Breathing life into education.
About Me
Introduction
Since 2004, I have been delivering, organising, and fundraising for youth-focused workshops, working alongside grassroots organisations, brands, councils, schools, colleges, and government programmes. Over nearly two decades, I have engaged thousands of young people, primarily in the UK but also internationally, through innovative and impactful programmes.
As a Qualified Teacher and Youth Worker with over 10 years of experience teaching in an inner-city London college, I delivered courses such as Personal and Social Development, Business and Enterprise, and Entrepreneurial Skills. This hands-on experience gave me a deep understanding of the systemic challenges facing education, particularly within the creative arts—a discipline I have always championed as essential for engaging young minds.
In managing learning environments, I have worked with individuals often labelled “hard to reach,” “disengaged,” or “unruly.” These experiences have shaped my belief that such labels are often misplaced. By focusing on empathy, tailored engagement strategies, and fostering creativity, I have consistently demonstrated how to unlock the potential of young people, regardless of the barriers they face.
Frustrated by ongoing funding and resource cuts within the Further Education sector, I made the decision in 2017 to refocus my efforts entirely on creating impactful, barrier-free opportunities for youth. Since then, I have dedicated myself to teaching, mentoring, and developing youth-centred programmes globally.
Throughout my career, I have collaborated with leading organisations, including the NHS, The Roundhouse, Glastonbury Festival, MTV, Cambridge Junction, the Mayor’s Office, and Guys and St Thomas’s, as well as government initiatives such as the Young People’s Development Programme and National Lottery-funded projects. Internationally, I have developed and delivered youth programmes in Mexico, Mauritius, Barbados, and Greece.
Currently, I lead programmes at Urban MBA, Music4Children, and Lyrix Organix. My credentials include:
Qualified Teacher and Youth Worker
Level 6 Assessor in Business Development
Princes Trust Ambassador
Producer and Qualified Mentor
The last 17 years have been incredible, filled with meaningful collaborations and transformative projects. My goal now is to share my expertise, resources, and insights with others who are passionate about youth development. Whether it’s helping organisations fund, design, or deliver impactful youth programmes, or working directly with young people to nurture their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, I am committed to making a lasting difference.
Looking ahead, I am eager to continue supporting young minds while building strong, global partnerships with educators, youth workers, and networks.
Workshops
My greatest love is developing workshops that engage young minds and enable them to be creative in safe spaces encouraging them to grow and develop useful lifeskills while having as much fun as possible.
Fund-raising
Over the years as Defcon Workshops and as an individual I have fundraised thousands in order to deliver workshops to marginalised young people and communities that are often overlooked and forgotten about. All monies raised have been used for educational, creative and artistic projects.
Reviews
Calcot Services
Natty has enabled our young people to create amazing music and to use lyrics as a way to express their emotions and thoughts in a safe space. He sets individual goals for each of them after an initial assesment of their skill level. He inspires them with his knowledge, energy, determination and can do attitude and is able to keep them focused. Natty has given our young people the confidence to perform and to believe in their ability to produce incredible music.
Lyrix Organix
Natty is an indispensable core of our workshop team. He has a rare ability to connect with young people using music, rap, words or sheer positive energy. His passion, empathy and commitment is boundless. The expertise he brings to youth education, and the impact he has on young participants (whatever end of the spectrum they lie) is truly amazing to watch.
