About Us
Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw is a registered charity established in 1996.
The main purpose of the charity is to support young people aged between 8 - 25 years old within the Bassetlaw area to enable them to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. This may be as an individual, a club or organisation.
The charity has a Grant Giving Trust and can award small grants that support projects, ideas and experiences. Through support we want young people to adopt a positive mind set, develop skills, get involved and raise aspirations.
To apply for a grant, check the criteria and complete the relevant application form. Details of Board meetings where decisions are made are on our funding page.
To date the charity has awarded over £100,000 in grants.
Each year the charity holds numerous events to raise money to support its work. These include:
A creative showcase called Focus on You, a Fun Run/Walk, a Golf competition, a Quiz Night and a live band event. We are also involved with many community events that engage young people for example; Children’s Day, Ambitions (Careers/opportunities) event, Dance festivals and much more. Partnership work is key to the charity‘s development, we value the partnerships we have and continue to make, they are crucial to support the needs of young people in this area.
We recently sponsored the development of Worksop Junior Parkrun. This is a free 2K timed weekly event held at Worksop College. It is estimated that over 500 young people will take part this year. For more information click here.
Meet the Staff
Meet the Board
A bit about Noelle
Noelle has worked with young people since leaving school in a nursing, educating and supporting capacity. Trained as an NNEB, her previous employment includes working for the NHS and Nottinghamshire County Council.
“It has always been my passion to support young people, working for NCC, my job focused on providing opportunities for young people and their families particularly those who were disadvantaged”
“I believe that all young people can achieve, it is finding their strengths and providing the tools that will help them reach their full potential that is key”.
A bit about Ali
Ali has spent many years travelling the world with her husband who works alongside the British Forces. She has lived in countries including Hong Kong, The Falkland Islands, Germany and Scotland. For the last 16 years Ali has been a self-employed wedding, portrait and schools’ photographer which she absolutely loves. She also enjoys working 8 hours a week for the charity where she supports with Admin and Events Coordination.
A bit about Christopher
I am a recent first-class Accounting and Finance graduate from Durham University with practical experience in financial management, having volunteered as an Accounts Assistant at the Derbyshire Dyslexia Centre in 2024, where I helped manage invoices and reconcile accounts. At university, I have also served as Treasurer of my college football club, overseeing the club’s budget, sponsorships, and fundraising efforts. This blend of academic knowledge and hands-on finance experience has equipped me with strong skills in budgeting, reporting, and governance – all of which I am eager to apply in this role. Outside of his academics, I am an avid football enthusiast and enjoy staying active through sports. I’m passionate about giving back to the community and supporting the next generation. I strongly believe that every young person should have the chance to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. This conviction is what drew me to Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw’s mission of empowering youth to develop skills, adopt a positive mindset, and raise their aspirations. I am now excited to contribute my financial background and fresh perspective to FOYPiB.
A bit about Fran
Fran has been involved in Education and Community Regeneration for over 50 years. For the last few years I have worked part time on Strategic and Operational Projects for North Notts College.
Fran has always been involved in community development and raising aspirations, endeavouring to inspire ambition in both young people and adults. She is involved in a number of voluntary and community groups including BCVS, The Crossing, Worksop Priory Gatehouse Trust, Centre for Sport and Learning and Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw.
A bit about Susan
Sue is a former youth worker and centre manager in Bassetlaw, she now has a Local Government county wide post managing youth services for looked after and adopted young people. Sue has a passion for participation and consultation including the voice of young people. She is committed to supporting the charity to ensure young people in Bassetlaw have opportunities to reach their full potential.
A bit about Anuszka
Anuszka Parente is an award winning (former) Executive PA and Business Woman. She is the owner of Core Studio Pilates, providing Pilates Mat classes and Reformer 1:1's on the Welbeck Estate. Anuszka is the Patron, founder and first president of the Welbeck WI, now ‘Women of Welbeck’. She has held Trustee roles in the charitable sector nationally and as a passionate advocate for the local community she is also Patron at Aurora Wellbeing Services in Worksop. Anuszka lives at Welbeck Abbey, with her husband, two children and Kenny the Labrador.
A bit about Glyn
My responsibilities include the management of the Bassetlaw District Council Leisure Management Contract which encompasses four facilities including Worksop, Retford and Bircotes Leisure Centres as well as Kilton Forest Golf Course which is where I am based. In addition I also manage the Transform Schools Community Use contract which includes community provision of the Bassetlaw PFI comprehensive schools.
My experience within this industry has enabled me to develop strong working relationships with key partners to maximise community participation levels of local facilities and services.
A bit about Callum
Callum is the County Councillor for the Worksop North Division on Nottinghamshire County Council. Having been born and raised in Bassetlaw, including being involved in local sporting and activity groups as a young person, he is keen to make sure there are more opportunities for young people in Bassetlaw, so that others are able to reach their potential.
A bit about Deborah
After 35 years in the classroom, I’ve learned three things beyond doubt: young people are endlessly impressive, resilient and creative.
