About Vanessa

Based in Hertfordshire, Vanessa first worked as a teacher, then qualified as  a youth worker at Leicester's De Montfort University, achieving a Master's Degree in Community Education. Prior to becoming a full time youth work consultant, author and deliverer of training courses, she held senior positions with Hertfordshire County Council. She is currently The National Youth Agency's leading author, has written for magazines and been involved in projects sponsored by the BBC.

Vanessa’s distinctive 'hands on' approach actively supports the creation, establishment and development of innovative work and projects, aimed to offer young people opportunities and experiences to which they otherwise wouldn't have access. She is particularly keen to identify the needs of those regarded as being 'at risk' and to design facilities to meet those needs. Additionally she has been an integral part of a wide range of services for young people including issue based and targeted street-based work.

Her resource books have become an invaluable toolkit for anyone working with young people aged 11-19. They are packed with ideas for activities and projects and form the basis for her training courses. Included in each book are specific suggestions for working with young people with disabilities, those with special educational needs and ideas for engaging with traditionally hard-to-reach groups.

Asked how she came to move into writing, she explains: "Through my own work I discovered lots of books that told me what youth work was, but very few that actually told me how to do it! I realised then that what practitioners really need are loads of good ideas for creative activities that will engage, interest and motivate young people across the entire youth work spectrum. I have tried to ensure that my books reflect my commitment and offer just that. If an activity hasn't been tried, tested and evaluated in the field, it will not be recommended until it has!"

Now, youth worker, author, trainer and consultant, Vanessa regularly works with County Councils, District Councils and other authorities all over the United Kingdom. She travels extensively throughout the UK to personally attend and take part in each and every commitment. You can also read her column in the national magazine "Youth Work Now".

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