Syrie leads Southend YMCA's work to support vulnerable young people through housing, youth work, wellbeing, and community services. She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across the charity and social housing sectors and holds a PhD, with a particular interest in improving outcomes for young people facing disadvantage.

Throughout her career, Syrie has championed innovation, partnership working, and evidence-informed practice, helping to develop sustainable services that respond to changing community needs. She is passionate about creating opportunities for young people who may otherwise be excluded and believes strongly in the power of belonging, creativity, and positive relationships to transform lives.

Despite her strategic leadership responsibilities, Syrie remains closely connected to service development and is motivated by seeing young people grow in confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve goals they once thought were beyond their reach.

Dawn is responsible for leading the finance and HR functions and supporting the CEO and Board of Trustees in delivering the organisation's strategic objectives and long-term financial sustainability. Dawn is a current member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), having completed her professional accountancy qualifications through ACCA. She brings over 40 years of experience across a wide range of sectors, including publishing, retail, medical research, manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing.

Having progressed from manual accounting systems to leading successful finance departments, Dawn has developed extensive expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, risk management, and financial leadership. She joined Southend YMCA in her first role within the charity sector, bringing a wealth of commercial experience to support the organisation's mission.

Dawn is passionate about working alongside colleagues dedicated to improving the lives of young people. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, reading, exploring history and current affairs, and practising Pilates.

John has worked for Southend YMCA for 25 years, leading its housing and facilities services. A qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), he brings more than 30 years of experience in the housing sector and is passionate about preventing homelessness and supporting vulnerable people.

Throughout his career, John has held roles within Southend Council's Homelessness Department and children's residential services, gaining extensive experience in supporting young people and adults experiencing housing insecurity. He is particularly committed to tackling youth homelessness through early intervention, practical support, and opportunities that help individuals develop independence and achieve positive outcomes.

In addition to his professional work, John has volunteered with HARP, Victim Support, and the Terrence Higgins Trust, reflecting his long-standing commitment to community support, inclusion, and improving the lives of others.

Tom is a youth work professional, music educator, and trained Designated Safeguarding Lead with 10 years' experience supporting young people across the charity sector and music industry. At Southend YMCA, he leads the development of Youth & Community Work Services, creating inclusive programmes that engage young people, particularly those facing barriers to traditional services, including those with SEND.

Tom specialises in partnership development, funding, and commissioning, working with schools, colleges, and community organisations to expand opportunities for young people. He also coordinates the Ready to Work employability programme, helping young people build skills, confidence, and pathways into employment, education, and training.

Music remains central to his work through All In Music, Southend YMCA's inclusive music programme. Before joining the sector, Tom was a professional touring and session musician. Outside his strategic role, he remains actively involved in frontline youth work, including music sessions and weekly bouldering activities.

Eleanor King leads the charity's work with families and young children through project development, service delivery, funding applications, and partnership working across the local community.

An IBCLC Lactation Consultant and qualified Early Years Teacher, Eleanor also holds an MPA in Faith-Based Leadership. She is the author and illustrator of several books exploring creative prayer ideas for churches, faith schools, and families, reflecting her passion for creativity, learning, and community engagement.

Eleanor brings a strengths-based approach to her work, recognising the potential, talents, and unique contributions of every individual and family she supports. Her values closely align with Southend YMCA's commitment to empowering young people and helping communities thrive.

Outside of work, Eleanor enjoys knitting, crochet, sea swimming, and singing in a local choir.

Nuga leads digital transformation, business improvement, and technology projects that strengthen services and organisational effectiveness. He also oversees Marketing and Communications, helping to raise awareness of the charity's work and engage supporters, partners, and local communities.

With expertise in project management, change management, digital innovation, research and development, and ICT, Nuga helps the organisation embrace new ways of working and deliver lasting improvements. He joined Southend YMCA through a Management Knowledge Transfer Partnership (mKTP) with the University of Hertfordshire and Innovate UK, leading a research project focused on innovation and organisational culture.

Passionate about driving innovation, change, and operational excellence, Nuga uses research, technology, effective communication, and collaborative teamwork to improve efficiency, strengthen organisational performance, and deliver better outcomes for young people and communities.

Outside of work, he enjoys travelling, trekking, hiking, camping, outdoor sports, and continually learning and developing new skills.