The Trustees are sad to announce that Mark will be leaving his post as Executive Director of Salmon Youth Centre in Bermondsey on Thursday 28th April 2011 after twelve momentous years.
During that time Mark has masterminded, overseen and driven the redevelopment of the premises so that today the Centre is widely recognised as one of, if not the best, purpose – built, dedicated youth facilities in the UK.
During and following the re-development, Mark, with his passion for voluntary and generic youth work, has maintained very high standards of youth work provision with a strong emphasis on developing young people into young adults, especially through the their participation in young volunteering schemes and other formal and informal educational opportunities and courses.
The high quality of this work has recently been recognised by an Evaluation Report carried out by the Institute of Education. A copy of this report is available from Jim Guild (jim@salmoncentre.co.uk).
In this regard, Mark leaves in place a strong team of experienced youth workers, which, although not as large as in the heady days of YSDF, is still significantly larger than when he arrived in 1999 and should ensure that the tradition of good youth work is maintained. There is a strong team of volunteer helpers, including young people, Residents and local adult helpers.
Mark will be handing over the reins to Sam Adofo, his very able Deputy, who has been with Salmon as Senior Youth Worker for 5 years.
Mark says – "Naturally I am very sad to be leaving Salmon but I do believe that this is the right time to go. The facilities are great and there is a good team in place. Sam will lead the work with professionalism and zeal. I am very confident about the future for Salmon."
Says Adrian Greenwood, Chair of the Trustees – "Salmon owes a great debt of gratitude to Mark. The redevelopment process was a real ‘roller coaster’ with Mark putting himself on the line more than once. His commitment to voluntary youth work and to his Christian faith are well known and respected. He will be greatly missed. But as Mark himself says, Salmon is in great shape and has a great future. And Trustees would add 'thanks to Mark!'"
