Meet Clive
We’re really excited to welcome to Clive, our new Senior Youth Worker! He brings more than 12 years of hands-on youth work experience from across the North East.
Tell us a bit about yourself
Hi, I’m Clive!
I was born and raised in the heart of Newcastle’s west end, and have a unique mixture of Jamaican English & Geordie heritage. I’m a big coffee lover and always enjoy trying out new foods at various restaurants and coffee shops. Staying active, keeping fit and living a healthy & active lifestyle is a big part of who I am. I’ve also been training as a hobby and compete (when I can) in jiu jitsu for 11 years and hold a brown belt.
What’s your career background?
I’ve spent over 12 years working in youth work across Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, and County Durham. During that time, I’ve been involved in a wide range of youth projects and initiatives, all focused on supporting young people’s development and helping them reach their full potential.
What’s your new role?
In Action Foundation, my new role as Senior Youth Worker for Young Lives will be to lead and deliver youth sessions, supporting young refugees and asylum seekers to build life skills, develop social confidence, and take part in meaningful activities. My focus is on creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where young people can grow, connect and thrive.
What drew you to work for Action Foundation?
What drew me to apply for the Senior Youth Worker role is that I am now back to my home turf (like NUFC at St James’ Park). The Tyne and Wear area where I feel most at home and able to do my best work. I was really drawn to Action Foundation because of the young people we support. Their experiences around racial identity and migration connect with my own background, as well as the journeys many of my friends and family have taken in moving to the UK.
With my youth work experience and sporting background, I felt I could bring something meaningful to the team and really support young people to feel confident, included, and understood. Seeing the brilliant work Action Foundation is already doing made me want to be part of it — to contribute to Young Lives and help the young people we work with continue to grow and succeed.
Meet Chris
We also welcome Chris Manzanga to the Young Lives team. Originally from Congo, he brings extensive experience in refugee support, humanitarian work and interpretation. We’re so happy to have him on board!
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am Chris, I am married and have three children. I live in North Shields.
What’s your career background?
My career started with law practice, Human Rights and medias law. Upon moving to the UK, I volunteered and worked for the Citizens advice providing general advice and conducting research on social policies. I recently was an immigration, asylum and protection caseworker. Prior to joining Action Foundation, I was an Information, Advice and Guidance Worker focusing on immigration (unregulated), asylum support and access to public services (benefits, housing, general advice). I have just passed my IAA Level 1 Immigration Assessment and now waiting for the official accreditation.
What’s your new role?
My position is Youth Worker.
What drew you to apply for a job at Action Foundation?
I applied for a job at Action Foundation because I wanted to learn new skills, especially working with children and young people. I was most attracted into working with Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children. And because there is a lot to learn and do at the Action Foundation, why not?
