Sharon Hope
Head of Operations
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.
Nicola Campbell
Role: Kitchen Lead and Youth Worker
Why are you a part of the youthie?
I love what we do here, a safe place for young people to hang out. There’s always something to do, something to eat and someone to talk to. I also like the fact we host a food share to save food waste.
What club would you join at BYP (existing or desired)?
Ready, steady, cook. I love to take food from the foodshare and make it into something for everyone to enjoy.
Favourite Animal?
Whales. They’re just so huge and awesome!
Our other staff’s and volunteer’s profiles are coming soon.
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.
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.
What club would you join at BYP (existing or desired)?
Music appreciation (Jazz, Classical, Traditional)
Favourite animal?
Working dogs (sheep dogs, guide dogs, etc)
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.
What club would you join at BYP (existing or desired)?
Table Tennis – happy to come and have a game anytime!
Favourite animal?
Cat – without a shadow of a doubt
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.
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…
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.
Elizabeth Clingan
Role: Trustee
Why are you a part of the youthie?
To support young people in whole catchment area of Biggar High School and provide them with a space and opportunities to develop and to lead.
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.
Favourite animal?
Ladybird (if that counts as an animal – if not, then a kangaroo).
We also have Vicky Burns and Michael Allen on our board. Their bio will be coming soon.