Registered Charity Number 1156805
Our Staff and Trustees
Our team is innovative, diverse, and deeply committed to creating positive, lasting change. Our dynamic team brings a rich mix of skills, knowledge, a fresh perspective and lived experience. This not only strengthens our solution-focused approach but also ensures that we understand and effectively respond to the challenges faced by the young people we support. Together, we strive to make a real difference in their lives.
Aimee Djengiz, Chief Executive Officer
“It’s an honour and a privilege to lead such an innovative youth charity that makes a positive impact to the lives of so many children and young people locally’’
Hazel Mellon, Business Manager
“I have been lucky enough to see TOKKO develop from its infancy over the last 10 years to the incredible charity you find today; working with some amazing funders, partners, staff and young people along the way to make a lasting positive difference. I get a sense of pride when young people take positive steps forward – (however small those steps might be) and when as a team we find a way to make what initially seemed impossible, possible.”
Tasha Case, Children & Young Person’s Services Manager
“It makes me proud being in the heart of Luton, supporting children & young people in partnership with local and national organisations.”
Sade Lee-Skepple, Senior Youth Worker
“I’m proud to be part of Tokko, it’s a place that gives opportunity to young people, and supports vulnerable young people out in the world.”
Naomi Allen, Counselling Co-ordinator
“Every day at Tokko Youth Hub brings unique challenges and opportunities to develop my professional knowledge and skill set. Working to help young people realise their potential and find their place in our community is more than a job – it is a passion shared by everyone at Tokko.”
Fiona Martin, Fundraising & Marketing
“I’m proud to contribute to the support and development of young people in Luton. Tokko’s work and services are vital to so many young people in the town, it motivates me in my work and make me passionate about being part of the team”
Raphy McMeel, Mitie Facilities
“Being part of the team and making sure that the Tokko building is a physically safe space where the staff can support vulnerable young people. It is always great to get involved in innovative ideas and projects around the building.”
Meet the Trustees
At Tokko, our Board of Trustees governs us. They meet regularly to guide the charity’s strategic direction and ensure strong governance. The Board oversees our management, ensuring all decisions prioritise the needs of our beneficiaries.
Our trustees safeguard the charity’s tangible and intangible assets, such as its reputation, ensuring these are used responsibly and sustainably. While they do not oversee the day-to-day operations, trustees act as ‘critical friends’ to the Chief Executive Officer, providing support and constructive challenges to help manage and strengthen the charity’s impact.
New trustees are selected in consultation with the full Board, ensuring we have the right mix of diversity, skills, and experience to operate effectively. If you believe you could contribute at the Board level, please get in touch to begin a conversation.
Phil Hobson, Chair of Trustees
Growing up in Birmingham in a large family, Phil’s parents were always helping people and spent many years volunteering for the St Johns Ambulance service. Phil got a sense, from an early age, of what it meant to help others. I carried this through to his professional career in construction, where he always offered the junior engineers the time, advice and guidance they needed.
It was this career that led Phil to Luton as the Project Director responsible for the delivery of the Luton DART. Invited to get involved in TOKKO as a trustee to advise on building and contract matters. Now the Chair of Trustees, Phil has great hopes for Tokko’s future as the organisation expands its diverse reach into the Luton community and continues to inspire the Luton youth of today to become the best adults of the future.
“We all need support at times as we grow through life, and I may not be as gifted as the Tokko team in giving this support, but as a Board member, I can offer my support, so they can always be there to support you”.
Justin Richardson, Vice Chair
“Supporting young people is an investment in our future. At Tokko, I see the immense value in creating opportunities that empower young people to overcome challenges and realise their potential. As a board member, my goal is to ensure this vital work continues and thrives, so Tokko can remain a cornerstone of our community”.
Usman Ahmed, Trustee
Usman has progressed from being a Sixth-Form student placement at Tokko Youth Hub to becoming the first youth trustee on our board. As a trustee, he has made significant contributions, including boosting youth centre engagement and increasing participation in 1-2-1 support programmes at Tokko.
Usman is studying Youth Work JNC BA (Hons) at Nottingham Trent University while serving as a Special Constable and Cadet Instructor with Bedfordshire Police. Alongside his academic and professional training, he has taken on various leadership roles, such as mentoring, coordinating large-scale research events, and leading cross-sector projects. These experiences have equipped him with a strong foundation in youth work and community service, making him a great asset to the board leading on young people.
“I am motivated to volunteer as member of the trustee board because the work of all the staff and volunteers at Tokko is so important. They inspire the future generation making sure they are ready to be the residents, leaders and changemakers of the future. Being a board member allows me to give back and support Tokko by ensuring a young person’s voice is heard on many of the topics the board discusses that directly affect them.”
Bronwen Philpott, Trustee
“I have always been interested in enabling young people to have the best opportunities for their personal growth. To me, through TOKKO and the excellent staff team, I can ensure young people can access a range of positive activities, bespoke support and opportunities for them to grow.”
Jenny Melrose, Trustee
Jenny is the current Service Manager for Luton Sexual Health. Jenny has 20 years of experience of front line working with young people in Luton in roles including delivering education to 14–16-year-olds in an Alternative Learning Provision and as a Sexual Health Outreach Worker.
“I have had the privilege of working with young people in Luton for 15 years. In this time I have seen young people achieve through adversity, aspire and become the next generation of parents and professionals, create, empower and teach! There is so much to learn from our local young people if they are given the opportunity to grow. I believe TOKKO can play an important role in supporting our young people to be the best version of themselves, and I want to be part of this journey.”
Asma Khan, Trustee
Matthew Bushnell, Trustee
Matthew, is the current CEO of Mary Seacole Housing Association Limited. Matthew has extensive experience in the field, having previously held operational roles within the organization as well as a secondment with Luton Borough Council’s Housing Solutions Department.
Matthew is deeply passionate about his role, often sharing how rewarding it is to witness the positive impact the service has on individuals’ lives. He is dedicated to ensuring that individuals have access to services that inspire and empower them to achieve their full potential.
This dedication is reflected in his leadership in establishing the Luton First Homelessness Partnership, where he served as the partnership’s inaugural chair. Beyond his professional commitments, Matthew is also an active volunteer, serving on several boards, including TOKKO. His choice to volunteer highlights his genuine interest and compassionate insight, especially towards young people facing disadvantage.
“I am proud to be a board member at TOKKO, where we empower young people to overcome challenges and thrive. TOKKO provides a safe, inclusive space with support and opportunities to inspire growth. Contributing to such transformative work and witnessing its impact on young lives is truly an honour”.
