All change in the IGNITE team at VANEL

We’re into year two of our Reaching Communities programme – IGNITE. And it’s been a time of change recently as the staff team delivering IGNITE alters.

Helen Pickett and Chris Luckman were with us for the first year of the programme but at the end of August both of them left VANEL for pastures new. Helen flew off to a month holidaying in Australia before heading back to college to start retraining as a medical student to further her longer term ambitions to become a midwife. Chris had a more restrained holiday in Edinburgh after leaving us before exploring new options. We’re very grateful to them both for all their efforts over the past year and wish them both well for the future.

So the structure of the team this year is different. Whilst Jenny Hodson continues to manage the project and the two key Youth Leadership Workers – Victoria Russell and Lisa Anderson – will continue throughout the programme, we’ve now been joined by four new team members – our Mentors. They are part time with VANEL whilst they continue their studies and academic research but they’ll get experience with us whilst working with the young volunteer leaders that IGNITE seek out and support.

So welcome to our four new Mentors – Nicole, Jean-Louis, Danielle and Ellie. Their introductions are below.

Hi my name is Jean-Louis Plaatjies and I am a Youth Leadership Mentor as part of the VANEL’s IGNITE team. I am currently in my 3rd year of studying Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Hull. Additionally, I am also the President of the Athletics and Cross- Country team at the University. One unusual fact about me is that I was born on Valentine’s Day. My areas of interests include sports, nature documentaries and RnB. jean-louis@vanel.org.uk

Hello, my name is Danielle Short and I am very excited to be part of the IGNITE team. I have a background in business and retail. I have recently completed my Masters’ degree in Business Management through Hull University and I am currently working towards gaining my teaching qualification. I worked in retail for 6 years locally and have a number of links with local organisations. My skills include marketing and business administration. I have an interest in cars and enjoy going to track events and shows across the country and locally. I am looking forward to getting involved with young people and improving their skills and helping with their development. danielle@vanel.org.uk

My name is Nicole Kowal and I am a 3rd year Psychology student at The University Centre Grimsby. I am a leadership mentor at VANEL as part of the IGNITE team. I have done a range of volunteer work with organisations such as Foresight and working in schools with a wide range of disabled and varied aged young people. My hobbies include basketball and reading in my spare time. nicole@vanel.org.uk

I’m Ellie James; I am studying Primary Education at the University of Hull to become a teacher. Every summer I work as a leader on the NCS programme and I have an aim to bring IGNITE and NCS closer together for future projects! ellie@vanel.org.uk