Being a Keyworker: Insight from Shane Collins

We caught up with Shane Collins, our valued Keyworker to ask a few questions about his role at Youth Hubz.
01
What is your background? And how did you become Keyworker at Youth Hubz?
“I have always worked with young people since leaving school. I started a coaching qualification which led me to work as a sports coach for Leeds city council. In addition to this role I worked for the positive future sector which developed the confidence and engagement of vulnerable young people through the art of sport and exercise. This led to further work for Breeze Leeds festivals for young people. I worked for Leeds city council for 5 years before Covid. During Covid I was recommended a Care Worker Role for Adults in Residential due to disabilities as I have personal experience working with challenging young people. I worked with Vulnerable Adults for 2 years before realising my passion and work practise is more beneficial to supporting young people."
02
What is most rewarding aspect of being Keyworker?
“Seeing the progress young people make when we develop their confidence and give them a more positive outlook on life”
03
What does a typical day look like as Keyworker?
“When arriving on shift you would receive handover from staff  but would also check diary / emails for any appointments/meetings or planned events/sessions. If the young person was still sleeping, you would ensure the home was clean to an acceptable standard. Once young person is awake you would speak with them to plan the day such as activities or direct key work that is required. I would be expected to complete any daily / Weekly tasks such as essential shop, petty cash, supported shop, haircuts, phone top up or health and safety checks. Throughout the day I would continuously ensure everything is recorded and reported and any concerns are shared with relevant professionals / management. I often do multiple sleeps a week and during the evenings we try settle the young person down and be in a regular evening routine. I often find young people engage differently on an evening during settling down period due to them being more relaxed”
04
What do you think makes Youth Hubz stand out compared to other supported accommodation in the area?
“The houses are high standard, and all the support provided is young person centred”
05
Would you recommend joining Youth Hubz?
“Yes”
06
What would your advice be to someone who is joining the Youth Hubz Team and awaiting induction.
“Try not being overwhelmed at the start with all the training and information given to you, try to absorb as much as you can and the rest will come second nature once you’re on shift”

April

Floating Support keyworkers
After leaving school, I worked in the textile industry for over 20 years. To support and encourage my daughter to attend college I completed an access to higher education course, where I had the chance to volunteer at a homeless shelter as part of the curriculum.

My passion for helping others then led me to start working with young people, initially in a mother and baby unit. In 2003, I joined Calderdale Council as a casual residential worker, becoming a permanent staff member in 2007. I then moved to a short break unit for children with learning disabilities in 2011, where I stayed until 2015 before changing my career path to focus more on support than care.

For the next 8 years, I had the privilege of supporting 16-18 year old care leavers, and I was even promoted to manager in 2018. It was a very rewarding experience, but I was eager for a new challenge when the opportunity to become a team leader working with Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) became available. I'm really enjoying the new experiences and the chance to support these young people as they navigate the asylum process and work towards living independently developing skills for community safety and involvement, personal hygiene, and basis English.

Outside of work, I cherish my time with my children and grandchildren. It brings me great joy to be able to spend quality time with my loved ones.

Babita Mehta

24/7 Operational Manager
Babita has worked with children for over 20 years. She has worked in the Education sector in a safeguarding role, before transitioning into Safeguarding Lead with Youth Hubz Semi Independent Support where she has worked for the last 18months. She is currently completing Level 4 in Children, Young People and Families Practitioner and ensures she keeps up to date with her role by attending various Safeguarding Leadership courses with new legislation and guidance. Babita has been Safeguarding Lead since 2021. She supports the implementation of policies and procedures with safeguarding practices. She ensures staff are up to date with all the developments in child protection policy, research, practice and guidance. In 2023 Babita was promoted to Operational Manager for 24/7 support.