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 15 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 Sarah
Sarah is a Youth Worker, currently working as a Youth Voice and Influence Worker. Sarah works to championing the voice of young people, ensuring their experiences and views are valued, and at the heart of decision making. She has a passion for improving the lives of young people and empowering people from marginalised and underserved communities. Her vision is to ensure services are inclusive and accessible to all. She was diagnosed with epilepsy in her 20s and is keen to give back to her community. Improving young people's life chances is really important, to build aspirations and inspire hope through the charity.
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.
Rhona Collins
Trustee
Deborah Ducey
Trustee
Cllr. Hana John
Trustee
Lucy Easton
Trustee
Sarah Machin
Vice President
Linda Jackson
Vice President
