Lesley Pattison - Admin Worker
Lesley has been The Den's admin worker for six years. Lesley cut her teeth at Stanley Youth Centre, providing admin and youth work support. During which time she acquired her Level 3 Business Administration and Level 3 Customer Service qualifications. Lesley's main role involves financial management, payroll and Den bookings. 

Kat Rudd - Development coordinator                                                                                                                                                       Kat has a first-class honours degree in Business Management from Teesside University and a Professional graduate certificate in Education. She has previous experience of working with small businesses and sole traders and four years’ experience working within further education. In the previous few years she held the role of Student Union President where she was a member of the board of governors and involved in strategic decision making on the development and direction of the organisation as well as holding main responsibility for advocating for students across all hierarchical levels internally and externally. She is excited to drive our mission of improving the lives of children and young people. When she's not at The Den, she's usually attending racing events with her family who are all motorsport mad. 

Beth Tannahill- Youth Project Lead 

Beth is our Youth Project Lead here at The Den. She has a huge background in Hospitality and Catering, a  Foundation Degree in Events Management, First class honours degree in Business Management from The Open University as well as a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education. Beth is currently studying towards her Level 3 Youth Work, developing strategies and skills which can apply to her direct youth work here at The Den. Beth has 2 years experience working with students with additional needs and has been an active supporting presence for students  in further education for 5+ years alongside her studies. In previous years Beth has worked part time in the hospitality sector whilst studying multiple degrees at New College Durham, whilst also raising her own family. She has been with us for almost a year and is still as excited and dedicated to providing a safe, enriching and fun environment for all of our members. When she's not at the Den she spends her time socialising with family and friends. 

Laura Eland- Den Assistant
Laura joined our team in December 2021 through the government's kickstart scheme. Laura's role at The Den is helping run the youth clubs, cleaning and creating digital posters for any events and groups. She also volunteers at Wood Craft Folk group nights. When she's not at the Den she enjoys spending time with her dog, watching stop motion movies and spending time with her friends.

Carol Cairns - Den Assistant

Carol is our newest staff member here at The Den. She has a long background in working in a school kitchen environment and is very friendly and accommodating towards all of our children here at The Den. Carol's role as Den Assistant is to help run activities and sessions at our youth groups, preparing delicious food for those attending and assisting with day to day tasks. When she's not at The Den, Carol enjoys spending time with her family.