Devoted in Derby: Centre Manager Continues to Go Above and Beyond

At the heart of Workpays are brilliant staff who dedicate their working day to making positive changes in an individual's life. Our Derby centre is no different, with manager Kooner Singh making a real difference each and every day.

Kooner started his Workpays journey with us eight years ago, after spending a number of years on the front line as a youth worker. He would speak to colleges, referral partners, stakeholders, professionals, and the police to try and get young people on a positive path. Kooner would even find young people who were struggling on the streets and support them in education. 

Whilst working for Youth Service, Kooner spent two years on a gang project, working closely with the police, fire service, youth service, and schools to educate young people. Individuals often saw him as an ally and would listen to him discuss anti-social behavior and gang culture.

He stated: ‘’The latest crime data for Derby shows that knife crime is the second highest on the list - it is a real issue within the community, which is why I am passionate about educating others on the dangers of carrying knives.’’

It is no surprise due to his background that Kooner started on the engagement team, as he feels this is one of his many strengths.

He said: ‘’Because of my past experiences, I am very good at my job and working with challenging and difficult young people. I enjoy making a difference in their life, no matter what their background may be.’’

‘’I have a lot of patience and confidence, meaning I feel comfortable speaking to anyone. This then makes the other person feel comfortable talking to me, which is why I have always chosen to work with people who need support. 

After working as part of the engagement team, Kooner is now the Centre Manager for Derby and goes above and beyond to make the community a better place.

He said: ‘’I have no degree, no high-level qualifications, but my experience working on the front line has allowed me to understand how to really focus and communicate with someone who is having a difficult time or who may have chosen the wrong path.

‘’Myself and the rest of the Workpays team aims to support these individuals and point them in the right direction to achieve a successful career and better life for themselves.

‘’Anyone can turn their life around and Workpays are here to make that happen.’’

Well done to Kooner and the Derby team for all of their hard work!

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