"I'm Walking A Life"
"Whitney Spoken Word"
"Young People Performing A Song"
"Be good to be close to family and those supporting you"
"Intelligence is more than School smart"
"Young people aren't out of reach. Services are out of reach"
"I just tried to stay out of trouble, connect with family and friends and get early release"
"The word education isn't a great word"
"Young people need a second chance"
"If someone's got something to lose they will fight to keep it"
"Don't judge a book by its cover"
"Knowing your rights and entitlements means you feel more empowered"
"If I complain, I don't think anything will happen"
"The long term affect is massive, but the decision is based on the judges mood"
"Young people should be involved from the beginning"
We work in partnership with young people to design and develop our work. “No decision about me, without me” is one of our core principles. When we say “we”, we include young people in that – there’s no ‘them’ and ‘us’.
Our Advisory and Trustee Boards include people with experience of care and youth justice systems, Youth Justice Academics, Youth Offending Team Managers, and professionals from the media and digital, private and third sectors.
NICOLA KIDSTON – Deputy CEO and Head of Programmes
Nic is responsible for all aspects of the delivery work of the charity. She has over 20 years experience working with young people across the charity sector leading programmes in youth justice, youth homelessness, social action and in education sectors. She came to Peer Power having been a senior leader at The Bell Foundation and before that as Director of Programme and Partnership The Foyer Federation.
She is committed to creating positive futures with young people and is energised by creating strong collaborative partnerships to innovate, scale and embed approaches to achieve national impact.
She is a Trustee and fellow at Clore Social Leadership and has a keen interest in developing social leaders, particularly young people.
Outside work Nic enjoys outdoor adventures with her family, is a keen cyclist and yogi and is a member of a choir.
MARVIN WALLACE – Head of Finance and Operations
Marvin is responsible for overseeing and leading on Finance and Operations through Peer Power’s activities.
Prior to Peer Power he worked in the non-profit sector for over 10 years in Finance and Operations across a varied range of charitable projects.
Outside of work, Marvin has a keen interest in empathy and wellbeing and would be completely lost without his headphones and Spotify!
LUCY HILL – Operations Manager
Lucy is responsible for facilities, operations and HR at Peer Power’s busy office and supports the youth engagement team with their projects.
With a background in broadcast media she came to Peer Power in October 2017 to put her skills to use within the charity sector.
Lucy is also a musician and spends the rest of her time writing, recording and performing music with her band.
HOLLIE HARTLEY – Youth Engagement and Co-Production Manager
Hollie joined Peer Power after nine years at the Lyric, Hammersmith where she led the theatre’s targeted programmes for at risk and vulnerable young people. Hollie is passionate about building relationships with young people and ensuring they have a voice and platform to share their stories. She also brings her experience of the creative arts to Peer Power and is excited to develop the charity’s vision for social change.
JOSHUA OKUNLOLA – Training, Learning and Development Lead
Joshua is responsible for co-delivery and co-development of training. His background is in education, particularly in working with schools to support young people who display challenging behaviour and/or SEMH needs.
Outside of work, Joshua has a keen interest in fitness and boxes regularly. When he isn’t boxing he is spending time with his wife and five children.
JAKE EDWARDS – Digital Media & Communications Manager
Jake is responsible for leading on Communications, working closely with Young Partners to tell their own stories on their terms, and to communicate the changes and solutions they want to see in the world. He also works on digital media creation, building positive relationships with press, and sharing the message of Peer Power with the world.
They joined Peer Power in 2021 following two years working in communications within the LGBTQ+ charity sector. He has a background in vlogging, social media and activism, using various mediums to talk about gender and sexuality.
Jake loves coffee, long weekend walks with his partner and watching musicals.
RIA PEREZ – Peer Engagement Worker
Ria is responsible for pastoral work and the engagement of young people. Ria has worked with young people in various settings, particularly in creative spaces, including Battersea Arts Centre and the Lyric, Hammersmith. Outside work, she loves spending time with family and friends and enjoys travelling to new places.
TJ Dairo – Peer Engagement Worker
Tj, alongside Ria is also responsible for the pastoral care and engagement of our young partners throughout their time with Peer Power and beyond. As well as that, Tj will be working on a few projects, mostly centred around Peer Power’s violence reduction work.
Tj is a youth worker and a passionate advocate for youth and social justice, mentoring and supporting young people across a variety of organisations and settings. Outside work, Tj is an outdoor enthusiast with a deep love for landscapes and outdoor extreme sports.
KATIE JONES – Fundraiser
Katie supports Peer Power with fundraising one day a week. She has over 15 years of fundraising and business development experience across the charitable and higher education sectors. She now works freelance for six small charities in the youth, women’s and health sectors, where she is passionate about making a difference.
Outside work, Katie loves walking her dogs and horse riding with her daughter, going to gigs with her husband, and cooking for friends.
ALESHA MCKENZIE – Administrative Assistant
Alesha is responsible for administrative work at Peer Power. Alesha is passionate about the mental health and wellbeing of young people. Alesha has previously worked with young people from a range of backgrounds. Outside of work, Alesha enjoys singing, self-care, and spending time with her family.
LISA LOVELL – Senior Youth Engagement Coordinator
Lisa has over 30 years experience of working with young people and the wider community, with a background in youth engagement\education, safeguarding and community safety from a local authority perspective.
Lisa’s passion is building connections with people, and the power of social change both collective and individual. Ensuring voices of those who are underrepresented are represented and heard.
Outside of work Lisa’s passions are; promoting positive mental health through singing, cooking for the community, theatre, performing and writing.
Peer Power Youth CIO is a charity registered in England and Wales, no 1167758