Walthamstow Youth Cheer New Leader

There's a new kid on the block in Walthamstow youth work.  The Church of England parish of Walthamstow and local youth charity Worth Unlimited have jointly appointed Samantha Lee as their new Community Outreach Worker.

Sam Lee is 25 years old, and her current job is as Community Integration Worker at Ascension Church, Victoria Docks.  But she aims quickly to become a familiar face to the young people of Walthamstow as she engages with the local community.

Sam first became involved in the Church aged 14 when she volunteered to be a leader at her local church’s holiday club – and then became very much involved!  She became a cheerleader and a cheerleading coach - for nine years with The Ascension Eagles, representing this country in various championships on several continents. 

Sam said: “I have been given so many fantastic opportunities, and have learned so much, because people believed in me and gave me the chance to make a difference. I soon became involved in lots of exciting work with young people and it was through coaching a team of 30 teenagers cheerleading that I decided I wanted to work with teenagers because they are GREAT!

“I want to show young people how incredibly special and valued they are. I want to give them opportunities to make a positive difference in their community, opportunities to be leaders. I want to build young people up and help them to reach their full potential."

Churchwarden Steve Mawhinney represented the parish in the shortlisting, and said: "At a time when young people are under attack on every front, we are determined to stand alongside them and offer them hope and a future. Sam's passion and experience means she is ideally placed to help lead this crucial task."   

But Sam gets the last word: ”Things are crazy here finishing up and everything, but I am very pleased about the job and really looking forward to starting in Walthamstow.  I am so excited - I can’t wait to start!”