Our Mission & Vision
Bridging the Gap between education and employment, we are a unique youth employment programme that works closely with local businesses and key organisations within the Wealden community.
Every young person deserves success
Our Team
Lisa Crozier
In my previous role as a deputy manager in a children’s home, this has given me a real understanding of some of the barriers young people face. Now as Project Manger for Wealden Works, I have the privileged opportunity of supporting young people and being a part of their transition either into employment or further education. I have a real passion in seeing young people achieve their full potential. Being able to watch their confidence grow from when they first join us till when they leave makes me feel very proud of how far they have come.
Victoria Bowdler
With an early commercial background in the financial services industry, I gained valuable experience navigating both opportunities and challenges. After starting a family, I reassessed my career path and, in 2011, began a new journey supporting young people into employment. From working directly within the employability sector to becoming a founder member of Wealden Works, I have built extensive knowledge and a strong network of contacts. This has enabled me to support and empower over a thousand young people, helping them plan their career journeys and successfully transition into the world of work. Breaking down barriers and seeing young people achieve their career goals has been immensely rewarding. I look forward to building on our success at Wealden Works and extending our services even further.
Rachel Thorne
I’ve recently joined Wealden Works and I am really excited to be part of the team and contribute to the wonderful work they do. I previously worked in mental health, supporting people with their wellbeing and social needs. Before that, I worked as an Employment Specialist, helping individuals build confidence and move back into work & build sustainable careers. I’m really passionate about helping others and feel lucky to play a small part in supporting people to recognise and reach their full potential. I’m excited to be part of Wealden Works and truly believe the charity makes a huge difference by supporting young people. I hope the experience I’ve gained allows me to offer positive, meaningful support to young people at Wealden Works.
Our Board
Sally Frost
Director of Newton and Frost Fencing.
“I am deeply passionate about helping young people realize their potential. I firmly believe that everyone has something valuable to offer. My goal is for our charity to be a vital, accessible bridge to the future, helping many more individuals uncover their unique talents.”
Tim Hough
Retired. Active Parish Councillor.
Peter Bailey
“Wealden Works and its mission is important to us personally, as it is a source of young candidates seeking a career. The impact that the Charity could have on this business over the years to come is a steady flow of potential employees, knowing that the candidates would have been vetted and meet the requirements which we seek.”
Bob Bowdler
Retired career Soldier and Structural Surveyor.
“The difference Wealden Works can make to a young person’s view on life is astonishing! Initially, many students believe the world ends at Cross in Hand. The next time I meet them they are all smiles and aiming for the stars! It’s just a very ‘Happy Place’!”
Susan Stedman
Heathfield & Waldron Parish Councillor. Worked in publicity and the charitable sector. WDC district councillor for 20 years. Heathfield and Waldron PC’s representative at WW. Volunteer fundraiser.
Chris Morris
“For over a decade, Wealden Works has done exceptional work helping young people getting onto apprenticeship schemes and progressing into long-term careers. The impact this has on our community is key to supporting both young people and local employers. What I’ve really enjoyed seeing is the transformation of the people on the course, through life-skills training, community projects and courses, gaining them vital experience, confidence boosting and education to get them progressing into their adult lives. With continued funding support and employee engagement, I’m excited to see the impact Wealden Works will have for the next decade!”
Linda Bonner
“I started my volunteering journey as a business mentor for a charity, Career Ready ,many years ago supporting 16-19 year olds as part of a 2 year programme. All the young people that I mentored have gone on to have successful careers in roles they would never have been able to imagine they were capable of. It is so rewarding to be part of their success so being able to now support and be part of a local charity who are providing a free programme to support young people into work, further education or training is a real privilege at a time where there is a real growing need across East Sussex. Sadly as the numbers of NEETs across the whole country continues to rise I think the programme and support our amazing team provides to young people will remain relevant and much needed.”
Brian Bishop
“I would say it matters to me personally because as chair of Tunstall Jubilee Foundation we were able to provide money to keep the service going when the previous supporting charity withdrew. Since then, our trustees have become more and more committed to the work you do with young people in a rural area to establish them in a vitally important work role. So we we continue to support you with accommodation and any other help you might need particularly in the much needed expansion of the service to the new area of Polegate.”
Our Ambassadors
We are proud to have the support of three Ambassadors who help champion our work and raise awareness of the opportunities available to young people in Wealden. Roger Daltrey OBE and Dame Jayne Torvill have supported the project for many years, and we were delighted to welcome former England rugby international Joe Marler as an Ambassador in 2025. Our ambassadors have shown their support by presenting certificates at our Annual Achievement Awards and taking the time to meet and encourage some of the young people we work with. We are grateful for their support, which helps shine a spotlight on the achievements and potential of the young people we serve.
Join Now!
Interested in joining our programme?
Whether you are a young person aged 16-24 and living in the Wealden area looking to make a difference to their life, or a business able to offer work placements, permanent jobs or apprenticeships please get in touch.