Caitlin Washington
Great Longstone,Derbyshire
Summary
Compassionate and resilient youth practitioner with experience in outdoor adventure leadership, group work, and mental health-focused support. Proven ability to engage young people with complex needs through trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches. Background includes leading outdoor activities, delivering serious violence workshops in schools, and supporting mental wellbeing through social prescribing. Skilled in safeguarding, multi-agency collaboration and engaging young people in positive experiences. Passionate about using nature, adventure activities and trust-based relationships to create meaningful change for vulnerable young people.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Young Persons Social Prescriber
Thr1ve
Chesterfield, Derbyshire
2024.04 - Current
- Support young people ages 13-25 facing challenges such as low mood, anxiety, social isolation, or school disengagement.
- Use a person centred, needs based approach to identify meaningful goals and connect young people to appropriate services, community groups, or therapeutic interventions.
- Build trusted, trauma-informed relationships with young people, often from vulnerable or marginalised backgrounds.
- Liaise with schools, GPs, CAMHS, and other professionals as part of an integrated approach to mental health and wellbeing.
- Promote resilience, confidence, and engagement through positive social interactions.
- Facilitate group sessions in schools focused on mental health, self-esteem, and social connection.
Schools Practitioner
REMEDI
2023.09 - 2024.03
- Delivered intervention and prevention workshops to young people (11–18) in mainstream and alternative educational settings.
- Focused on serious youth violence prevention, emotional regulation, and restorative justice approaches.
- Worked independently across multiple sites, maintaining high levels of organisation and safeguarding awareness.
- Built trusted relationships with at-risk youth and collaborated with school staff and local services to support individual needs.
- Adapted delivery styles to meet the needs of young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
SEN Teaching Assistant
Connex Education
2022.09 - 2023.03
- Supported secondary school students with a diverse range of special needs in SEN schools, customising my approach to address each student's unique requirements and contributing to their goals and personal growth.
- Offered encouragement and support to enhance students' chances of success, demonstrating a passion for helping them grow and achieve their full potential.
- Contributed as an active member of the school community, diligently working to establish a secure learning environment that created a welcoming atmosphere for children to engage in education.
Head of Adventure and Camp Counsellor
Lake Greeley Camp
2022.06 - 2022.08
- Promoted to lead the Adventure Department, overseeing the safe operation of high ropes, climbing, and zip wire activities.
- Ensured full compliance with safety procedures and daily equipment checks maintaining a zero-incident safety record throughout the season.
- Managed a team of adventure staff supervising session delivery, and coordinating daily activity schedules.
- Delivered engaging, confidence-building sessions, adapting to varied ability levels and promoting personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Supported young people throughout their time at camp to have the best experience possible.
Lead Coach
Rugbytots
2021.09 - 2022.03
- Successfully led coaching sessions, displaying strong work ethic, reliability, and adaptability.
- Quickly promoted to Lead Coach due to dedication and outstanding performance, taking charge of running sessions.
- Demonstrated strong organisational abilities to ensure smooth and efficient session management.
Boarding and Coaching Assistant
St Anselm's School
2021.09 - 2022.03
- Built strong connections with students and colleagues, creating a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.
- Assisted in coaching sports activities, contributing to the overall development of students.
- Successfully handled various tasks, showcasing a high level of responsibility and reliability.
- Gained lone-working experience looking after young people.
Education
BA(Hons) - Sport Development
Leeds Beckett University
2018.09 - 2021.06
A-Levels - English Language, Physical Education, Photography
King Edward VII School
2016.01 - 2018.01
GCSE's - 11 GCSE's A-B, including Maths, English and Science
Hope Valley College
2011.01 - 2016.01
Skills
- Youth Engagement & Mentoring
- Mental Health First Aid
- Safeguarding & Child Protection Awareness
- Effective Communication with Young People & Professionals
- Flexible & Resilient Approach to Overnight/Outdoor Working
- Working Knowledge of SEN & Neurodiversity
- Full UK Driving Licence
Work Experience
Whitehall Outdoor Activity Centre
Edale YHA and Outdoor Activity Centre
Timeline
Young Persons Social Prescriber
Thr1ve
2024.04 - Current
Schools Practitioner
REMEDI
2023.09 - 2024.03
SEN Teaching Assistant
Connex Education
2022.09 - 2023.03
Head of Adventure and Camp Counsellor
Lake Greeley Camp
2022.06 - 2022.08
Lead Coach
Rugbytots
2021.09 - 2022.03
Boarding and Coaching Assistant
St Anselm's School
2021.09 - 2022.03
BA(Hons) - Sport Development
Leeds Beckett University
2018.09 - 2021.06
A-Levels - English Language, Physical Education, Photography
King Edward VII School
2016.01 - 2018.01
GCSE's - 11 GCSE's A-B, including Maths, English and Science
Hope Valley College
2011.01 - 2016.01