Team
On this page you will find information about all of our regular volunteer team for the weekly groups we run, so you'll know who's who when you come along!
It also tells you a bit more about any other projects we are planning on doing, what they are and which team are either responsible for them or will be there.
Operations Manager & Safeguarding Lead
Tash She/Her
Meet Tash- Tash is our Operations Manager and DSL on site. Having worked in MK Youth Services for over 20yrs, Tash has loads of professional connections and knowledge. She is passionate about Young People having opportunities to live their best lives.
Tash, often called 'Mumma Tash' takes care of us all and feeds everyone. She is in every session, every week to welcome you and is always available to listen.
Fun fact: Tash has been spending her Summer holidays working in Africa, working in schools, building clinics, play parks and a hospital for the last 13 yrs.
Schools Work Lead & Youth Support
Dakota She/Her
Dakota is our schools work lead- so you’ll be seeing her around your schools! She is always enthusiastic about meeting the staff and students, and doing what she can to help schools improve their support of young LGBTQ+ people. With a background in mentoring, she is working to develop our 1-2-1 mentoring, which will further help in creating safer environments for LGBTQ+ students and staff.
Dakota is also a regular lead in the weekly youth groups, so you can be sure to see her around!
Fun fact: Dakota loves all things DRAG and you may have already met them as Capri Conceive. Capri is also our Youth Service Ambassador.
Comms Lead, Youth & Schools Support
Casper He/Him
Casper is part of our youth support team, our comms lead and facilitates the UTu Cafe. You will also see Casper appearing at your school, helping to make them a more supportive environment for LGBTQ+ young people.
Having been to university for illustration- and to college for Video game art, Casper is our go to for creative things and talking about anything fantasy related.
Fun fact: Casper has rescued lots of animals and did once live with a duck in their bedroom: They told us, that they don't recommend it!
UTu Community Group Lead
Lorraine She/Her
Lorraine is the mother of an adult Trans person. She has lived experience from this, and openly shares there have been times when she has felt less informed than she wishes she had been.
Because of this, Lorraine facilitates our UTu Community monthly meeting for adult carers/supporters of LGBTQ+ young people, in order to give other parents of LGBTQ+ people the support she would have liked.
Fun fact: Lorraine has created a community garden, is great with all things green and is even a trained Bee keeper.
Youth Support Worker
Zac He/They
Zac is one of our Youth Support Workers and is also on our UTu committee.
He works at the hospital looking after broken bones and supporting their Pride Network.
During the youth groups you can often find Zac wandering around eating, playing music and poking around in the garden.
Fun fact: Zac is in a band and on also plays rugby for the Northampton Outlaws
Youth Support Worker, Schools & Comms Support
Emily She/Her
Emily is a Youth Support Worker and you will see her at fortnightly at both UTu & UTu Café. She is part of the Comms team and you may also see Emily at some of your schools helping educate one school at a time.
Emily is a Drama teacher and loves to sing, dance and act. She also runs a MK based performing arts school that is a genuine safe LGBTQ+ space.
Fun fact: Emily can sing any Disney song, if you give her the first and recently crocheted a bumble bee and Globe
Youth Support Worker
Grey He/Him
Grey is the longest serving member of our youth support team. Grey has been working in youth support in MK for many years and worked alongside Tash to offer a safe online space throughout the pandemic too!
Grey loves anything to do with reptiles and has a world of knowledge about Spiders, Snakes and Hissing Cockroaches.
Fun fact: Grey is also a brilliant photographer and has a penchant for creating wellbeing enhancing potions.
Youth Support Worker
Brooke She/Her
Brooke is part of our youth support team and you will see her at the UTu youth group fortnightly.
Brooke is a Geography and Sociology teacher. She big fan of the natural & social world. Brooke is passionate about equality and social justice. She wants to see young people's voices be heard as a priority and has a genuine gift for listening.
Fun fact: Brooke is a Brown belt at Kick Boxing.
Youth Support Worker
Amy She/Her
Amy is part of our youth support team. Amy is always on hand to offer support and make you feel welcome. You will see Amy at our UTu group once a month.
Amy is a Tree Surgeon, so often arrives with a tree story or injury to share. She is always up for a bit of football in the garden, any kind of climbing, all things trees, or any physical activities.
Fun fact: Amy has a Tortoise called Pistachio
Would you like to volunteer with us?
If you feel you could join the team and support young people and/or their families in MK, please email us and tell us about your interest at info@undertheumbrella.org.uk
It is a part time monitored mail box but someone will come back you asap.
We usually ask you to come in and have an informal conversation to start with.
