Alasdair is the Chief Executive of local leisure trust, KAL, as well as a trustee of TSL Kirklees and Huddersfield BID (Huddersfield Business Improvement District)
Our Journey
KYA was formed in response to the dismantling of Kirklees Council’s Youth Service in 2017, brought about by cuts in Council funding under the Government’s “austerity” policy.
Concerned individuals (including some of our current Trustees) came together to develop proposals to support VCSE sector youth provision across the district. This led to the formation of a steering group in Autumn 2017.
In early 2018, the steering group was successful in securing funding for a Development Manager.
Our Incorporation
In 2018, engagement took place with existing VCS youth organisations. An informal network of the organisations was formed and a newsletter began to connect members to funding, training and partnership opportunities.
In 2019, KYA network members delivered their first Healthy Holidays Programme, co-ordinated by the KYA core team and funded by Kirklees Council.
After 3 years based with “host” organisation, TSL Kirklees, KYA registered as an independent CIO with the Charity Commission in October 2020.
Our Vision is for...
A vibrant community youth sector across Kirklees.
Our Mission is to...
Support the delivery of high quality out-of-school youth work and positive activities, in the heart of communities, that encourages the development of all young people’s life skills and enables them to play an active role in society
Our Aims
1. To work with partners to develop strong collaborative community youth offers across Kirklees.
2. To be the voice and influence of the sector in local, regional and national strategic partnerships.
3. To identify and pursue funding and opportunities to develop youth-led programmes delivered by member VCSE organisations.
Our Trustees
The CIO is overseen by a dedicated group of voluntary Trustees, who are
committed to trying to improve local provision for young people across Kirklees.
The Trustees bring a wealth of experience, from a range of backgrounds.
Alasdair Brown
Former Student’s Union President and University Governor, Adam, runs local CIC, Eden’s Forest. He is passionate about outdoor learning. As well as working with them, Adam has 11 children of his own!!
Adam Waterman
A qualified youth worker with a PGCE in Lifelong learning, Kim has 12 years’ experience of working with young people. She is passionate about marginalised groups and leads KYA on E, D and I
Kim Bedeau-White
With a degree in Business and Finance and a passion for the Third Sector, Louanne is a director of social enterprise, SEE Ahead, which provides specialist business support to other VCSE organisations.
Louanne Roberts
Former PE teacher, Maureen, is a senior manager at Huddersfield Town AFC Foundation where she leads on NCS provision and is their Head of Children in Care. Maureen leads on safeguarding for KYA.
Maureen Quinn
One of the founding fathers of KYA, Umar has a raft of experience of grassroots and local authority youth work. He is also a Director of the Yorkshire Cricket Board and a High School Governor.
Umar Rafiq
As well as being the Chairman of a long-established Huddersfield company supplying the textile industry, Ian has served on the committee of Central Youth Club for over 25 years.
Ian Brierley
Jean is a Senior Lecturer in Youth & Community Work at the University of Huddersfield and has been involved in Youth & Community Work practice, training and education since 1982.
Jean Hatton
Our Staff
After a 24 year career in social housing management and child safeguarding, Susan is now passionate about community youth work and the positive impact it can have on young people.
Susan Greenwood
Following a master’s degree in strategic human resource management, Alice now helps to co-ordinate the School’s Out! HAF Programme. In her spare time, Alice enjoys mindfulness projects such as embroidery