Staff

At CIYD we are passionate about seeing young people working out their faith and sharing Jesus in their everyday life.

Staff

At CIYD we are passionate about seeing young people working out their faith and sharing Jesus in their everyday life.

The Most Rev’d Pat Storey

Bishop of Meath and Kildare & President of CIYD

The work of CIYD is vital to the Church of Ireland. We treasure the contribution that our young people bring to the church, and we want them to stay and to be fully committed and active adults to their churches as they progress through life. CIYD has a network of wonderful diocesan youth officers and parish youth workers who ensure that our young people are nurtured in Christian faith and grow into mature, joyful believers. CIYD provides an array of resources to encourage professional youth work standards, and excellent training opportunities for future leaders to lead well. It is a privilege to be a part of the exciting move of God amongst young people and to celebrate their contribution to church life.

Simon Henry

National Youth Officer

Hello! I lead the CIYD team across Ireland, based in our Belfast office but often on the road. Previously, I was a full-time youth worker for 10 years in St. John’s Parish Moira (Diocese of Down and Dromore) before joining CIYD in 2016, and came to faith at my home parish, St. Mark’s Portadown (Diocese of Armagh) age 13, through the influence and example of leaders from Boys Brigade, Sunday school & many Youth Group activities. It was here during these formative years where I saw vibrant youth ministry really making a difference to the lives of young people around me. I attended Portadown College for GCSE & A Levels and later the University of Ulster, Coleraine, for an English, Media Studies & Drama degree.

I am passionate about seeing young people have a real and vibrant faith in Jesus, for them to play an active role in their local church and to be discipled well to impact others for God’s Kingdom. What is also vital to that happening is to establish, maintain & grow quality youth ministry with employed youth workers and dedicated volunteers.

In my spare time I enjoy music, gigs, cinema, gym, travelling as much as I can, and a big mug of tea.

Luke Hawkins

Youth Ministry Development Officer (Southern Region)

I grew up in a small Church in the North of England and became a Christian at the age of 18. God worked into my life through my family – who were also the childrens and youth workers in my Church! From there I went to University and then spent six years working with teenagers at a Church in Liverpool. Along the way, I found a passion for working with young people and teaching the Bible.
In 2020 God called me to Ireland and I became Chaplain at Wilson’s Hospital School and Youth Officer for Meath & Kildare Dioceses. Over the past four years I have recognised the potential of the Church of Ireland to reach the next generation for Christ. Our parishes, schools and organisations can have a real spiritual impact on the lives of our young people. I look forward to working with Churches, Dioceses and others to strengthen and increase this spiritual impact across the Republic of Ireland.
I am married to Esther and we live in the Irish Midlands. After youth work my passions include: science-fiction, Liverpool football club, Munster Rugby and pastry!

Barbara Swann

Office Manager

I am the office manager for CIYD and I have been with CIYD for 25+ years. I support Simon and Luke in their roles and I am responsible for running and maintaining organisational procedures in the office environment as well as assisting with Connect days and many other programmes within CIYD. I love spending time with my husband John and two adult sons Michael and Craig and of course the love of my life Maggie May our 8 year old Tibetan Terrier. In my free time I love to crochet, bake, watch football, quizzes and listening to Rod Stewart.

The Most Rev’d Pat Storey

Bishop of Meath and Kildare & President of CIYD

The work of CIYD is vital to the Church of Ireland. We treasure the contribution that our young people bring to the church, and we want them to stay and to be fully committed and active adults to their churches as they progress through life. CIYD has a network of wonderful diocesan youth officers and parish youth workers who ensure that our young people are nurtured in Christian faith and grow into mature, joyful believers. CIYD provides an array of resources to encourage professional youth work standards, and excellent training opportunities for future leaders to lead well. It is a privilege to be a part of the exciting move of God amongst young people and to celebrate their contribution to church life.

Simon Henry

National Youth Officer

Hello! I lead the CIYD team across Ireland, based in our Belfast office but often on the road. Previously, I was a full-time youth worker for 10 years in St. John’s Parish Moira (Diocese of Down and Dromore) before joining CIYD in 2016, and came to faith at my home parish, St. Mark’s Portadown (Diocese of Armagh) age 13, through the influence and example of leaders from Boys Brigade, Sunday school & many Youth Group activities. It was here during these formative years where I saw vibrant youth ministry really making a difference to the lives of young people around me. I attended Portadown College for GCSE & A Levels and later the University of Ulster, Coleraine, for an English, Media Studies & Drama degree.

I am passionate about seeing young people have a real and vibrant faith in Jesus, for them to play an active role in their local church and to be discipled well to impact others for God’s Kingdom. What is also vital to that happening is to establish, maintain & grow quality youth ministry with employed youth workers and dedicated volunteers.

In my spare time I enjoy music, gigs, cinema, gym, travelling as much as I can, and a big mug of tea.

Barbara Swann

Office Manager

I am the office manager for CIYD and I have been with CIYD for 20+ years. I support Simon and Steve in their roles and I am responsible for running and maintaining organisational procedures in the office environment as well as assisting with Connect days and many other programmes within CIYD. I love spending time with my husband John and two adult sons Michael and Craig and of course the love of my life Maggie May our  Tibetan Terrier. In my free time I love to crochet, bake, watch quizzes and listen to Rod Stewart.