Founder & Director

John Street

John is the founder and director of free@last. He lives in Nechells with Jan and their 4 children and has been delivering youth work in this community for over 30 years. John is passionate about improving the lives of children and young people and his strategic mind and Godly heart enable a powerful approach to fulfilling his life’s purpose of eradicating child poverty in Nechells.

As well as truly understanding the world of charities and voluntary organisations, John also started and runs our businesses, and his skills in this area help towards our long term aim of sustaining the charity through our own income generation. He is also passionate about bringing all 3 sectors together and together bringing prosperity and opportunity to our community.

For relaxation John loves nothing more than being on top of a mountain and participating in all things adventurous and extreme. He is a published author and enjoys using his creativity in a wide variety of situations and circumstances. John was listed in the Independent newspapers ‘Happy List’ in 2013 for being one of top 100 happiest people in the country for helping others and he loves nothing more than putting a smile on other peoples’ faces.

Finance & Admin

Jan Street

I have been involved with free@last right from the beginning, mainly working behind the scenes doing finance and admin and occasionally helping with youth clubs and residentials when required. I really enjoy seeing people from Nechells being helped by free@last and look forward to helping many more in the future.

Volunteer

Stuart James

An amazing benefit of joining BNI in the Birmingham region for me has been finding free@last!

A truly fabulous charity led by a great group of individuals – and people I proudly class as friends.

As a photographer and videographer, I’m always happy to capture any event and help in the promotion of the charity, but if I can take my years of business and skills in the industry and help inspire the young people of Nechells, I am happy to give as much time as I can.

Trustees

John Moore

John has a background in working youth organisations both in Essex with a middle-class youth project and in Aston working with inner-city and underprivileged young people. John has a real passion to see young people achieve their full potential. As a trustee of free@last John is using his financial skills as an accountant to give something back to this worthwhile project.

Trustees

Melissa Shervington

Melissa has a background in youth engagement and has always had a passion for young people. Growing up in an inner city area herself, with a strong emphasis on community, Melissa she believes in ‘walking the walk’ and being able to demonstrate to young people that regardless of circumstances, they can achieve anything they set their mind to. Being a trustee at free@last, Melissa is keen to have a strategic involvement with a collective goal to eradicate child poverty in Nechells and beyond.

Volunteer

Pam Collins

Having been fortunate to have had a really happy childhood, I think it’s really important to “giveback” and the children at free@last t are lovely!

Every child has so much potential and it is so rewarding to see them grow in confidence. It’s a great positive environment and helps them to think bigger and believe that all things are possible.

Debt & Benefit Advisor

Yousef Behfar

I’m Yousef and have worked for free@last since 2008 as a Debt and Welfare Benefit Caseworker Advisor. I would like to think that I am helping people to have better life with less financial stress. I also look after our little garden areas around the building, which I really enjoy.

Youth Worker

Abi Delaney

Housekeeping

Steve Gause

Hi, I’m Steve and I’ve been working at free@last for 4 years now, and the best time for me was through Covid, when handing out the food to the community and putting smiles on the families faces, this was a tough time for everyone, but we got through together. I enjoy fishing, especially the family fishing trips we do and DIY.

Housekeeping

Lisa Horton

Hi, my name is Lisa and I work at free@last in the housekeeping department. The team here have built my confidence whilst I’ve been working here, and I am like a new person. I enjoy spending time with family, particularly our doing fun stuff with our daughter.

Fundraising

Adam Irvine

I’m Adam, the Fundraising Manager at free@last.

I work in generating the funds to be able to provide the residents of Nechells with real, life-changing provisions and opportunities.

A keen and well-rounded sportsman (body shape, not ability), I enjoy playing rugby, golf, and getting out in a kayak when time (and water temperature!) allows!

Volunteer

Katie McCormack

I’ve been involved with free@last for many years and love being part of the free@last family. Although some people think my main like is talking, but I really enjoy seeing the children, young people and families having a great time at the clubs, activities and residentials. I like outdoors activities, organising the parents committee, and seeing my children have fun. I also like supporting our cafe, all day every day 🙂

Volunteer

Yun Fang Chen

Hi there! I’m excited to introduce myself. I’m an avid badminton player, though not a professional, I love playing and improving my skills. I also enjoy being part of community culture and meeting new people. I believe that connecting with others and learning from different perspectives is important in personal growth. Looking forward to getting to know you!

Volunteer

Peter Adkins

Peter is Birmingham born and bred, a local solicitor, who, as he puts it, is at the ‘other end’ of his career. He is enthusiastic about helping those in inner city Birmingham who need help of any kind.

Volunteer

Bex Marsh

I am Bex, I volunteer for free@last supporting the growth of Club 3000 by on-boarding new members, arranging our social events and various other initiatives to support us becoming a self sufficient charity. In my day job I work in construction and I’m a solo mummy to the most wonderful 3 year old. free@last is a wonderful charity and I am truly passionate about giving back to my home city.

Tanjila Ahmad

I’ve been working at Family Funzone for nearly 2 years. I am also currently studying a masters in MSc International Development!

Tom O’Brien

Tom is passionate about creating a better world for young people.  Last year, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, which has campaigned for and influenced fairer laws since 1754. As a copywriter, he promotes businesses who are all positively impacting their communities.  

Mohammed Usman

Hi, my name is Mohammed Usman and I am 21 years old. I started working at Family Fun Zone in 2018. I really enjoy working with my team and instructing customers with their activities. My personal favourite activity is archery. Family Fun Zone is a great place for children and adults to visit and enjoy themselves.

Staff

Laura McCormack

Hi My Name is Laura McCormack, I’m an Inclusion Support Youth Worker. I love giving back to the Children of Nechells to help give them a brighter future and being part of their journey towards amazing opportunities, I love to read and cook and spend time with my family.

My fun fact is that I have 1 foot a whole size bigger than the other.

Trustees

Mitesh Parmar

Mitesh is a born and bred Brummie, he originates from a humble background, as his parents arrived in this country with limited resources.  Growing up in a vibrant part of the city, Aston, Mitesh experienced firsthand the challenges that come with such an upbringing. Starting as a software engineer, Mitesh became a global product manager and later founded a business with his wife. Showcases you do not need to follow the traditional path set out for you and you can become whatever you believe.

Mitesh’s life goal is to make a difference and feels that everyone deserves an opportunity, sometimes they just need a little bit of direction.

He is the eldest of 3 brothers, loves pizza, woodworking and enjoy all things tech.

Trustees

Matthew Chapman

Matthew Chapman has been involved with Free at Last as a Volunteer and supporter since 2018. His initial career started with O2 but since 2003 he has set up and run several successful businesses. This experience may be useful to those children who are starting to show an entrepreneurial flare.

Crystina Woolley

Crystina Woolley

Crystina has a background in employability and welfare to work provision both operationally and from a quality and governance perspective. Having grown up surrounded by deprivation and championing aspiration for all. Crystina wants to see young people reach their potential and be their best self.