MORE ROOM TO GROW

ONE year ago, Paris Walmsley left her job as a prison officer to work for a homelessness charity, Streetlife, supporting young people at risk of losing their homes. And Paris, 28, from Blackpool, says she has never been happier in her work.

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PROUD Paris enjoys her job supporting the homeless

What does your job involve?

I work with young people aged 16-25 who often face challenges and may need that extra bit of support.

One of my key roles is running our youth advisory group every Friday. It's all about giving young people a platform to be heard, showing them that their opinions matter, and helping them see how their ideas can be put into action.

We've done some exciting projects, like a garden for Blackpool in Bloom, which we won. The young people are also hosting a coffee morning and have cleaned up a rundown alleyway.

These are all amazing ideas brought forward and carried out by them.

I also do outreach work, connecting with the young and helping them take positive steps toward employment, education or training. Basically, I try to support them in building confidence to open up opportunities for the future, through volunteering and work experience with local organisations.

What do you love about it?