SHiFT Manchester launched in October 2023 when the Lead Guide, Rosalyn Oladipo, took up her post, with the Guides joining her in November. The Practice has a particular focus on reducing the use of custody for children and an interest in improving outcomes in this area by preventing the need for custodial remands and sentences through intensive levels of community support and improving resettlement outcomes as young people transition from custody to the community, reducing the need for recall. The Practice will work alongside some of the most vulnerable children from across the City to break the destructive cycle of crime and influence system change, with a particular focus on challenging disproportionality.
Meet the Team
Rosalyn Oladipo started as Lead Guide in the Manchester Practice in October 2023. Rosalyn has always loved working with children and young people and started volunteering with Barnardos when she was 16. She then went on to complete her degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice with the goal of working with children involved in the Youth Justice system.
Rosalyn has experience working in children's residential homes and adult probation before starting her career in Youth Justice. Before this role, she worked as part of the Department for Education’s Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce as a Youth Justice Officer in the Manchester Pupil Referral Unit.
Rosalyn believes that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and find purpose in their lives. She feels privileged to be a part of that journey and is excited to be an advocate for those children that need it most.
Outside of work, Rosalyn loves to bake, read and spend time with family and friends. She will often do this at Church where she also volunteers with university students.
Louise Prince has always been acutely aware of the various structural barriers that can prevent individuals from participating in societal spaces, which can often lead to exclusion and marginalisation. For over 20 years her work has been about supporting those who are vulnerable in society (children or adults) with a view, through various interventions, that they develop agency and are able to fulfil their potential. Louise has worked as a drug and alcohol worker, a community development worker, youth and community worker (centre-based and detached), Youth Justice Officer (community and court) as well as an Early Help Practitioner.
To assist Louise along her journey, she has undertaken a BA in Youth & Community Work and an MA in Criminology. In her spare time, Louise has lectured to first year Criminology students at the University of Manchester and has been a community activist on areas of social justice. Louise also likes to read, write and spend time with her family and socialise with friends.
Masai Greeting:
“Kasserian Ingera” – “And How Are The Children?”
Ronan Clowes joined Manchester SHiFT as a guide in November 2023. Previously, he worked in Youth Justice services after completing a Social Work MA in 2022. Prior to training in social work, Ronan worked in hospitality and was a full-time carer.
Ronan holds a degree in Drama & Screen Studies and has been an active artist and musician in Manchester since moving from Stoke-on-Trent 15 years ago. He is interested in engaging with young people through a variety of creative means to challenge and alter narratives and perceptions about young people trapped in cycles of offending both in wider society and of themselves.
In his spare time, Ronan enjoys making and consuming music, food, drinks, photographs, and films in equal measure.
Sara Spence started working for SHiFT in 2023. Sara has a degree in Criminology and a master’s in social work. After completing her degree in 2016, Sara spent time travelling the world, working with young people and families. Since her return to the UK, Sara has worked in children’s residential homes, community outreach and as an independent domestic violence advocate.
Sara believes that early intervention is key to creating change for young people.
Sara enjoys travelling, challenges and making the most of each experience.
Shienika Brown started her journey of working with children as a session worker in a creative arts afterschool club in her birth city of London 23 years ago. Since then, Shienika has been employed in a variety of sectors and her work experiences ranges from the voluntary sector, where she designed and managed community youth projects and a was Talent Match coach offering advice and guidance, to NEET youth, as well as education, where she managed a school's internal alternative provision. Before joining SHiFT, Shienika worked in the criminal justice system for Manchester Youth Justice as a Court Officer.
Shienika has a BA combined honours in Criminology and Sociology and a Youth Justice Effective Practice Certificate, from which she has used the theoretical understanding to help tailor support for individuals. Shienika still oversees a youth group in south Manchester one evening a week.
In her spare time, Shienika sits on the board for a CIC, offering advice and guidance for project development and supports funding applications. Shienika has a passion for cooking and enjoys music and creative arts.