Phil Trotter
I come with a suite of qualifications in youth work, pastoral care, and education - including a Masters in Pastoral Care, and the National Diploma in Youth Work. I've authored Mentoring Young People; A Practical Resource, and written the book Youth Ministry Well. I was lead founder of Big Brothers, Big Sisters Christchurch. I've worked to support the professionalisation of youth work in Aotearoa and have overseen the development of safe practice in various youth work organisations. I have helped many youth groups to develop community facing projects, including 24/7 Youthwork, and have led Social Exposure programmes with the City Mission. I have experience as a StrengthsFinder Coach. For me, the two key words in Youth Work are potential and development. It’s about taking a chance with a young person, believing in them, often on the back of the smallest glimpse of who they are and who they can be, investing in their future, and not easily thrown by their present reality.