Meet the team

I’m Jon McCaughey, manager at YPS for over 5 years now, and I’ve been with the service for over 15 years and the council for over 20 years. I’m a massive advocate for the importance of all aspects of youth work, and I feel it’s never been more important. In my spare time I’m an active musician, a dog and a cat lover, and have recently become a very proud grandfather.

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Email

01254 298622

jon.mccaughey@blackburn.gov.uk

Andrew Erlam

I’m Andrew, the Deputy Service Manager at Young Peoples Services – my main role involves managing HAF, external commissions, projects including detached work and internal oversight of SEND and Participation. Away from work I enjoy gardening, walking and looking after my dog Bowie. I spend most weekends being disappointed by Everton Football Club – Up the Toffees.

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Email

01254 585050

andrew.erlam@blackburn.gov.uk

Liz Clarkson

I’m Liz, the Participation and Inclusion Manager at YPS. My job is to make sure young people have a voice and that the people making important decisions really listen to them. I help young people meet with decision-makers, speak up about the things that matter to them and make positive changes. I also manage our SEND services and help make sure our activities are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for everyone. I have two children at secondary school who have ADHD and autism, so I understand some of the challenges that young people and their families may face.

In my spare time, I enjoy walking, going to the gym, travelling and shopping. I also love spending time with our dog Nyah, our cat Ranger and our leopard gecko!

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Email

01254 298630

elizabeth.clarkson@blackburn.gov.uk

Rose Morgan

My name is Rose Morgan, I am the Targeted Youth Support Manager at YPS. TYS provides young people with support tailored to their needs on a one to one and group basis. In my spare time I like spending time with my family, travelling, and art. I love Japanese food. I have 1 son and a cat called Bano.

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Email

01254 268936

rose.morgan@blackburn.gov.uk

Matt Johnston

My name is Matt and I’m the Positive Activities Lead for YPS. I support the TYS workers by delivering outdoor and adventurous activities, I also manage the Duke of Edinburgh Award and run bespoke activities for outside agencies. I started over 20 years ago as a DofE Expedition Leader and Store keeper. In my spare time I like to walk and ride my mountain bike, I can also be found taking holidays all around the UK in my self-built campervan.

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Email

01254 298647

matt.johnston@blackburn.gov.uk

Support Team

Michaela Phillipson

Hi, my name is Michaela Phillipson and I am the SEND Inclusion Co-Ordinator for Young People Services. I work with a team providing activities for young people with SEND to help them build friendships, to try new experiences and to give them a voice. I have 4 grown up children with families of their own and 10 grandchildren (8 granddaughters and two grandsons). In my spare time I enjoy reading, listening to music and knitting. I love going to watch the local ice hockey team - Blackburn Hawks and go to Portugal every Easter with my best friend.

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Email

01254 298622

michaela.phillipson@blackburn.gov.uk

Ryan Cooper

My name is Ryan and I am the TYS Prevention Team manager. In our team we young people to aspire to be the best they can be by offering different experiences and activities that help them flourish. I have two children who do their very best to age me as quickly as they can and are doing a very good job of it! I love my sports – especially football, but I also love walking, biking, any sport and most things that have a little danger to them apart from caving as that is just bonkers!

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Email

01254 666547

ryan.cooper@blackburn.gov.uk

Michael Lockley

My name is Mick I’m the site supervisor at YPS. I’ve been a council employee for 6 years and a regular customer at K2 for even longer. In my spare time I enjoy travelling and have a static caravan where I spend most of my weekends. I like football and support Aston Villa – Up the Villa!

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Email

01254 222137

michael.lockley@blackburn.gov.uk

Musa Fackeer

Occupation: Youth Worker
Interests: Football, Gym, Travelling
Best described: Honest, Adventerous, Spontaneous
As a youth worker I’ve learnt young people make as much a difference to your life than you do to theirs!
Carpe Diem.

Asif Hussain

My name is Asif Hussain I am a targeted youth support worker at YPS, I help young people in their personal, social and educational development, I enjoy sport particularly football and cricket, and have a cat called oreo.

Bernie

I am Bernie, a targeted youth support worker for young people’s services, I enjoy going to yoga and pilates and like watching football.

Franklin Wade

Hi my name is Franklin, I have been working as an apprentice at YPS since 2023 and a care leaver. I am a massive football fan and my favourite team in Blackburn Rovers.

Saima Khan

I am a Targeted Youth Support (TYS) Worker with a passion for helping and supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes and reach their full potential.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active by going to the gym and have a keen interest in cars and going for long drives. I also love travelling and exploring new places and cultures. In my free time, I enjoy going to the cinema and am a big fan of Marvel films, with The Hulk being my favourite character.

Amjad Rashid

I am the Youth Participation Co-ordinator at BwD Young People’s Service. My role involves working with a wide range of partners and decision-makers to ensure that young people are empowered to have their voices heard and are meaningfully represented on the issues that affect their lives.

Outside of work, I am also a very proud grandfather to two lovely girls. I am a very keen sports fan, particularly when it comes to cricket and football. I am also a massive supporter of Liverpool F.C., who often have the power to determine whether I have a good or bad weekend.

Once a Red, always a Red!

Leaya Hargreaves

My name is Leaya, I am the Intervention Lead for Targeted Youth Support and have been lucky to have supported children and young people over the past 18 years. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and our 3 children. My hobbies include walking, outdoor activities, eating nice food, listening to music and going to gigs, I also love online shopping, especially buying new trainers.

Ruki Calisir

My name is Ruki and I work on the Targeted Youth Support Team at YPS. I’ve been a youth work for many years and have experience of supporting young people through really difficult periods of their lives. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, visiting different countries and enjoying different cultures. When I’m not in work you’ll probably find me relaxing in a spa.