Hello, My name is Peter Landers and I am the Chair of the Trustees of Urban Circle Newport.
Before retiring in 2017, I had spent 43 years working with young people. For the first nine years of my career I worked as a teacher in Cardiff. In 1983 I then moved to work for the YMCA in Newport. Amongst many projects I have worked on, was also the establishment of the YMCA Wales Community College-now part of Adult Learning Wales, the building and funding of the YMCA centre in Mendalgief Road, Newport and the organisation of a number of award-winning exchange projects with China and Georgia. Alongside being chair here at Urban Circle, I am also the Chair of Governors of Saint Michael’s RC primary school in Pill and a governor of a school in Cardiff. For many years I represented the United Kingdom in the Catholic Church’s youth music organisation, which holds youth music festivals every two years all around the world- similar to the work done here at Urban Circle.
In my role I am committed to supporting diverse and inclusive musical educational experiences for all young people- and also share Urban Circle’s love for music and art.
My name is Deanna Henry, I’m a mother of 4 and a grandmother of 5. As a successful business person who’s very hard working, punctual and target driven I bring my lived experiences to the team at Urban Circle Newport . I have a very strong personality which enables me to communicate with people on many different levels.
I love helping young people no matter where they live in the world, so when my daughter Loren decided she would like a career in social science’s I encouraged her 100%. In her quest to empower young people to gain the tools needed in order to live and progress in the modern world. I feel Urban Circle Newport is a charity that is definitely a massive help to our young people.
I am founder of ‘Herstory’ which is dedicated to shining a spotlight towards strong black female/male pioneers of our generation. The one’s that have contributed towards modern day society significantly, yet to this day, in the year 2020 have failed to be recognised, as these great women/men should be, on a global scale. Our gift cards uniquely highlight the amazing achievements of melanated people throughout history, the present day, and the future.
My name is Shauna- Louise Gibbons and I have been a part of Urban Circle for 4 years now. I started in the youth forum at a point in my life where I had little to no confidence, finding it hard to speak to new people or have a say in group decisions. Within the first year I had gained so much confidence which allowed me to speak up during meetings and give my opinion on certain things regarding our events. I also gained some experience within administration throughout my first and second year with Urban Circle which has enabled me to get a well paid government job.
My role within the board of trustees is to bring young people’s views and thought processes to the board- have their voices heard and share what the young people want so we can ensure they are included in all the decisions being made towards their organisation, activities and wellbeing.