URBAN PURSUIT EDUCATION - Key Persons
Aaron has a degree in youth work and over a decade's experience working with youth in different settings.
He grew up next to the sea and began surfing, then skateboarding, snowboarding, wakeboarding… anything with a board! He recently upgraded to a one wheeled electric skateboard which you might spot him riding around town on.
Job Titles:
- Education Lead & DSL ( Bristol )
Anna has been a part of the Urban Pursuit team since September 2018 and is the main point of contact for all the schools who are working with us in and around Bristol.
Anna is a qualified teacher with extensive experience working with vulnerable young people, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Anna is a keen climber and can often be found at one of the climbing walls around Bristol developing her skills.
Job Titles:
- Operations Manager ( Cardiff )
Dan has previously lived in New Zealand, working as a Bungy Master and spending his spare time surfing, kayaking and snow boarding.
Since being back in the UK, he has supported young people to deal with living with mental health issues. Dan is also trained as an Emergency Fire Fighter and is training to become a Royal Marines Commando Reservist.
Dan is a qualified teacher with over 20 years' experience of working with young people in youth work environments.
Dan oversees the development of several of the ‘big picture' elements of our organisation and loves to see things grow. Dan likes to keep a positive mindset and throws himself into whatever's in front of him - he's the only staff member to have ever needed an ambulance at work.
Job Titles:
- Office Administrator & PA to the CEO
Ellie joined us in 2019 in an ever-growing role helping the smooth-running of the organisation.
Ellie has a background in social work and seems to be able to handle everything that's thrown at her and more. She notices the details, makes sure everyone's included and is generally great to have around.
Emily is an enthusiastic leader who cares deeply about young people's development. She also co-leads Basecamp Adventure, inspiring young people's aspirations.
Emily loves travelling and is fluent in French and Italian, but we love it best when she speaks French in her northern accent!
Emma worked with young people for over 14 years in youth work and school settings.
She has a wealth of experience in the fields of mentoring and coaching. She is passionate about seeing young people realise their potential and daring to step out of their comfort zones. Emma loves outdoor adventure activities and particularly enjoys climbing, mountain biking, water sports and snowboarding.
Hamish is inspired by the power of experiences with the body and with nature to change people for the better, and looks to combine these tools as a youth worker at Urban Pursuit. Hamish started climbing at just about the same time he started walking. Since then, this passion has directed much of his life course, leading him to compete for Team GB, but also into the serenity and calm of remote outdoor places which he loves.
Jamal has worked with young people in various contexts over the last few years: from boarding schools to creative colleges.
In his spare time Jamal tends to focus his energy on music production, working on different projects for release over the next year or two. Jamal says, "I've found great pleasure in helping students achieve their potential across all areas of their lives! It's great to be able to get outdoors with Urban Pursuit whilst I spend a lot of my other time glued to my studio indoors!"
Job Titles:
- Operations Manager ( Bristol )
James worked in psychology research before moving into education and youth work over 6 years ago.
He is also a bike mechanic and has previously created further education programs employing bike mechanics tuition to engage young people. He also takes part in a range of outdoor activities, including climbing, hiking, skateboarding, and anything to do with bikes!
Jez joined Urban Pursuits in October 2023. He is a trained Maths and Economics teacher with 15 years of working with young people in a variety of settings including supporting many young people through their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Gold Expeditions in the Quantock Hills, Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia and the Lake District.
Jez loves running, cycling, climbing and hiking. He's currently training to be a climbing instructor and holistic massage therapist and recently spent three weeks hiking the Cambrian Way from Cardiff to Conway solo. Jez is energised by seeing young people experience the power of being active as an amazing tool for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and the positive change it can bring even in the most challenging circumstances.
Job Titles:
- Senior Adventure Youth Worker
As a qualified teacher, experienced sport and football coach, I'm a firm believer in the positive effects of exercise for young people. In my early twenties I was a full time teacher at Bristol City Robins Foundation, while qualifying to become a UEFA-B football coach.
This led me towards a dream of mine coaching football full time for the premier football academy in Malawi. After one year returning to England, I started a journey into Youth Work. Disrupted by lockdown my career changed as I picked up the tools and spent 3 years as a builder. Now I've put the tools down and am pleased to be working full time with Urban Pursuit. With a passion for sport and the outdoors I relish working with Urban Pursuit investing in and aiming to inspire the next generation of young people in and around Bristol.
Neil has over twenty years of experience working with young people, with 15 of those as a teacher and Assistant Headteacher in secondary schools.
He gave up his career to set up Urban Pursuit in 2011 and loves to see the change in young people's lives year on year. Neil has a strong passion for adrenaline and adventure activities. He is a qualified Mountain Leader, Climbing Instructor and Mountain Bike Leader and also loves snowboarding, BMX, and off-road driving.
Job Titles:
- Adventure Youth Worker / Sali Is a Highly Experienced Practitioner With a Deep Care for Our Young People Accompanied With High Energy, Enthusiasm and Fun
Sali loves being outdoors and active, especially teaching and competing within Taekwon-do and Kickboxing (she's a black belt!)
Soph is the one who keeps the finances in check at Urban Pursuit. It may take you a while to get to grips with her strong welsh accent and fast paced chatter, but Soph is great to have around. She is often found cycling around the Gower peninsula or on her local beach being walked by her golden retriever or digging to Australia with her son!
Tim has been with Urban Pursuit since October 2016. Tim is a trained teacher and brings a huge amount of energy and expertise to the team and has been involved in youth work for over 10 years.
Tim also spent 8 years in Uganda developing a youth sports club and managed a local youth football team that went on to play in the national league!
Job Titles:
- Senior Adventure Youth Worker
Since his degree in Outdoor Education Tom has worked with young people in a range of settings from residential schools, to the play sector to pastoral work in schools. His continued training since has focused on his interest in the therapeutic potential of nature.
He is passionate about the capacity for experiences in the outdoors to add meaning and connection to people's lives. Tom loves adventures in nature be it by foot, bike or canoe. The first outdoor activity that really captured him was climbing, particularly bouldering…when he is not outside Tom tends to be writing about it, as a locally published poet!
Tor started his youth work career as a Youth Circus Leader, but he's mostly given up the unicycle for mountain bikes now. A self proclaimed jack-of-all when it comes to adrenaline sports, there aren't many activities Tor won't throw himself headfirst into.
As a strong believer in the restorative power of the outdoors, Tor loves showing young people what nature can offer. "It's always a two-way conversation with our students. I help facilitate unique experiences and personal growth, and in return they remind me to be silly and to not take myself too seriously!"
Willow is a keen adventurer and has worked with young people across the globe!
Willow is driven by connection and has worked with young people in Morocco, India and Greece. She grew up in the woods and is always on the move: climbing trees, wild swimming, or throwing herself into the activities as a youth worker at Urban Pursuit.