Philip Saunders Founder & Director Designated Safeguarding Lead
I started Blue Sky in 2023 after a decade working with young people, wanting to build something trauma-informed, needs-led and neurodiversity-friendly from the ground up rather than as an afterthought.
Before Blue Sky, I worked across open-access youth work, alternative education and specialist provision, with young people with SEMH needs
I started Blue Sky in 2023 after a decade working with young people, wanting to build something trauma-informed, needs-led and neurodiversity-friendly from the ground up rather than as an afterthought.
Before Blue Sky, I worked across open-access youth work, alternative education and specialist provision, with young people with SEMH needs, neurodivergent young people and those with EHCPs. I've also delivered training to residential care and specialist education teams on trauma-informed practice, PACE, safeguarding and supervision. That training became the approach every Blue Sky mentor now works to — it's part of induction, and we revisit it in supervision rather than filing it away.
These days I run the company. I take referral calls, design programmes, support the team, and I'm our Designated Safeguarding Lead — so if you ever have a concern about a young person we're working with, you're speaking to me.
I still deliver a session most weeks. Partly because I'd miss it, and partly because I don't think you can lead from behind a desk in this work. If I'm asking the team to do it, I should still be doing it — that's what keeps the approach honest.
Outside work, you'll find me in the gym, at boxing, or out walking my dog.
Mike Firkins - Operation's Manager
Debbie Poulter - Quality Assurance / Development Lead
Debbie Poulter - Quality Assurance / Development Lead
Having worked in mental health for several years, I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact the right support can have on someone’s life. This inspired me to work with young people, helping them build confidence, resilience and life skills while recognising their individual strengths and potential. I find mentoring particularly rewarding a
Having worked in mental health for several years, I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact the right support can have on someone’s life. This inspired me to work with young people, helping them build confidence, resilience and life skills while recognising their individual strengths and potential. I find mentoring particularly rewarding and enjoy building positive relationships that can make a meaningful difference to a young person’s future.
Outside of work, I enjoy getting outdoors, trying new things and creating memories with my children through camping, kayaking and outdoor adventures. I also have a passion for reading and writing, which I enjoy as creative outlets and opportunities to explore new ideas and perspectives.
Debbie Poulter - Quality Assurance / Development Lead
Debbie Poulter - Quality Assurance / Development Lead
Debbie Poulter - Quality Assurance / Development Lead
Bio Incoming...
Leona Parsons - Training Lead
Debbie Poulter - Quality Assurance / Development Lead
Leona Parsons - Training Lead
With over 16 years of experience working with children and young people, I’m passionate about helping them grow in confidence, develop their strengths, and reach their full potential. This role allows me to draw on my experience and skills to provide positive encouragement and support, while making a meaningful difference in the lives of
With over 16 years of experience working with children and young people, I’m passionate about helping them grow in confidence, develop their strengths, and reach their full potential. This role allows me to draw on my experience and skills to provide positive encouragement and support, while making a meaningful difference in the lives of the young people I work with.
My main passions outside of work, apart from spending time with friends and family is DJing
Jed Sanders - Mentor
Bryony Oliver - Mentor
Leona Parsons - Training Lead
I bring strong communication, teamwork and organisational skills, along with a calm and adaptable approach to challenging situations. I’m confident in building positive relationships and believe in being approachable, reliable and supportive. I’m passionate about helping young people build confidence, recognise their strengths and reach t
I bring strong communication, teamwork and organisational skills, along with a calm and adaptable approach to challenging situations. I’m confident in building positive relationships and believe in being approachable, reliable and supportive. I’m passionate about helping young people build confidence, recognise their strengths and reach their potential, bringing patience, empathy and a positive attitude to everything I do.
In my free time, I enjoy bouldering, cooking and gaming. Bouldering gives me a chance to stay active and challenge myself, while cooking allows me to be creative and experiment with new ideas. I also enjoy gaming as a way to relax and connect with others. I like having a variety of interests and am always open to trying new things and taking on new challenges.
Bryony Oliver - Mentor
Bryony Oliver - Mentor
Bryony Oliver - Mentor
I’m passionate about supporting children and young people who may have struggled in mainstream settings. I enjoy using my own experiences and knowledge to help them discover alternative approaches to education, learning and personal development. I find it rewarding to encourage young people to see the world from a different perspective, e
I’m passionate about supporting children and young people who may have struggled in mainstream settings. I enjoy using my own experiences and knowledge to help them discover alternative approaches to education, learning and personal development. I find it rewarding to encourage young people to see the world from a different perspective, explore new opportunities and recognise their own potential.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children and animals. I look after my horses and love getting out into the countryside for walks and fresh air. I also enjoy cooking outdoors, particularly beach dinners with family, and relaxing with a good true crime documentary. Life is always busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way—and I’m definitely a little bit addicted to coffee.
