Behind Every Switch Is A Team

Meet the team behind The Social Switch Project, dedicated to empowering young people by creating safer online spaces and supporting them into meaningful offline pathways.

Whether we’re delivering training, mentoring young people, or shaping digital policy, everything we do is rooted in collaboration, inclusion, and impact.

Mentors:

Your mentor will be your main point of contact, someone who’ll check in with you regularly, help you set goals, and ensure you get the most out of the programme.

Syeda Zinnat Akhter – Career Mentor:

  • I have years of experience in coaching, mentoring, and have assisted hundreds of people to find employment/training. I believe everyone has the ability to become the best version of themselves with the right support and guidance. 

Tamanna Ahmed – Career Mentor:

  • Whether it’s helping with job applications or just being there to listen, I’m always happy to help however I can. 

    “Tamanna has been in frequent communication with me and easy to reach. In summary very eager to help and informative, friendly as well.” 

    ~ Quote from a participant of our Digital Skills & Employability Programme 

Roy Richards – Career Mentor: 

  • Hi, my name is Roy. I joined The Social Switch Project as a Career Mentor in January. I bring a varied background and aim to support young people with upskilling and finding employment. I previously worked at the Home Office Prison Headquarters on the NOMIS project, helping implement IT across 40 prisons in England and Wales. 

    After 13 years, I wanted to give back and moved into the social sector, studying Youth Work (NVQ 2) and working as a Support Worker, Youth Worker, and Mentor over the past 14 years. Before joining Catch22, I supported asylum seekers and care leavers at Barnardo’s. 

    Since joining Social Switch, I’ve developed new skills and built strong professional relationships. The team has been very welcoming, and being part of such a large organisation has helped me connect with local councils, YOT teams, and other partners. Supporting young people to reach their goals is my greatest achievement. 

Tanaka Makoni – Career Mentor:

  • I am a career mentor who works with care leavers to help them find work within the NHS and healthcare sector. My role is to create a rapport with care leavers and discover how they want to develop within their future careers in the NHS. Then collectively we work together to create an action plan, look at their CV, find their strengths and inform them of roles they are interested in.  The focus is on empowering them to make a choice that aligns with their aspirations.   

Shakarah Edwards - Youth Mentor: 

  • Hi, my name is Shakarah. I have a deep passion for providing trauma-informed support to young people and creating opportunities that empower their growth. It’s a true privilege to hear their stories and to support them through such pivotal moments in their lives. 

Martin Vito – Youth Mentor:

  • Martin is a dynamic mentor and youth specialist who empowers young people to overcome personal, emotional, and academic challenges. He instills confidence, delivers motivational guidance, and inspires self-improvement and success. Known for his practical problem-solving, Martin helps resolve conflicts, boost self-belief, and provide tailored advice that transforms lives. His collaborative approach extends to staff, offering strategic insights and fostering supportive learning environments. Martin consistently goes above and beyond, making individuals feel valued, supported, and capable of greatness. With a proven track record of creating lasting positive impact, he is dedicated to unlocking potential and inspiring change. 

Project Leaders:

Kimberley Owen - Senior Operations Manager:

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Nicholas Giscombe - Service Manager:

  • I am an experienced manager with 20 years of welfare to work experience, working with a range of people which include vulnerable adults, people with physical and mental conditions, those furthest from the labour market, people wanting to start businesses and young people.   

    I have supported 1000s of people across London and the home counties back into employment or training and I am extremely intent on ensuring all young people have access to the same opportunities regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic background. 

Danielle Lecointe - Operations Manager:

  • I’m Danielle, the Operations Manager for our employability strand. I have worked in employability for over 12 years with 7 years spent working at Catch22. I joined Catch22 as an Employment Advisor and have undertaken many roles within the division building knowledge and experience. 

    My current role allows me to support our wonderful team with all things operational, such as targets and processes. I work closely with our funders and share details of the impact we have made and plans for the future. 

    Social Switch Project is a wonderful programme designed to support underrepresented young people with their career aspirations. 

Claudia Granziol - Programme Manager:

  • With a background in politics, geography, and international development, my true passion lies in forging meaningful connections, bridging societal gaps, and empowering others by harnessing their strengths. I manage the Inspiring Connections digital mentoring platform, linking professionals from diverse industries with participants on The Social Switch Project to drive real change. I also lead Switchboard, our dynamic youth board, ensuring that young voices remain central to our mission. My work is driven by a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and the belief that impactful relationships can transform lives and communities from the inside out. 

Jon Matthews - Operations Manager:

  • Hello, I’m Jon and I have been working in the youth sector since I was 15 years old. I have always been an advocate for young people, positive futures and personal development and that is why all my job roles have been centred around those three things. I help people achieve positive change and make personal and community-based impact!  

Asiya Laher - Partnerships Manager:

  • Hi I’m Asiya and I’m the Senior Partnerships Manager at Catch22. I have worked in employability for over 7 years, I joined Catch 22 in 2020 as a career coach and progressed into management within a year. Through developing so many new skills including leadership and service delivery I finally found a position which nurtures all my skills in building partnerships and engaging with the community and have been enjoying this role since 2023. 

    My role allows me to be at the forefront and engage with young people who are looking for better opportunities and need coaching to find employment. I enjoy attending job fairs and events which allow me to connect directly with those who need our support as well being able to network with other organisations to build sustainable referral pathways into our programmes. I work closely with the DWP, Councils and other charities to ensure we are all working together to support as many people as we can. 

    The Social Switch project Is a great programme which helps young people get closer to their career aspirations and help change their lives. 

Rhoda Agilinko - Facilitator:

  • Rhoda Agilinko is a former youth worker with five years of experience and a strong passion for the wellbeing and development of children and young people. Recognising the increasing impact of digital technology on young lives, she now delivers training through the Social Switch Project. Her sessions equip practitioners and trusted adults with the knowledge and confidence to navigate online platforms and provide meaningful support to young people facing digital challenges.