Our Staff and Volunteers

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

What makes you proud to be a part of TOKKO?

‘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 Service Manager

What makes you proud to be a part of TOKKO?

It makes me proud being in the heart of Luton, supporting children & young people in partnership with local and national organisations.’

 

 

 

 

Sade Lee - Skepple

Youth & Project Worker

What makes you proud to be a part of TOKKO?

‘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.’

 

 

 

 

 

Hayley Bawden

Young Parents Youth Worker

What makes you proud to be a part of TOKKO?

I am proud to be a part of Tokko as collectively we each put our heart and soul into meeting the needs of all young people by providing tailored support for each individual’s needs and difficulties whilst celebrating each other’s differences.

 

 

 

 

Naomi Allen

Counselling Co-ordinator

What makes you proud to be a part of TOKKO?

‘’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

Fundraiser

‘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

Handyman

What makes you proud to be a part of TOKKO?

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 - Chair of Trustees

Trustee

What motivates you to volunteer as a board member for TOKKO?

‘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 support them, so they will always be there to support you, come and say hello.’

Justin - Vice Chair of Trustees

Trustee

What motivates you to volunteer as a board member for TOKKO?

We have posed the question to Justin and will update here soon…

Usman

Trustee

What motivates you to volunteer as a board member for TOKKO?

‘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

Trustee

What motivates you to volunteer as a board member for TOKKO?

“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

Trustee

What motivates you to volunteer as a board member for TOKKO?

 

“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

Trustee

What motivates you to volunteer as a board member for TOKKO?

We have posed the question and are awaiting Asma’s words of wisdom… watch this space.

Matthew

Trustee

What motivates you to volunteer as a board member for TOKKO?

“Having worked in local organisations supporting young people for several years, I understand how impactful services like Tokko can be, creating opportunities for young people, making positive changes, raising aspirations, and challenging discrepancies often labelled with the town.”

  • “They have helped me to meet new people and put myself out into the real world comfortably.”

    Mentoring client

  • “TOKKO did not just help me; they saved me from destroying myself.”

    OK2B Client

  • “My time at Tokko was informative, ideal and overall impeccable”

    Work Experience – Chiltern Academy

  • “We are in a better place now because of the kindness of you and your team shared to us!”

    Family supported during the pandemic

  • “Thank you for everything that you’ve done for me.”

    Inclusion Project Client

  • ‘I felt I was not being judged.’

    Young Person – OK2B Project

  • ‘I trust the workers, and I never felt judged.’

    Young Person – Young Parents Project

  • ‘I am in a much better place.’

    Counselling Client

  • ‘Thank you for helping me let go of things to feel better.’

    Counselling client

  • ‘If it wasn’t for TOKKO, I wouldn’t be where I am today.’

    Angel

  • ‘TOKKO saved my life.’

    Freedom Programme Client