Staff:
Operations Manager : Jackie Griffin
I started work for It’s Your Choice in August 2000 and over the years I have developed and increased my skills and training to be in the position of Operations Manager a post that I have held since January 2011. Daily I am responsible for overseeing It’s Your Choice including the supporting and supervision of staff and volunteers, co-ordinating the counselling service and liaising with the counselling supervisors and attending network meetings. Along with the dedicated Board of Trustees we ensure that It’s Your Choice is meeting the needs of the young people to whom we offer our services and that we meet compliance. Every day at It’s Your Choice is very different and to be a member of such an enthusiastic and passionate team makes me extremely proud to be part of this service. When not working I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, eating out, walking but above all just relaxing.
Business Development Manager : Jemma Saunders
I joined the team at It’s Your Choice as Business Development Manager in August 2011, prior to this I was the Development Manager at The Grasslands Trust – I have also worked at Oakhaven Hospice, and Refugee Action. My role at IYC focuses on fundraising, developing projects, promoting and publicising our activities, and moving IYC to greater long term sustainability. Changes in the funding climate, cuts affecting youth support services, and the growing needs of young people in the New Forest mean it is an incredibly varied and challenging role, and I feel very privileged to be part of the team. When not at work, I am a Trustee of Common Ground, a New Forest community group, and am quite often found building Lego under the watchful supervision of my two young sons.
Youth Support Co-ordinator : Jeremy Holder
Drug & Alcohol Worker : Tash Willard
My name is Natasha Willard and I joined It’s Your Choice in spring 2007. I am a part-time drug and alcohol support advisor, working with high risk/vulnerable young people. I work in a variety of settings such as youth clubs, schools, housing projects and colleges, and my role is to educate young people around the risks involved in drug and alcohol use/misuse. These risks may be to their physical and mental health, or effects on their relationships with others (boyfriends, girlfriends, family life and teachers for example), I also like to consider how to reduce these risks and minimise harm. I am a mum with 2 children who like to keep me busy, and when I have some spare time I enjoy playing netball for a Southampton team called Phoenix, going to the gym and Pilates. I like to relax with good food, visits to the cinema and catching up with friends.
Chairperson : Michelle Rice
I joined It’s Your Choice two years ago as a trustee. Since then I have been very involved in reshaping and developing the organisation, managing and supporting the staff. In January 2012 I was elected as chairperson of It’s Your Choice. It is a challenging and exciting time to be in charge of our excellent team of trustees, staff and volunteers. We have established a sound funding foudation to be able to develop the services for young people in the New Forest. I was a social worker for 35 years, retiring 5years ago, involved in a variety of voluntary organisations for 40 years. Currently I am also a volunteer at the Eastleigh Advocacy Project. I have recently learnt to build web sites, having designed this one. My other interests are jazz, cooking, real ale and socialising.
Social Work Student: : Claire Fulker
I am a full time student studying for a degree in social work. I started at It’s Your Choice in January 2012 and will be here until June on placement as part of my degree. I will be at It’s Your Choice on Monday to Thursday each week. I am involved with the drop in’s, visiting schools and colleges. I will also be supporting new and ongoing projects. I have a part time job as a care and support worker assisting people in the community to live a fulfilling life. In previous employment I worked at Southampton City Council for 6 years. I have also worked at a private foster care agency, home care agency and retail. I like to enjoy life. I love going to gigs and listening to live music. I like socialising, eating out, cycling and going to the gym.I’m enjoying my time here and looking forward to meeting you!