I remember clearly my first meeting with Beef: I said, ‘I am not sure what I can offer you, but I am keen to contribute something to the local area; oh, and I think I might like to be an English teacher – is there anything you can do with me?’ I think the Gods were with me that day, as Beef was already in the process of setting up the Lexis programme – the scheme by which volunteers provide one-on-one tutoring in maths and literacy skills to young people who think this would be of use.

I did the training, and have now been assigned a young person to work with. So, it’s early days, but I’m really excited. The course that Prospex ran to prepare us for being literacy and numeracy tutors has equipped me well; with that, and the enthusiasm of my new friends at Prospex, I think we are well on course to deliver something of real value. And that can only be a good thing.

As an ex-solicitor with two children I was one of the original trustees of Prospex. I now focus, still as a volunteer, on its fundraising. As Prospex grows, the pursuit of financial support is relentless and funding must be applied for continually while Prospex aims to form personal long term relationships with funders so that their support is correspondingly long term. Volunteering has allowed me to be a vital part of Prospex’s growth and success. It is a happy group to work in and gives me the opportunity to use my skills for something incredibly worthwhile.

I am currently studying for a master’s degree in labour law at King’s College London. My original degree was in history, after which I converted to law, and then trained as a barrister. I am also active in local politics and intend to stand in the Islington local elections in 2010.

I have lived on Caledonian Road for almost a year now and enjoy supporting the local community. I heard about Prospex from the Islington Conservative Association and believe its work is vital for young people in the local area.

I am an accountant currently working for a venture capital company in Chelsea and I am originally from Tipperary in Ireland.

I joined Prospex as a volunteer accountant in 2004 because I wanted to do some voluntary work with a children's/young people's charity and offering my accounting skills seemed like the perfect thing to do. The work is very varied and rewarding and I love working with the guys at Prospex because I really believe in what they do and I love their passion for the charity and the kids they work with.

Living on the edge of the Bemerton estate and getting a glimpse of what life is like for the young people there was what made me want to become involved with Prospex. I don't have experience of youth work, but I'm a trainee proofreader so I offered those skills to Prospex in order to help out with the organisation's various communications.

Frank is a local resident and has been volunteering at the Boston Youth Club for the past year.

Frank brings a host of skills and experience with him and he has been part of a Prospex Life Course filming and photographing it all for us, the evidence can be found on the site. Frank is also behind the Life Skills Course that we are working to set up and will head this up when we have secured all the funding we need. (For more about Life skills look under Prospex Works.)

Kishti is a local resident with a real heart for community. She has been involved in many different ways and most currently helping raise funds through regular boot fairs.

I joined Prospex in January as i wanted it to help me start of my career in social work. it’s a good stepping stone for me because it allows me to work with young children and gain an understanding of how to work appropriately with them. During my time here i have learnt valuable skills that will benefit me in the future. I’m a fun and outgoing person, in my spare time i enjoy socialising with friends, going to the cinemas and having a good night out.

Hi my name is Gus and I’m currently working as an Teaching Assistant. I’m fun, outgoing, loves sports and causing good mischief at the Prospex youth clubs with the staff and young people.

I decided to join Prospex mainly because the first initial conversation I had with Beef and Alison assured me that their vision for young people was the same as mine. I wanted to engage with young people and remove the stereotype that young people that hang around on roads or estates are instantly trouble and underachievers. I wanted to use my life situations and personality to talk to the young people not as an adult telling them what to do but as someone who can speak and understand them on the same level. I have worked in youth clubs before and had fun playing games and having discussions with the young people so wanted to bring that same attitude to Prospex.

Hey ppl I’m Francis Tamafor, been working within the Youth sector for over 5yrs both as a youth worker and sports coach, and find it thee most rewarding job. And whilst doing this I also DJ, plus having an extensive history in music was the necessary ingredient in coming into the Prospex family with more projects coming soon (SO GIVE US A SHOUT OR COME IN AND SEE US, BRING UR SKILLS), GET INVOLVED.

ALSO With a large Back ground in sports I find this as a great medium for connecting with my young people, when engaging either in activity or general conversation, a great way to break down tough exterior barriers (THOUGH THEIR IS NO BARRIER TOO STRONG FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) I quote.

Recently I was working with an organisation with links to over 300 youth clubs throughout London, in which I worked with over 30 youth clubs through the south London area. (many thanks to manager John Jones), and during my time at this position I gained Various sports qualifications, inc First Aid Badge, and also tutor and mentoring short courses.

I wanted to be involved in the youth sector have felt the hardship and struggle it can be whilst growing up trying to find your way, without the help or guidance from some1 who has a greater knowledge than myself and that I respect. But because of my resilience I have persevered through my problems and have come out on top, though I wonder what if some one where their to give me that word, where could I be know? I want to be this person with myself as testament that you can make something of yourself from as far as the depths an individual may put themselves. I’m here to educate, advise, listen, engage, empower, and become a person in which they can have friendship
and trust.

Best way to describe me A MULTI COLOURD LION, why? Because I’m strong, courageous, caring friendly, protective, fun, etc plus with that many colours I can fit in any where and with any one.

Hi my name is Simone, I am 21 and I am currently doing volunteer work with Prospex at Williamson youth club.. Whilst working within this youth club its help I realise what young people need, also it gives the young people somewhere safe where they can relax and interact with other young people.

I enjoy doing volunteering it helps me have a insight into what a youth workers have to undertake and what types of responsibilities they have, its has helped me improve my communications skills with other people and has help me understand my short courses I have been doing.