Name and role: Sophie Simpson, Director of Operations
Company: Conscious Youth
1.What does your role entail?
Now that is a question! No day is ever the same for me. I am the Director of Operations at Conscious Youth so I have to make sure everything is running smoothly at all times. One day I could be delivering a presentation to students in a school or college, the next day I am in a board meeting. This is why I love what I do.
2.Describe what your organisation does?
Our work is developed through consultation activities with young people starting with their skills, passion, interests and concerns. Some of our activities include; a youth group, social action, creative arts, fundraising, cultural sharing, community engagement and personal development workshops in schools and community spaces.
3.What attracted you to start your organisation in Huddersfield?
Conscious Youth C.I.C was set up in 2016 in response to council cuts and the closure of youth provisions and services within Kirklees. We felt that the young people of Huddersfield deserved an organisation within the community to provide them with the skills and knowledge to support themselves in the future.
4.What is your favourite thing about the town?
It will always be home to me. I have lived in different places around the UK but always come back to Huddersfield. It is one of the most multicultural areas in the UK where strangers will smile and say good morning to you. That is a massive thing and very uncommon in many parts of the country. I also love the fact you get a busy town centre but within 10 minutes you can be in the country seeing deer. It’s a beautiful mix.
5.Where is your favourite place to eat or drink in Huddersfield?
It has to be Med one, it has amazing food and is based right in the centre of town.
6.Who, or what business do you most admire in Huddersfield and why?
It has to be some of the small businesses run by young people that we have seen grow from a tiny back room to a successful business by continuously pushing themselves to the next level. Kloee Chantelle Lash Academy is a perfect example. This young lady now teaches others how to apply lashes and eventually start their own business.
7.What do you think Huddersfield needs to do to bounce back from the impact of COVID19?
We need more businesses to move here, the town centre is empty and overrun with pound shops. Also, I think we need to give people more reasons to come to Huddersfield. Personally, I think that more outdoor events in and around the centre would help local businesses by encouraging more people to visit.
8.What would you like to see happening in Huddersfield by 2030?
I would love for there to be an enterprise hub within the town where multiple businesses run from or somewhere for technology development that provides opportunities for startups. I would also like to see more youth provisions and parent support groups as well as our own music venue.
9.Are there any recommendations or local knowledge you’d like to share with a visitor?
Each year, the world’s largest contemporary music festival and Marsden Jazz festival takes place right here in Huddersfield. The town is also the birthplace of the Rugby League and there are plans to create a rugby museum to celebrate its history.
Website Link & Socials:
Instagram: @consciousyouthuk
Twitter: @Cyouthcic
Facebook: @Conscious Youth UK
LinkedIn: @Conscious Youth CIC