Our story so far…
Barbara Souster was a youth worker based in Islip, Northamptonshire. She devoted much of her life to supporting a group of young people she called the ‘Guild of St Nicholas’ and they met in the shadow of the village church of the same name.
Barbara was a woman of faith and helped young people explore questions of faith and involvement in the local church. She also took her group away to the seaside each year and supported them as they reached adulthood in many ways.
Arthur Souster (Barbara’s father) had worked in the marketing department at Weetabix. During the course of his work he was rewarded with company shares. When Barbara inherited these shares and was later made an offer to sell them, she set up a trust fund so that young people would continue to benefit from her resources. This legacy was used to help set up The Souster Youth Trust in June 2015.
Jason Royce was appointed as the Director and began work in February 2016, shortly followed by the rest of the team.
We have established ‘Souster Youth’ as a charity working in local schools to support the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of young people. We also work closely with churches and community organisations to help youth ministry flourish in East Northamptonshire.
In December 2017, Thrapston Methodist Church was purchased to be used as a permanent base for our work. We intend to use the building as it currently stands whilst we fundraise for an extensive refurbishment and modernisation.
Meet the team
Tim Sandford
Director
Tim has over 20 years experience of working with young people in a variety of settings; in schools, in churches, in youth groups, and within the charitable sector. In previous roles he worked at the charities Youthscape (Luton) and Step (St Albans and Harpenden). Tim initially joined Souster Youth in January 2018 as a Schools Worker, before taking on the role of Director in September 2024. He loves talking about the big stuff of life and hearing the thoughts and ideas of young people. Tim is married to Becky and they are kept on their toes by their mischievous two children, Nathan and Phoebe. Tim enjoys playing or listening to music, sport of any kind, board games (especially when he wins), D&D, and anything created by Apple.
Megan Wild
PA/Office Manager
Megan joined our team in March 2021 as the PA/Office Manager, bringing a strong background in business administration. Megan’s enthusiasm for admin stems from an enjoyment of creating order, supporting others and making sure operations run smoothly for the team’s success. When she’s not running the office, Megan is running around after her little boy. The little family she has is everything to her.
Bex Hunter
Drop-in Lead
Bex joined Souster Youth in September 2022. She has been involved in youth work for most of her adult life in touring drama teams, youth clubs, summer camps and schools, as well as spending 6 years working for Youth For Christ and Junction42 in prisons in the North East of England. Bex’s role involved using drama and the creative arts to reach those who are marginalised, and working alongside the prison chaplaincy teams to deliver alpha and discipleship courses. When not at work Bex will usually be found enjoying time with her children.
Alicia Kift Youthwork Assistant
Alicia joined Souster Youth in September 2025 as the Youthwork Assistant, in 2024 she completed a year with the charity as the first Development Year Intern, working alongside the Peterborough Diocese interns in the MES scheme. Alicia serves in her church on the youth and children’s ministry teams. She also serves on the worship team, and you will often find her singing in her spare time. Alicia loves working with young people and the opportunity to witness and support young people in discovering who they are. She always enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially her very energetic Cocker Spaniel, and will be with them when she isn’t in the office.
Leah Widdicombe
Wellbeing Practitioner
Leah joined the Souster Youth team in September 2025 as our Wellbeing Practitioner. Leah has many years of pastoral and spiritual care experience, gained in a range of healthcare, education and community settings. Leah is passionate about people and her compassionate nature and gentle manner enable her to draw alongside others, offering understanding, support and encouragement. Leah enjoys the simple things in life; a coffee with a friend, a good book, some light pottering in the garden or ten minutes peace and quiet with a cup of tea!
Anna Freij Make Disciples Lead
Anna leads our work to equip the Church to make disciples who make disciples. She has over 20 years experience of facilitating transformation within both individuals and organisations as a disciple-maker, a counsellor, a senior leader and consultant.
She serves the Church to fulfil its mission to put making mature disciples front and centre of all we do.