Now happily retired (and no longer haunted by the sound of the school bell), I finally have the time and energy to support young people in a new way and becoming a trustee feels like a natural next step. I bring decades of frontline experience, a realistic understanding of the challenges young people face, and a calm perspective honed by surviving parents’ evenings, curriculum changes, and the rise of interactive whiteboards.
I want to help young people thrive and ensure charities supporting them are well run, well governed, and actually make a difference. I offer experience, perspective, and the ability to stay calm in most situations — a skill perfected by my time in education and one I now deploy without the need to confiscate mobile phones!
A bit about Clayton
Involved in local charities that include The boot room Bassetlaw, From The Heart Charity and In Sam's Name. Main focus is to improve individual's wellbeing and access to activities. Through partnership working and being active within the local community we have supported over several thousand individuals locally through the work of these charities. Fundraised through sponsored events including, skydiving, long distant walking, colour dash runs and everybody's favourite raffles and tombola's. Though skydiving was the best experience being able to be part of the Baton Of Hope has been the most enjoyable.
A bit about Rachel
I’m Rachel, Mum to 6 incredible children and wife of Carl. when I’m not busy being a mum and wife, I’m very passionate about supporting children and young people with their mental health. My company is called Absoluteness Ltd and is all about inspiring change and giving children and young people a voice. I have my own private practice at the Retford Enterprise and also provide support to children and young people impacted by domestic abuse on behalf of Women’s Aid Nottinghamshire. This project involves me working in a number of schools all around Nottinghamshire delivering specialist support to some of the most vulnerable children and young people. I take great pride in my work and I’m very passionate about what I do. I was recently awarded the Sally Canning coaching and mentoring award which at the women’s business awards which I am extremely proud of. I’m really excited about the opportunity of joining Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw. As a trustee I hope to bring energy and new ideas as well as dedication to helping to ensure that young people are provided with opportunities to adopt a positive mind set, develop skills, get involved and raise their aspirations.
A bit about Heather
I have worked in youth and community roles for 25 years, in the whole of Nottinghamshire but predominantly in Bassetlaw. I am a parent and grandparent and have raised my own children in the area. They are now both adults. I still work face to face with young people for Notts county council and am constantly amazed by how children and young people can teach us things. It is important to me to support youngsters in their hopes and dreams and to help them reach their full potential. I have been involved with charities in the past to help with fundraising for premature babies and bereaved parents. I even shaved my head for charity once, although now I prefer supporting children and young people in other ways.
A bit about Jennifer
Hi I am Jennifer, I have always had a passion for developing people. My background is in human resources working in both the private and public sector.
I believe in supporting young people to bring out their full potential to be the best at what they can do. I have been a reading volunteer for doorstep library which supports children to improve on their reading and I am also a volunteer mentor for CIPD Trust where I support Young people to prepare for employment. I am a very down to earth person, and I am excited about being part of this charity where I can contribute to developing young people skills to reach their full potential.
A bit about Jennifer
Hi I am Jennifer, I have always had a passion for developing people. My background is in human resources working in both the private and public sector.
I believe in supporting young people to bring out their full potential to be the best at what they can do. I have been a reading volunteer for doorstep library which supports children to improve on their reading and I am also a volunteer mentor for CIPD Trust where I support Young people to prepare for employment. I am a very down to earth person, and I am excited about being part of this charity where I can contribute to developing young people skills to reach their full potential.
A bit about Lucy
Alongside studying at medical school, I’ve spent years working with young people to help them access higher education, find confidence in their ambitions and navigate the world of opportunities beyond school! Having volunteered in a variety of projects both locally and abroad, I've found a love for travel and getting involved in activities that allow me to do more of what I enjoy. Whether it’s hiking up something steep, disappearing on a last-minute trip, or saying “yes” to anything that involves trying a new food, I’ve earned my reputation as the resident adventurer! Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw have supported me first-hand in the past and so I am no stranger to the difference that this charity can have on the lives of young people. I am passionate about supporting the charity in creating more opportunities to allow each and every young person to reach their full potential.
A bit about Rhona
Rhona has worked within health and care for over 30 years, during which time she has acquired the experience of working across and within communities. She has experience of boards and governance that is transferrable to the charity. She provides a wealth of experience in strategic planning, analysis and delivery of complex transformation across systems. Her key strengths is engaging and working with people to make a difference. She is committed to supporting the charity to ensure young people in Bassetlaw have opportunities to reach their full potential.
A bit about Cllr. John
Councillor Hana John is representative for the Blyth and Harworth Division and serves as the Cabinet Member for Education and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Nottinghamshire County Council. Since her appointment to the Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw board in July 2025, she has focused on bridging the gap between local policy and community support, ensuring that young people in Bassetlaw have the resources and advocacy needed to reach their full potential. Her approach to governance is rooted in transparency and partnership; she actively works to align council resources with the needs of local charities to improve life chances for children and youth. Whether through her leadership on the Corporate Parenting Panel or her role in regional skills committees, Cllr John remains a steadfast champion for inclusive education and empowered youth, dedicated to fostering a community where every young person feels heard and supported.
Sarah Machin
Vice President
Linda Jackson
Vice President