Dan Evans - Mentor
Bryony Oliver - Mentor
Bryony Oliver - Mentor
After working in childcare for the past four years, I have developed a real passion for supporting children and helping them reach their full potential. My experience has taught me the importance of building trust, confidence, and positive relationships while supporting each child as an individual.
I was drawn to mentoring because it allow
After working in childcare for the past four years, I have developed a real passion for supporting children and helping them reach their full potential. My experience has taught me the importance of building trust, confidence, and positive relationships while supporting each child as an individual.
I was drawn to mentoring because it allows me to use the skills and experience I have gained in childcare in a different and meaningful way. I really enjoy getting to know young people, understanding their interests and strengths, and encouraging them to try new things and believe in themselves. Being able to make a positive difference, however big or small, is something I find incredibly rewarding.
Outside of work, I enjoy keeping active and trying a variety of different sports and activities. I regularly play 5-a-side football and also enjoy bouldering, running and going to the gym. I like having an active lifestyle and challenging myself to try new things, while also enjoying the social side of being involved in different activities.
Will White - Mentor
Charlie Chugg - White
Charlie Chugg - White
Driven by a desire for a more rewarding and fulfilling career, with a strong passion for supporting young people to reach their full potential. I enjoy helping them build confidence, develop their skills, overcome challenges, and recognise their own strengths, while encouraging them to take ownership of their journey and succeed on their
Driven by a desire for a more rewarding and fulfilling career, with a strong passion for supporting young people to reach their full potential. I enjoy helping them build confidence, develop their skills, overcome challenges, and recognise their own strengths, while encouraging them to take ownership of their journey and succeed on their own terms.
Outside of work, I enjoy keeping active and making the most of my free time. I’m a keen golfer and enjoy gaming, as well as spending time socialising with my friends. I value having a good balance between staying active, enjoying my hobbies, and spending time with the people around me.
Charlie Chugg - White
Charlie Chugg - White
Charlie Chugg - White
What brings me to mentoring is the opportunity to inspire and encourage young people to believe in themselves and recognise their potential. I enjoy supporting them to explore new interests, try new experiences, and step outside their comfort zones. Seeing a young person grow in confidence, discover new passions, and realise what they are
What brings me to mentoring is the opportunity to inspire and encourage young people to believe in themselves and recognise their potential. I enjoy supporting them to explore new interests, try new experiences, and step outside their comfort zones. Seeing a young person grow in confidence, discover new passions, and realise what they are capable of is incredibly rewarding. Being a positive and supportive influence in their journey is something I find genuinely meaningful.
Outside of work, I enjoy keeping active and spending time outdoors. I regularly go to the gym, enjoy walking my dogs, and help out with the farm animals. I also love socialising and spending quality time with friends and family. I enjoy keeping busy, trying new things, and making the most of my time outside of work.
Mark Mitchel
Charlie Chugg - White
Mark Mitchel
Bio Incoming...
Dan How
James Sparrow
Mark Mitchel
I’m a qualified teacher with three years’ experience, with a particular passion for supporting young people with SEND. Two of those years were spent working in a special school, where I developed a strong understanding of individual needs and the importance of creating the right environment for young people to thrive. I’m passionate about
I’m a qualified teacher with three years’ experience, with a particular passion for supporting young people with SEND. Two of those years were spent working in a special school, where I developed a strong understanding of individual needs and the importance of creating the right environment for young people to thrive. I’m passionate about helping young people build confidence, overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Outside of work, I’m a big football fan, enjoy a good Nando’s, and spend much of my spare time gaming.
James Sparrow
James Sparrow
James Sparrow
With experience in prison education and harm reduction services, I’m passionate about supporting young people in making positive choices, developing valuable life skills, and building a positive mindset for the future. I enjoy helping young people set meaningful goals, recognise their strengths, and find a path that works for them. My own
With experience in prison education and harm reduction services, I’m passionate about supporting young people in making positive choices, developing valuable life skills, and building a positive mindset for the future. I enjoy helping young people set meaningful goals, recognise their strengths, and find a path that works for them. My own lived experience allows me to connect with the young people I work with and share the lessons I’ve learned along the way, helping them feel supported, encouraged, and confident in reaching their potential.
Having 4 young sons, I enjoy being in the Somerset countryside, making campfires and helping my boys explore their imagination.