Maya is currently employed as a Service Coordinator for 16-25 yr olds with the Golden Key Partnership Research Programme; an organisation supporting clients with multiple complex needs, who experience a ‘revolving door’ of services.  Within this role Maya also researches and challenges blocks and barriers faced by this cohort to promote system change in Bristol and service provision. In addition to this role Maya is also an Independent Panel Member for a private a fostering agency.Maya’s interest in community and youth work began when she was 15 years old and became a peer mentor to young BME males at risk of exclusion from school. After becoming a young mother at the age of 17 Maya undertook a number of voluntary roles including with young people who offend and mentoring young BME mothers, so she was able to gain experience whilst also completing her studies. Maya received a BA in Sociology from the University of Leicester where she was able to further explore discourses of race, socio-economic position and gender in the community. This strengthened Maya’s interest in social work and resulted in her completing her Social Work MA at The University of Leicester and registering as a qualified social worker.Since graduating Maya has worked as a Youth Intervention support worker for South Gloucestershire Council and a Community Family social worker for North Somerset Council before joining the Golden Key Team. Maya continues to work in partnership with a number of community organisations and support services through her work with Golden Key as well as participating in a number of forums, advisory boards and task force groups in relation to young people and their support needs.