Simon Kitson

Sajid Mahmood

A talented multi-trader, Saj started as a volunteer mentor at VIY’s Hub project at Shard End Youth Centre in Birmingham, but has now started leading on projects, especially on our school and college programmes. As well as helping young people in the UK through his work with VIY, Saj also commits time to charity work overseas in Saudi Arabia.

Mark Teulon

Dan Munn

Dan is a former prison officer and first volunteered with VIY in 2017. He has a particular passion for carpentry, whilst also having other trade skills. Dan enjoys his role because: “No two projects are the same. Each one poses its own challenges, which we always overcome. I also meet young volunteers who have been through the justice system and it’s brilliant to see the impact that VIY has on their confidence and prospects.”

Jasper Taylor

The best thing about working with VIY is that the role combines an interesting amount of trade skills and experience along with communication between learners, other mentors and the project teams. It is a welcome change from the standard site work.

A recurring highlight for me is enabling people to try something different while also just spending time together and (hopefully) helping people broaden their horizons. It also feels great to be welcomed in to a team where I have a clear role to play and other people to work alongside in pursuit of a noble cause.

Alan Dalton

Alan joined the VIY team early in 2017, first as a volunteer in his local area, then became Lead Mentor. Alan is now Head Mentor and one of our longest-serving. A talented carpenter and multi-skilled tradesman from East London, he has a passion for helping young people who are facing challenging circumstances, having passed through the care system himself as a young person.

Imran Younas

Imran, from Hall Green in Birmingham, is VIY’s most experienced Lead Mentor, having mentored on more than 50 projects. He has a wealth of trade experience and used to run his own plumbing and maintenance company. He has also been recognised several times for his work with young people through VIY, most recently receiving the Aston Villa Community Foundation ‘Most Valuable Community Player’ award in 2017.