Sharon Hope
Project Co-ordinator
Sharon leads the delivery of a vibrant, open-access service for the young people of Clydesdale. She is responsible for the effective development and delivery of core programs, as well as any projects that evolve from them.
Her focus is on maintaining a high standard of youth work, ensuring the charity provides a fun, supportive, safe, and inclusive environment that attracts and retains young people, inspires them, and raises their aspirations.
Outside of work, Sharon enjoys live music, cooking, and embracing self-sufficient living.
Staff and Volunteers
Our staff and volunteers are the heart of our centre. Their experience and knowledge as well at empathy and understanding is what makes Biggar Youth Project what it is. Keep an eye on the newsfeed to hear about them all as individuals.
We are always keen to take on new volunteers, and in some cases volunteering may lead to paid work. If you are interested in volunteering for us, please get in touch.
Our current staff and volunteers, and some questions from our young people, are below.
Name: Ellen Anderson
Role: Youth Worker
Why are you a part of the youthie?
I was born and raised in Biggar and have found memories of growing up here. O also know so much has changed and the youth need a place to belong and grow. I wanted to be part of that and applied for a job, luckily I got it!
Favourite animal?
I am a dog lover, and would love to have a pet once again. However I love all animals.
What club would you join at BYP (existing or desired)?
I would like to see a club involving “collections”, stamp coins, badges, Pokémon.
Name: Farhana Ahmed Zoarder
Role: Youth Worker
Why are you a part of the youthie?
I love to engage with young people. By being their safe and trusted person, I feel I have made a positive impact to their wellbeing and can help get their voices heard.
Favourite animal?
Koala bear, they are just so cute!
What club would you join at BYP (existing or desired)?
Movie night, I love to relax with a good movie and some tasty snacks.
The BYP Board
The BYP Board oversees the governance of the BYP SCIO. Our current members, and some questions from our young people to the board, are below.
Name: Mike Chad
Role: Chair of Trustees
Why are you a part of the youthie?
Young people are the future of our community, and I wanted to contribute to an environment which will help them grow into mature, responsible adults.
Favourite animal?
Working dogs (sheep dogs, guide dogs, etc)
What club would you join at BYP (existing or desired)?
Music appreciation (Jazz, Classical, Traditional)
Name: Wendy Johnstone
Role: Trustee (Secretary of the Board)
Why are you a part of the youthie?
Because I believe all young people are amazing and should be given lots of opportunities to have fun, make friends, be safe, learn, grow and achieve brilliant things.
Favourite animal?
Cat – without a shadow of a doubt
What club would you join at BYP (existing or desired)?
Table Tennis – happy to come and have a game anytime!
Name: Robin McAlpine
Role: Trustee
Why are you a part of the youthie?
I was asked to join the Board when I was still in my 20s and I’m now in my 50s. I was delighted to support it then and I’m still delighted now. If adults don’t step up and provide spaces for kids where they feel they belong, we’re letting them down. I just hope lots of the kids at the Project will then step up and do their bit for the community when the time comes too.
Favourite animal?
Impossible. I love animals and I keep changing my mind. We’ve got ducks, cats, chickens, turkeys and parrots. Over my life I’ve had budgies, goats at one point and even a hedgehog (which is a long story). But for sheer magnificence it’s hard to beat a wolf. Or a bear. Or elephant. And for cuteness a cat. Or what about a red panda? Then again, you’ve not seen cute until a racoon has crawled out from under your terrace and stolen one of your chips. See? I can’t choose.
What club would you join at BYP (existing or desired)?
Wizard of course. Except not really – cooking is my hobby so probably that. But my partner is a filmmaker and I’m a bit of a movie buff so I guess I’d never be away from the place…
Name: Elizabeth Clingan
Role: Trustee
Why are you a part of the youthie?
To support young people in whole catchment area of BHS and provide them with a space and opportunities to develop and to lead.
Favourite animal?
Ladybird (if that counts as an animal – if not, then a kangaroo).
What club would you join at BYP (existing or desired)?
Probably the cooking club but if I was going to push myself out of my comfort zone, the coding club.
We also have Vicky Burns on our board. Their bio will be coming soon.