Previous to joining Wandsworth council in 2008 I was a project coordinator and senior youth worker from 2003 to 2008 for a charity based in the heart of Brixton. My time was spent coordinating projects for children and young people and the local community; such as young carers groups, young mothers and baby club, after school projects, holiday programmes, summer university and parenting workshops (fundraising for these projects-small and large grant applications). I worked very closely with the local authority and housing associations. My BA (hons) degree focused on child development and community studies and allowed me to further my interests in child psychology and sociology. I can now say I have a sound understanding and knowledge of the multifaceted life’s of children and the need to adopt a holistic approach to develop a child care service.