Meet The New Torbay Team

As our exciting building projects in Paignton continue to move towards completion, we’ve been busy recruiting a fabulous new team to oversee the 37 young people who’ll be moving in.   

From teachers and housing specialists to a skateboarder and an automobile technician, the team have one thing in common – each has their own profound story of how God has brought them to YMCA Exeter.  

Led by the wonderful Lydia, who’s been working at YMCA Exeter for over eight years, we’re excited to introduce the new team…

Meet Simon, one of our new Support Workers  

“For the last three years I’ve worked in the automobile industry as a technician producing high-value braking systems for motorbikes, SUVs etc. This is a massive change.   

“God gave me a strong word, ‘No longer will you self-serve.’ 

“I felt in my heart I should apply for this new role. Arriving at YMCA Exeter was way beyond what I’d imagined. God is teaching me new things and it’s already the best place I’ve ever worked.”  

Meet Diangti, one of our new Support Workers 

“I moved to the UK from India in 2023, God had firmly placed on my heart a desire to work in the UK and I really believe I am following his calling on my life.   

“I was really stoked when I got the job. I’ve volunteered as a teaching assistant so I know that as a teacher you really want your students to succeed and in this role it’s even greater.

I’m excited to be working one-on-one and encouraging each young person to achieve their best. 

Meet Gemma, our new Housing Specialist 

“I come from a background in supported housing. For many years I worked supporting young parents, aged 16-24 in Torbay. More recently I’ve been running Night Stop at YMCA South Devon.  

“It was really hard to say goodbye to my old role, but I believe God wanted me here. I’m excited to welcome young people in, to see them grow, build relationships and achieve all those little successes, like being able to pay their bills before they move on to new and positive futures”

Alongside the support workers and housing specialist, we have three new EMOTE roles, these individuals are specifically focused on helping young people around Employment, Meaningful Occupation, Training and Education.  

Meet Alex C, one of our new EMOTE Specialists 

“Skateboarding was my life. When I was 19 I started a small skateboarding clothing label with a friend. Over four years we made loads of mistakes and no money. 

“But my work for a skateboarding distributor took me to Watford where I got connected with Soul Survivor and spent years running the skateboarding venue at their summer youth festivals. 

“Fast forward to 2012 and I’m living in LA with my wife and two children, the Global Sales Manager for a US skateboarding company. Since moving back to the UK I’ve found myself jobless twice and God has shown me that he is the provider and not me.  

“I’m hoping I can bring all my business experience to this new role. I can show how you can learn through failings; it’s about building up resilience and learning how to get back up.”  

Meet Clare, one of our new EMOTE Specialists 

“When I was younger, I said I’d never work with young people, teach or do maths, but for the last five years I’ve been a maths teacher at South Devon College.  

“Some of the young people I taught were sofa surfing. Our college wellbeing team were often inundated with food bank and clothing needs. Every day I saw firsthand how homelessness impacts education.  

“When I heard about the new housing coming to Paignton I thought it would be a good opportunity to connect to support my students. I never imagined God had other plans for me.  

“My heart is for education and re-engagement. When young people grow in confidence and self-esteem, you see them progress and have hope for the future.”  

Meet Alex D, one of our new EMOTE Specialists 

“Teaching is my background. For many years, I worked with Plymouth University, creating course content to make higher education accessible for people who couldn’t go to university.  

“It was all around designing smaller classes, higher levels of engagement and greater support.  

“Since then I’ve worked in a psychiatric unit as an assistant practitioner and most recently at Dawlish library, encouraging children to discover the joy of reading.  

“I felt such a sense of peace when I applied to this new role. It incorporates education and young people, both things that I love. Plus, it’s the first time that I can combine my faith, my vocation and my education.”