Naomi Sutton, Practice Manager, REACH (Targeted Support Service)
I started working with children and young people as a volunteer in 2009. Soon after this I started my youth work training, completing my placements in a number of youth centres in Plymouth.
I have lived in Plymouth all my life and I really appreciate being able to work in the same city I grew up in, and being able to offer support to our children and young people and achieve the best we can for them.
I loved working with children and young people in their communities, but when an opportunity in a targeted setting came up, I decided to move into this area of work. In 2011 I began to work with young people at risk of homelessness, before moving over to REACH, supporting children who go missing and who are at risk of exploitation. I have since had the opportunity to work in management roles for the Youth Justice Service and Edge of Care Team, before going back to REACH as a Practice Manager.
I love working for REACH, leading our amazing team of youth workers and family support workers to deliver the best we can for children and young people at risk of exploitation. As a team we value the time we spend with children and young people, getting to know them and understanding how best to help them.
As part of the Targeted Support Service, we have lots of opportunities to join up with colleagues in teams including our Youth Justice Service and Edge of Care team to really make sure we are responding to the needs of our children, young people and families. It is really positive to be able to work creatively and join together to achieve this. Our managers are also really supportive and are always willing to consider innovative approaches and plans.