At the Rock we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and inclusive team, committed to the best outcomes for young people and working within best practice.


All the Rock youth work team are subject to Enhanced DBS clearance.


All the Rock lead youth workers are qualified to level 3 and above, with 5 of our 7 employees being (JNC) Nationally Qualified Youth Workers.

Our team is led by our Operations Director who is also a Qualified Teacher and has an MA in Community Education.


We have a focus on CPD meaning that 3 of our present employed team have been supported from volunteering to achieve youth work qualification and become members of our employed team.


Andy Macauly

Operations Director

Andy was a part of running the first schools work The Rock ever did. Andy leads the team at The Rock, oversees the schools work and

is Designated Safeguarding Lead.


About me: I love seeing people work well together in teams. I enjoy sports, including

running, cycling, and Ultimate Frisbee and I am a football coach. I’m part of St

Matthew’s Church and volunteer as part of their youth work. I’ve been involved in

youth work in the area for years and it’s great to see young people becoming the

best they can be.

Chris Slack

Community Youth Co-ordinator

Chris has been around youth work for a long time and has a vast experience of settings and contexts, he joined our team back in 2014 to develop and run all of our youth work in the evenings and holiday projects. He is committed to building relationships and supporting young people within the community. He also supports lots of our school work engaging with a large number of young people across lots of communities and schools. 


About me: I am a passionate basketballer and enjoy quality time with my family & eating tasty food

Denise Thornton

Youth & Re:engagement Worker

Dee is a graduate of the University of Gloucestershire youth work course and has been around at the rock for a long time, Dee works during the day to support young people to re: engage in school and inspire them to achieve.  Dee has been supporting young people within school’s for a long time and has lots of success stories to tell.


About me: I enjoy spending time with my family and playing county pool for Cheltenham. I also enjoy creative art the messier the better.

Trevor Huggett 

Activity Development Worker

Trevor spent 13 years working within the cycle mechanics industry before joining the team at the Rock for a new challenge. Trevor brings an extensive knowledge and practical skills in cycle mechanics and extreme sports. He is passionate about passing on that knowledge and enabling young people to develop their own skills and confidence to be able to carry out cycle mechanics work both independently and with people in their local community.


About me: enjoy cycling and being active, seeing friends or chilling out at home, and going to the cinema.

Sue Potter 

Fundraising Assistant

I started by volunteering at The Rock for Scoot and Skate back in the early days.  I’ve helped out several times since before formally joining the team.  My official role is as fundraising assistant but I’m happy to help out where needed.  I love working with the team at The Rock.

 

About me: I’m a member of St Mark Church where I work with primary school children – and occasionally help out with weddings.  I like reading, sewing, walking and skiing. 

Tracy Scott


Project Administrator

Tracy joined the team as Project Administrator, supporting the team in running the office and all things behind the scenes.   Tracy has a background in local government, working for two councils, and runs her own business from home around family and work, all with the underlying aim of helping people.  Tracy has volunteered and worked with children in schools, playgroups and church groups.


About me: I love trying new things (which I may or may not ever do again!), cooking and eating with an interest in health and nutrition, I aim to keep fit by running and Zumba, and love theatre - watching shows and amateur dramatics - so you may catch me on stage or behind the scenes at one of our local theatres.

George Covacic


Social Media & Youth Worker

Geroge is currently studying film & media at the University of Gloucestershire. He has joined the team to bring his social media and media-based skills. He also has lots of previous youth work experience, having set up a youth club in his hometown of Banbury. 

 

Josh Vallance


Elevate Development Worker

Josh heads up the Elevate project which aims to support young people in their transition between primary and secondary school using the Christian faith as a foundation. This happens in schools through the use of prayer spaces. 


About me: I am a passionate yet mediocre baker, a massive Manchester United fan and an avid collector of books that I often start but fail to finish. 

Hayley Matthews


Youth & Childrens Worker

Hayley brings a wide range of experiences from Social care and education backgrounds. Hayley studied Social work at Cheltenham University and is a qualified Nurture Practitioner, committed to supporting young people from a Nurturing approach, embedding the Principles of Nurture into all her practice.


About me: I enjoy anything art and crafty, sewing, swimming and trying to get up onto my paddleboard in the summer! I enjoy music and watching my husband's band play in a cover 80s Rock band! My family, friends and cat are very important to me.

Emily Musto


Youth Worker

Emily started as a student at Gloucestershire University studying BA Education. Through her placement, she has become a vital and valued member of the team. Supporting with evening and schools work. 


About me: I enjoy reading, specifically anything fantasy. I also like to spend time with my friends, going on walks and listening to music.