Hi Ed! You joined Brathay back in January 2025 – what were your first impressions, and have they changed at all over the past six months?

When I first joined Brathay, I was struck by the genuine passion and commitment of the team. Everyone I met seemed deeply driven by the shared mission of making a real difference in young people's lives. Six months in, that impression hasn’t changed – if anything, it’s been reinforced. What has developed is my appreciation of just how broad Brathay’s CYP work is – from schools and communities to targeted youth programmes – and how each piece connects to create long-term impact.

What’s it like being the School and Communities Delivery Lead? Can you give us a snapshot of what a typical day looks like for you?

No two days are the same, which is one of the best and most challenging parts of the role. One day I might be planning a residential experience with a school, and the next I’m out on site working directly with young people. There's also plenty of coordination behind the scenes – working with delivery staff, liaising with partners, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. It’s a dynamic mix of strategic planning and hands-on delivery, which keeps me engaged and linked to the real-world impact of our work which I love.

Why do you think outdoor experiences and residentials matter so much for young people today?

More than ever, young people need space to step away from the pressures of everyday life – school, social media, and home challenges. Outdoor experiences and residentials at Brathay offer a unique opportunity to reset, build confidence, and develop vital life skills like teamwork, resilience, and self-awareness. There’s something powerful about being in nature, away from familiar surroundings, that helps young people open up and grow.

Is there a particular moment or breakthrough during a residential that’s really stuck with you?

Yes – there was one young person who arrived on a residential barely speaking a word, clearly anxious and disconnected. By the end of the week, not only had they taken part in every activity, but they also stood up during the final evening reflection and shared what the experience had meant to them. Watching that transformation was a reminder of why this work matters – it’s often the small, quiet breakthroughs that have the biggest impact.

And when you're not at work, how do you like to spend your time?

I’m a big fan of the outdoors myself, so I try to get on the lakes, in the rivers and high in the mountains. I don’t mind too much what I do as long as it gets me out and about! Over the last few years, I have had a young family with me, so I am enjoying seeing them experience the things I love for the first time.

And finally, if you were deserted on an island, what one thing would you absolutely want with you?

A wind up or solar-powered audio book player… I have always used audiobooks as a way to relax and it would help me adjust to life on the island. Harry Potter books and The Lord of the Rings have helped me sleep for years.

If you want to know more about working at Brathay, visit www.brathay.org.uk/about/vacancies.