The youth project plays a pivotal role in the community. Being a teenager is a challenging time with lots of new experiences to navigate, the youth project gives young people a safe place to be during those times and most importantly there is fun and food!
​​If you are interested in joining our team then please take a look at our TYPG Trustees Role information sheet