The KDYT Team
KDYT is a small charity which has a big impact on young people's lives, a lot of this is down to the passionate and dedicated team who you will meet below.
Ben Bennett - Operations Manager
Ben, has over 25 years experience working with young people, he has worked with young offenders, young carers and in youth groups around Worcestershire. He has a strong belief in equality and ensuring that young people are genuinely engaged in having their voices heard.
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Ben qualified as a Youth Worker from the University of Birmingham, after a career as an engineer. He has worked in a number of Youth Clubs around Worcestershire before becoming the Manager at Kidderminster Youth House where he has overseen really positive change.
Alongside Youth Work at KDYT, Ben manages Kidderminster Youth House and ensures that it meets all Health & Safety requirements and continues to offer the range of services it does to young people and the wider community.
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In his spare time Ben is a keen camper, building his own campervans and touring the country.
Mike Oliver-Brooke - Operations Manager
Mike began his Youth Work career in 1992 and has worked around the UK engaging in a wide range of youth work practice. He has worked with young people at risk of CSE, with young offenders, in sexual health, sports environments and has extensive experience in Detached Youth Work both urban and rural.
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Mike studied Youth Work at Bradford University, is Prince2 qualified and has a CMI Diploma in Public Service Leadership from Coventry University. More importantly, he is also able to make Balloon Animals which are very popular at our community events.
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As well as working with young people at KDYT, Mike is responsible for fundraising and publicity and is always looking for people to help and support him with this.
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Mike's spare time is split between watching his beloved Worcester Warriors, where he has been a Season Ticket holder for 14 years, walking his dog and weekends away by the sea in his caravan with his partner.
Cat Bennett - Senior Youth Worker
Cat is the Senior Youth Worker for KDYT and has been at Kidderminster Youth House for over 10 years. Cat qualified as a Youth Worker whilst working for Worcestershire County Council.
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Cat is keen that young people are supported to reach their full potential and have a lot of fun doing so, Youth Clubs under Cat's leadership are enjoyable, interesting and supportive.
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In her spare time Cat enjoys spending time with her family, riding her horse and travelling the country in her campervan.
Nicky Tonks - KDYT Axis YouthWorker
Nicky is the KDYT Youth Worker based in the fantastic Axis Youth Hub, which provides support to young people in crisis.
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Nicky has worked at Kidderminster Youth House for over 12 years and is well known by many of the young people who have used our services during this time.
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Nicky loves spending her time with her family, running, and cooking interesting meals, including her special 'jacket potato with pot noodle' loved by all the family.
Pat Priddey - Administrator
Pat is KDYT's part-time administrator. She oversees the finance, bookings, and invoicing and is a much valued and essential part of the team.
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Away from work Pat enjoys travelling the country and days out.
Tom Ewins - Caretaker
Tom is the KDYT Caretaker, working on a part time basis, Tom is responsible for cleaning and building maintenance.
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Outside of work Tom is a Judo Instructor and has received awards for his community work.