Emerge Projects at Royal Surrey Hospital

Hello! I am Jo, and I’m a Project Lead for Emerge. I am a huge people person, and my favourite things to talk about include dogs and food (especially McDonald’s!) What I love about working at Emerge is the immense joy of being able to journey with young people in a time of need- having someone to walk with and guide you through adolescence is something everyone needs!

Jo has a Theology and Youth Ministry degree from St Mellitus, as well as being a trained Youth Pastor at a local church. Jo has experience working with both children and young people.

Hey, I’m Chris, a project lead for Emerge Advocacy. I love stories, and this helps with my work at Emerge. They are shared experiences that can help the young people I see to not feel so alone. I have a passion for live music and go to a lot of gigs/concerts. I also love film, so watch a lot of movies at the cinema or at home.

Chris has been involved in youth work as a volunteer since 2014, including 5 years with the Emerge team at the Royal Surrey Hospital.

Hi, I’m Jackie, a Youth Support Worker at the Royal Surrey Hospital. I love running, dancing, paddle-boarding and spending time with my husband, teenage children and noisy cats! My happy place is by the sea. I love working for Emerge. It’s such a privilege to come alongside young people as they face challenging times and to be a voice of hope and encouragement as they work through their negative self-beliefs.

Since 2010, Jackie has been supporting children and young people with SEN and as an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant). She is a qualified Mental Health First Aider, Place2Be Mental Health Champion and has a level 2 Counselling qualification. Jackie is also a qualified course leader for ‘Tastelife’, which offers eating disorders support.

Hello, I’m Sophie, a Youth Support Worker for Emerge. I aim to walk alongside young people and support them in their mental health. Whether we’re playing games, drawing or having conversation, my heart is to show young people the love and care that they were designed for. I meet up with them in the community to give space, allowing them to freely share about their wellbeing and hardships they’re facing, as well as the simple joys in life. I also work with St Saviours Church in Guildford- mentoring and running small groups and socials for those in all walks of life.

I love a good run and good food, times with friends and finding new adventures. I have a counselling psychology degree from Chichester University and love to listen to others- my heart is to help people.

Hello, I’m Frances, a youth support worker for Emerge at the Royal Surrey Hospital and in the local community. I enjoy coming alongside young people and being there to support them. This may be just chatting and getting to know them, or listening to their challenges and giving encouragement or more practical support. When we meet, I try to understand what children and young adults are going through and bring hope to situations that feel dark and despairing. I really like to walk or run with my dog in the countryside, cook, listen to live music and explore new places.

Frances is also a Primary School Teacher and has been completing a Master’s in Working with Children and Families.

Hi, I’m Lula! I’m a Youth Support Worker at Royal Surrey Hospital. I’m half Greek Cypriot, which means sunshine is my happy place—winter is not my jam! I love taking my dog for walks and getting out among nature. Outside of work, I’m a musician and play in a band with my dad and sister (who are both way cooler than I am). We’ve been lucky enough to perform in some incredible places, which has been such a fun adventure.

I’m passionate about supporting young people, being a safe and encouraging presence, and helping them to navigate the ups and downs of this crazy thing called life. Since 2015, I have worked with young people in various settings and have a Certificate of Higher Education in Psychodynamic Counselling. Whether you need a listening ear or just someone to cheer you on, I’m here for it!