About us
The Mercread Youth Centre (charity number 1201236) was established to support and empower local young people by providing a safe space for them to socialise and engage in a range of positive activities that promote wellbeing and personal/social development.
The Mercread Youth Centre is managed by a small group of volunteer trustees. We hire a part-time centre manager and an amazing team of qualified and experienced youth workers. The team is DBS checked and trained in safeguarding and health & safety.
Trustees
Counselling & Youth Support Specialist | Designated Safeguarding Lead
Ceri has a strong background in counselling and child development. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and Education (2:1) and a Level 4 Post-Graduate Certificate in Counselling Children.
Ceri’s contribution to the Board strengthens our governance around safeguarding, mental health, and wellbeing, helping to ensure that care and compassion are embedded at every level of our work.
Community Empowerment & Sustainability Lead
Gemma is the founder of Sharing Skills CIC, based in Seaford, where she brings people together to learn, fix, grow and share. Since establishing the monthly Seaford Repair Café at Mercread Youth Centre, she has enabled residents to repair items, learn new skills and engage in inclusive community lunches. Her wider work includes community food-growing and up-cycling initiatives designed to reduce waste, promote the circular economy and build meaningful connections. As a trustee, Gemma’s dedication to sustainability, skill-sharing and community empowerment makes her a key asset to the Mercread Youth Centre’s mission.
Artist, Interior Consultant & Community Leader
Based in Seaford, Carol brings over 25 years of experience in interior design and visual arts, operating under Maison Cinq Studio. As former President (and now Vice-President) of the Seaford Chamber of Commerce, she has championed local business, heritage initiatives and community events. Passionate about creative expression and civic involvement, Carol is committed to empowering young people in Seaford through the work of Mercread Youth Centre.
Management Team
Myriam is the Centre Manager at Mercread Youth Centre, bringing together her expertise in finance and organisational development to strengthen the Centre’s mission.
A qualified bookkeeper and experienced administrator, Myriam holds a Practice Licence with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) and has a strong background in managing charity and social-enterprise finances. Through her company, Savvy Helpers Ltd, she has supported numerous charities and community groups to manage grants and build sustainable systems.
At Mercread, Myriam oversees the day-to-day operations of the Centre, manages projects and partnerships, and leads on grant applications and fundraising initiatives. Her focus is on ensuring the Centre remains a safe, welcoming and well-resourced space where young people can access opportunities for growth, learning and connection.
Beyond Mercread, Myriam is an active community leader, serving as a Trustee for The Youth Counselling Project and Cradle Hill PTFA, supporting mental health initiatives and local education.
Myriam combines strategic planning with a hands-on approach, helping to deliver impactful programmes that respond directly to local needs. Her commitment and vision continue to drive Mercread’s growth and long-term sustainability.
Jason Savin is the Youth Services Manager at Mercread Youth Centre, bringing over 30 years of experience supporting young people through education, sport and community development. His career has spanned respected organisations including Seahaven Community Development Association (SCDA), Albion in the Community, and the YMCA, where he worked extensively on youth engagement, wellbeing and employability programmes.
With a strong background as an Employability Worker, Jason has helped countless young people overcome barriers to education, training and work. His practical, person-centred approach focuses on building confidence, developing life skills and connecting young people with opportunities that set them on a positive path.
At Mercread, Jason leads the youth services team, designing and delivering a range of projects from after-school sessions to community outreach and skills-based workshops.
Jason’s leadership is defined by empathy, consistency and vision. He is known for building genuine relationships with young people — offering guidance, encouragement and a safe space to grow. His work continues to shape Mercread as a centre where young people are not only supported but inspired to reach their full potential.
Youth Workers
Charlie Bear’s Nursery has it’s home at the Mercread.
Visit their website to find out more.