Introducing YBI English Associate - Emma Kirkbride

YouthBanks in England, are now being supported by a dedicated Associate.

Although she is one of YBI's newest colleagues, Emma is certainly not new to YouthBank! From 2003 until 2011, Emma worked for YouthBank UK, supporting the UK network as a Development Officer, leading on the training for UK groups and the youth led Advisory Board. 

"YouthBank was a large part of my life for so many years, I met so many inspirational young people and shared their YouthBank journeys, working alongside a dedicated team in the UK and beyond. Memories of YouthBank residentials bringing together young people from across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland will stay with me for ever! 

When YouthBank UK unfortunately ceased, I drifted out of youth work and into a new career as a Project Manager specialising in managing external funding. I have managed to maintain a focus on grantmaking as well and I make sure to mention YouthBank whenever I have the chance as a shining example of grantmaking at its very best! 

Its true when we say YouthBank impacts the lives of everyone it touches, being back in the YouthBank family feels like coming home. YouthBank has changed since the 2000's, but defintely for the better. Now its a global family, with shared goals that I am honoured to be a part of again." 

Emma has now been introduced to all the English YouthBanks and is supporting new groups as they develop their YouthBank plans;

she has been delighted recently to support one of our newest YouthBanks in her home town of Cannock and another in Wolverhampton where she lives and works.