Meet the team
Drop-in workers
Drop-in workers can help you when you call in to Castlegate. You will find that they all have different specialisms: work and learning, housing, and so on.
Meghan
"I am a Castlegate Connexions Adviser who works in the drop-in every weekday. I work with young people on things like looking for work, relationships, emotional wellbeing and sexual health. I also run a young women's group called Myspace which focuses on self esteem, confidence and body image. I enjoy working in the city centre because it means that I am close to the shops!"
Jo
"I work in the drop-in as a youth information and support worker from Monday until Thursday. I'm a CYC Housing options worker and can help you find a solution to your housing needs. Alongside housing information and tenancy issues, you can ask me about benefits and money."
Sarah
I am an Information and Support Worker based at Castlegate on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. I offer support on housing, benefits and sexual health."
Sam
"I have two roles at Castlegate; firstly as an information support worker helping people with queries around benefits, housing and job searching. My other role is as a counsellor offering people emotional support. I enjoy playing hockey!"
Emma
"I work in the drop-in and can help with questions about most things, especially your rights and entitlements. I am a Housing Options worker so you can talk to me if you want to move out, or if you are homeless or being asked to leave. I'm also the lead worker for the Survival Guide. Outside work I like making things, messing about with graphic design, cycling and clearing clutter."
Carla
Hi, I'm one of the Connexions Advisers and you can usually find me in the drop-in. I help people who are applying for jobs, college courses, apprenticeships or jobs with training. I offer appointments too, so if you think you'd prefer one-to-one support, just ask. If you see me out and about, I might be on my bicycle; I go everywhere on it. Sun, rain or snow!
Helen
"I work at Castlegate Monday to Friday, mainly supporting people with work and learning related queries in the drop-in. Out of work I spend my time doing fun things with my family and friends and I especially love going to the cinema."
Diane C
"I work part-time in Castlegate on a Friday. As a Connexions Adviser, I can give information and help complete application forms for jobs and learning opportunities, construct CVs and support with a range of issues. In my spare time I enjoy gardening and looking after my three chickens, Shorty, Scruffy and Purdy."
Becky
"I work in the drop-in part time, offering support on work and learning enquiries. I am currently on maternity leave so will see you on my return to Castlegate in 2012!"
Counselling team
Mary
"As the lead counsellor, I'm the only full time member of the counselling team. I love the arts - theatre, film, music, painting, literature (poetry not so much) and in my downtime am myself perfecting the art of doing nothing much."
Caroline
"I’ve been working as a counsellor since 2001 but also had a spell as a drop-in worker for a while. I’m coming back from maternity leave in the spring of 2011, and am looking forward to it, especially since Castlegate is so close to the great York shops. In any spare time I have, I like/need to get my feet up and watch the TV."
Sam
"I have two roles at Castlegate; firstly as an information support worker helping people with queries around benefits, housing and job searching. My other role is as a counsellor offering people emotional support. I enjoy playing hockey!"
Wendy
"I work as a counsellor at Castlegate offering emotional support for young adults. In my free time I enjoy cycling and walking."
Brigitte
"I am a part time volunteer counsellor at Castlegate as well as having a new private practice in York. My special interests are LGBT issues, gender identity and lifestyle choices. My passions are: trying to get someone to buy me a decent camera, googling holidays, DIY botching and freecycling redundant power tools."
Diane M
"My role is to support young people into education, employment and training through independent and impartial careers information, advice and guidance. I work 2 days at Castlegate and 2 days with the Youth Offending Team. I also enjoy swimming, gardening, reading and going to the theatre."
Behind the scenes
Chris
"I am a Lead Adviser and have responsibility for the team of Careers and Connexions Advisers working from Castlegate and accross the city. I have specific skills and knowledge around work and learning issues and the options available to 16- to 19-year-olds. Talk to me about football and other sports and you could be around a long time!"
Barbara
"I work on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays as an Admin Assistant supporting the Castlegate Team. My job mainly involves clerical duties, making appointments, taking room bookings and dealing with telephone enquiries. In my spare time I enjoy walking, especially with my dog - a little pug called Buster."
Angela
"I work at Castlegate as an Admin Assistant on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday morning. It is often me who will answer the phone. I do lots of admin tasks and keep in contact with young people who are in employment, education and training."