Greetings! I’m Debz - the newest addition to the Matrix, joining the team as ‘School’s Relational Worker and NEET Support Worker.’ I’m 24 years old, originally from Essex and graduated in October from a degree in Youth & Community Work and Applied Theology with Centre for Youth Ministry.

My role with the Matrix is primarily within two different settings; Guildford County School, and leading the ASPIRE course alongside Ewan. My work in Guildford County primarily involves getting alongside the young people to support, encourage and advise them as they encounter the many difficult situations that life throws at them as teenagers. Whether this involves being a listening ear, a friendly face, a source of information/advice or someone to chat with about something on their minds my hope is that I am able to demonstrate the love, hope and acceptance of God to these young people in a real and practical way.

The other part of my role involves leading ASPIRE; a course that works with young people considered NEET. The course provides an opportunity for them to be offered individual and group support as they work their way through sessions that enable and encourage them to develop confidence in themselves and the skills required to introduce them back into education, employment or training.

My first 2 and a half weeks with the Matrix have been a whirlwind of information as I am getting to grips with how life as part of this wonderful team works. As a newbie to Guildford I am gradually finding my way around, with my sat-nav making fewer appearances as time goes by! (A massive achievement for someone with no sense of direction!) Meeting new people, navigating my way around the corridors of County school and sussing out the coffee shops in Guildford have been a great way to spend my first couple of weeks here, and although overwhelming at times I am excited about all that the coming weeks and months have to offer.

As I get stuck into life in Guildford and learn more about the different projects to get involved in, the prospect of journeying alongside young people as they re-dream their dreams, unlock their potential and discover the freedom of living life in all its fullness is an exciting one that I am very much looking forward to being a part of!