Meet Our Team
Our Staff
Emily Burns
Chief Executive
I have worked in the voluntary, charity and community sector for the last 15 years working in regional and national roles for Sports Leaders UK, Sported and Sport England. I had responsibility to represent the organisation across the region, utilising my skills and experience to support the running of organisations in areas such as governance, finance, marketing, policies, leadership, strategy, volunteers and networks.
Having being involved with DAY as part of the board of trustee for the charity since 2018 I resigned in the voluntary capacity to allow me to apply and be successfully appointed into the role of Chief Executive in 2022.
I was born and raised, and until recently lived in the community of West Rainton. I have a great drive and passion for the work that we do across all of our communities and the difference we make in the lives of young people, their families and communities.
Sharon Howe-Jones
Administrator
Hi, I'm Sharon. I have worked in administration for over 30 years in one role or another.
Prior to joining the team, I was a part time Administration Manager for an IT consultancy as well as a part time Administrator for a local riding school.
I have volunteered my time as a riding instructor for individuals with special needs at the riding school. This was really rewarding and a joy to see riders gaining in confidence and ability.
My hobbies include, horse riding, golf, photography and crafting.
My main focus is to continue helping DAY provide an exciting and rewarding experience for the young people using the service.
Amy Hollins
Senior Youth Worker
Hi, I'm Amy! I have just completed my BA Community and Youth Work degree at the University of Sunderland. I was first introduced to Durham Area Youth in October 2022 when I volunteered at some of their weekly sessions for my first-year placement and in June 2023 I began working with DAY.
I have been involved in youth work since I was 11 years old. I have lots of experience working with young people that have disabilities/ additional needs, it is a deep-rooted passion of mine to help them overcome barriers, give them new opportunities, and support them to reach their full potential.
My favourite part of youth work is working across the different communities, no two sessions are ever the same and you get to build some great relationships with the young people, while watching them grow and learn.
Being a youth worker has always been a dream job of mine, I believe it is such a rewarding career where you can see you've made a real difference to people's lives
Eve Batt
Senior Youth Worker
Hi, I'm Eve. I've recently completed my NVQ 3 in Youth Work and began working for Durham Area Youth in November 2025, as a Senior Youth Worker. I also work part-time as a Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer.
Before this, I was working as the Community Champion for Asda Washington, which included volunteering in local schools, charities and community groups.
I regularly volunteer as an assistant Cub & Scout Leader, and as Vice Chair for my local Parish Council.
I love helping in the community by organising events and working with young people, after all, they are the future!
Eva Turner
Senior Youth Worker
Hi, I’m Eva, a dedicated youth worker with a background in Surface Pattern Design and Textiles. I graduated from Staffordshire University in 2019. My journey into youth work began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, when I started supporting young people experiencing homelessness. What began as a temporary step quickly became a calling.
Relocating to the North East in 2022 opened the door to a wide range of youth work approaches. I’ve since gained hands-on experience across open-access youth clubs, SEND‑friendly spaces, detached and street‑based youth work, school and community outreach, targeted intervention programmes, and 1‑to‑1 support.
Over the last five years, I’ve supported young people to achieve their bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award through youth justice, earned a nomination for Best Youth Worker of the Year (2024), and achieved my Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice.
I’m passionate about youth work because of its transformative impact. Through meaningful relationships, enriching activities, and opportunities for growth, youth work empowers young people to make positive changes and become the best version of themselves — in their own time and on their own terms.
Victoria Savage
Youth Worker
I have been working for Durham Area Youth since October 2022. Prior to working for Durham Area Youth, I attended their youth group sessions at Sherburn Hill Community Hub as a young person.
I also volunteered during the Summer of 2022 which involved helping during their daytime sessions and helping on away trips during the summer break. I am currently also studying my level 3 Diploma in Early Years and Education, at New College, Durham. I find that the experience volunteering and working for Durham Area Youth also helps me with this course
I enjoy working across all villages the Durham Area Youth have youth groups in. Working in this environment has helped me learn and understand more about how the young people in our youth groups gain new friendships and connect with staff.
Mia Wilkinson
Youth Worker
Hi, I’m Mia! I started volunteering for Durham Area Youth in March 2023 and I am now a dedicated Support Youth worker.
I have a genuine passion for empowering and supporting young people and to help create a safe space for them to thrive in.
Alongside my job, I am currently studying for a degree in Childhood Studies, which deepens my understanding and strengthens the support I provide in my role.
In 2020, I visited a school in South Africa to work voluntarily with the children and young people. This experience was extremely rewarding and allowed me to experience and overcome huge cultural and communication differences.
I am proud to work and be a part of the team at Durham Area Youth and I look forward to my next steps.
Ross McGrath
Youth Worker
I’ve worked with young people for over a decade as a teacher, both in the UK and abroad, and working with young people has always been something I genuinely enjoy. I’ve had the opportunity to travel, teach in different countries and work with young people from a wide range of backgrounds, which has shaped the way I approach my work.
I want to bring that experience into my role as a youth worker, but also bring a little of the classroom with me. I believe learning doesn’t always happen behind a desk, and some of the best learning comes from doing, exploring, making mistakes and trying again.
I’m friendly, approachable and enjoy getting stuck in alongside young people. Whether we’re outdoors, trying something new or simply having a conversation, I want young people to feel listened to, supported and comfortable being themselves.
Abigail Colledge
Support Youth Worker
Hi, I’m Abigail, I’m excited to join the DAY team over summer, during school term time I work with live well north east and help deliver children's wellbeing sessions all over the durham area so this gives me a great chance to continue working with young people in the holiday period. I have been a volunteer with DAY for over a year. I enjoy gaming, being outdoors, musicals and love doing fun activities and can't wait to join the team
Susie Davis
Support Youth Worker
Hi, I’m Susie. I am thrilled to join the DAY team over summer. During term time, I work as an Art lecturer with secondary school learners at a local college and at the Art Centre Washington as an Engagement Assistant.
Both jobs enable me to inspire, stimulate, motivate, and engage all ages in practical, creative environments.
Working as part of the team will allow me to continue sharing and build on experiences.
I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for the arts/creative subjects and supporting the interests and talents of young people.
James Haywood
Support Youth Worker
I have worked within the local community for the past few years. Prior to becoming part of the DAY team, I attended their youth group sessions and Sherburn Hill and Sherburn Village as a young person.
During the summer of 2022 I volunteered during youth session and on trips during the summer holidays. I have recently just completed my first summer working at a YMCA in the Mideast of America. Throughout the summer the experience I gained from volunteering at Durham Area youth to be very helpful.
I enjoy working with our young people from across our villages. Working within this setting has helped me gain a better understanding of how to make young people feel both seen and respected.
Sophie Chicken
Apprentice Support Youth Worker
Hi, I'm Sophie. I started volunteering for Durham Area Youth in January 2025.
Previously, I had attended as a young person since I was 11 years old. I'm now 16 and doing a level 3 Youth Support Work Apprenticeship with Durham Area Youth. One of the many reasons I wanted to become a youth worker is that I had a difficult school life and I wanted to show the young people that if you want something in life you can get it. You might just have to take a longer route to get there.
Outside of youth work, my main passion is football. I have played football for 14 years. I also love to go and watch Sunderland play on Saturday’s; I have been a season ticket holder for nearly 10 years now.
Being a youth worker has always been a dream of mine, as I want to be able to make a difference in a young person’s life.