Capeesh (Liverpool) CIC Director/Senior Youth Worker

I am a youth and community work professional of 35+ years standing.

I work as an Education Officer - with the Virtual School (Liverpool), advocating for Children Looked After, with particular regard to their educational attainment.

In 2017, I co-founded Capeesh CIC, which we set up with the main aim of supporting young people with an interest in music, (initially around increasing opportunities to perform).

I have since contributed to the development of Capeesh CIC’s priorities, including having a greater community focus, and embracing principles of youth work practice (i.e. promoting education, equality, empowerment and participation).

I play guitar (not so well) and on occasions, teach guitar to beginners at our sessions.

Over the years I have attended and/or worked at numerous music events; have facilitated many Capeesh CIC shows; organised stages for other local community festivals.

I am a champion of grass-roots music and am committed to making venues and event spaces both safe and more accessible to young people; to showcase their talents, and for their appreciation of others.

Capeesh (Liverpool) CIC Director

I am a secondary school music teacher and have worked in a number of schools across the Liverpool area. I am originally from Yorkshire but have lived in and around Liverpool for over 15 years.

I have a passion for making music accessible to young people from all backgrounds, and that’s why I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to be involved with Capeesh CIC. I have witnessed the impact it has first-hand, having had past students regularly attend Capeesh’s music sessions (on Fridays) and seeing them make great strides in both their musical and social skills.

When I was invited to join Capeesh as a director, I was more than happy to accept. I have never worked with a CIC before so it has been a steep learning curve, but the ideas and vision of the organisation are so similar to my own for young people, t’s entirely worth the journey.

Although the flute is my main instrument, I play a number of others and will give anything a go! On occasion, I have helped out with the teaching at Capeesh music sessions and really enjoy seeing young people being involved; learning, developing and trying new things.

Capeesh (Liverpool) CIC Director

I have spent my whole adult life working in hospitality industry.

Day to day I am General Manager and Events Co-ordinator for Handyman Bar and Brewery on Smithdown Road. Although from Scotland I’ve called Liverpool my home for over 20 years now.

In the early days I ran nights for my bands and others and did a spot of DJ’ing as well. As the years went by I realised my talents paled in comparison to the majority of people around me, so began focusing more on the organisational side.

In 2015 I set up Smithdown Road Festival CIC, with the aim of showcasing the many fabulous local acts (music. art, comedy, theatre) we have on Merseyside, with the odd addition from afar also. Entry to events is free so that everyone in the local community, no matter their financial position, can enjoy whilst also bringing a new audience to the acts performing. Smithdown Festival is an annual event and we look forward to another one in Spring 2024.

Towards the end of 2017 I was asked to be a part of Capeesh CIC. Hearing the ideas and vision to offer opportunities and support to young people interested in music, I was proud to join and help in anyway I can.