OUR TEAM
We bring together leaders in placemaking, creativity and community to build a more inclusive future for young people.
Joe Barratt
Executive Director
As Executive Director for Place For Youth, Joe brings over a decade of place-based delivery experience, including as part of the team delivering the government’s High Streets Task Force (2019–2024). He holds an MSc in Place Management & Leadership from Manchester Metropolitan University.
Joe began his place-making career as the co-founder of The Teenage Market® — an award-winning initiative that has supported thousands of young people to make over £500,000 across hundreds of events since its launch in 2012.
Scarlet Barratt
National Events Co-ordinator
As National Events Co-ordinator, Scarlet designs and delivers engaging, high-impact events that put young people centre stage in town and city centres.
With a strong background in event production and youth engagement, Scarlet works to create inclusive spaces where young people can express themselves, develop confidence and feel a real sense of belonging.
Our Youth Board
We’re currently recruiting young people to help shape the future of Place For Youth!
Youth Board members will be paired with a Board member and receive £200 per year
in recognition of their contributions.
Andrea George
Chair · Board Member
Andrea is a freelance business advisor, having previously worked for property company Bruntwood as Director of Town Centres and Consumer Brands.
Matt Colledge
Board Member
Matt served as Executive Director of the government’s High Streets Task Force, which was established to support over 150 towns and cities across England.
Amy Lewis
Board Member
Amy works as a Place Consultant for CT Consults and is dedicated to using arts and culture as catalysts for regeneration, placemaking and audience development.
John Quinton-Barber
Board Member
John is Executive Chairman and Partnerships Director of Social, a purpose-driven communications agency who work to support the public and private sector.
Diane Cunningham
Board Member
Diane works in places and spaces across the UK as The Assembly Line, a high streets focused consultancy that connects places and businesses with the people around them.
Tom Parson
Board Member
Tom is an educator, musician and web developer who runs Manchester-based innovation consultancy Big Echo.
Emma James
Board Member
Emma is an experienced place strategist, specialising in creating vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable places through her consultancy Places Made.
Luca Shaw
Board Member
Luca is a creative practitioner, visual artist and curator of the 1853 studios, which provides affordable work and gallery space to artists in Oldham.