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Craig Pinkney is a nationally and internationally recognised Criminologist, Urban Youth Specialist, and esteemed CEO of several organisations, including SOLVE: The Centre for Youth Violence and Conflict and SOLVE Housing, a provider of Ofsted-Registered Children's Homes based in the West Midlands.
With over two decades of hands-on experie
Craig Pinkney is a nationally and internationally recognised Criminologist, Urban Youth Specialist, and esteemed CEO of several organisations, including SOLVE: The Centre for Youth Violence and Conflict and SOLVE Housing, a provider of Ofsted-Registered Children's Homes based in the West Midlands.
With over two decades of hands-on experience, Craig has carved out a reputation as one of the country's leading experts in tackling youth violence, gang-related issues, and social conflict.
In terms of academic credentials, Craig holds a comprehensive suite of qualifications. These include a BA (Hons) in Youth & Community Development (JNC), a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, a Postgraduate Certificate in Research, and a Master’s Degree in Criminology. He is currently enhancing his expertise by pursuing a PhD in Social Sciences at Birmingham City University.
As the linchpin behind SOLVE, Craig provides both strategic leadership and operational guidance. He remains committed to the organisation’s mission to mitigate youth violence and conflict. His dynamic and engaging approach includes the delivery of impactful workshops, specialised training sessions, and consultancy services to high-profile institutions and governmental bodies.
He has collaborated with esteemed organisations such as the National Youth Agency, The Children's Society, Norfolk County Council (Children's Services), The Premier League, the Ministry of Justice in Jamaica, Birmingham's Children's Trust, and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Craig's research specialises in Urban Street Gangs, Youth Violence, Social Media, and Critical Race Theory. His advocacy extends beyond academic interest to fostering meaningful, systemic change on both a national and international scale.
His influence in shaping policies and conceiving innovative strategies has been acknowledged through multiple awards, recognising his dedication and impact in these fields.
Additionally, Craig is actively engaged in addressing gender inequality, bringing his extensive experience and insights to this vital area of social justice.
In his role as CEO of SOLVE Housing, Craig focuses on providing safe, nurturing environments for children in the West Midlands, further embodying his commitment to creating better futures for young people.
Sherine Mendes is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in business management. With a track record of running her own successful business for 7 years, Sherine brings a deep understanding of marketing, operations, and customer service to the table.
Her entrepreneurial journey has equipped her with invaluable insights into the
Sherine Mendes is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in business management. With a track record of running her own successful business for 7 years, Sherine brings a deep understanding of marketing, operations, and customer service to the table.
Her entrepreneurial journey has equipped her with invaluable insights into the intricacies of building and sustaining a thriving enterprise. During her tenure as a business owner, Sherine demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, successfully navigating the challenges of the market, and consistently delivering outstanding customer experiences.
Sherine's multifaceted expertise encompasses not only strategic marketing and efficient operational management but also an unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest levels of customer satisfaction. She is passionate about leveraging her knowledge to drive Solve towards growth and excellence.
Charlene is a distinguished professional with a rich background in Anti-Financial Crime, boasting extensive experience in key areas such as Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, Human Trafficking, and various other Financial Crime Typologies.
Her deep understanding of these complex subjects marks her as a valuable contributor in her fie
Charlene is a distinguished professional with a rich background in Anti-Financial Crime, boasting extensive experience in key areas such as Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, Human Trafficking, and various other Financial Crime Typologies.
Her deep understanding of these complex subjects marks her as a valuable contributor in her field.
In her current capacity as a Management Assistant at SOLVE, Charlene plays a vital role in supporting and enhancing operational processes. Her responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation's operations. Her ability to apply her knowledge and experience in a practical, operational context significantly benefits SOLVE's mission and operational goals.
Charlene's unique blend of expertise and skill in operational management positions her as a key figure in SOLVE, contributing substantially to the organisation's success and ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
Elaine Cooney is an experienced Art Coordinator and Educator with a passion for teaching and supporting individuals of all ages.
She has held positions such as Art Coordinator at Keech Hospice Care and various teaching roles, including Supply Teacher and Art Tutor.
Elaine excels in delivering creative lessons, managing behaviour, and fos
Elaine Cooney is an experienced Art Coordinator and Educator with a passion for teaching and supporting individuals of all ages.
She has held positions such as Art Coordinator at Keech Hospice Care and various teaching roles, including Supply Teacher and Art Tutor.
Elaine excels in delivering creative lessons, managing behaviour, and fostering positive learning environments. She holds a BA (Hons) in Fine Art and a QTS in Art Education.
In addition to her educational career, Elaine is dedicated to alcohol awareness.
Drawing from her own sobriety journey, she shares her experiences to support and inspire others, especially adults considering sobriety.
With a history of teaching alcohol and drug awareness in schools, Elaine is enthusiastic about facilitating alcohol awareness sessions for young people.
Dr Fitzmaurice is a Registered Forensic Psychologist, specialising in adolescent mental health and youth violence. She has extensive experience working with challenging young people and is passionate about making positive changes for disadvantaged young people.
Lizzie is an advocate for young people, and often works in a consultation and
Dr Fitzmaurice is a Registered Forensic Psychologist, specialising in adolescent mental health and youth violence. She has extensive experience working with challenging young people and is passionate about making positive changes for disadvantaged young people.
Lizzie is an advocate for young people, and often works in a consultation and advisory role for organisations and governing bodies designing policies and practices for young people.
She currently works in the NHS as a Principal Psychologist in Secure CAMHS and as a director of DLF Psychology. Lizzie has extensive experience working with the NHS, prison service, voluntary sector, education, youth work and social care. Lizzie is renowned for her impactful consultation and training and dedicates her time outside of clinical work to supporting students and organisations better understand key issues and
skills related to young people, mental health and youth violence.
As a Principal Forensic Psychologist, Dr Fitzmaurice works as an expert witness in both criminal and family court settings.
Lizzie is qualified in a range of therapies, including EMDR and DBT and delivers a range of certified interventions and risk reduction programmes.
Dr Mohammed Rahman is a distinguished criminologist with over a decade of experience in Higher Education.
His research interests include serious violence and organised crime, qualitative research methodologies, and social inequalities in the West Midlands, England.
He has collaborated with offenders, victims, charities, NGOs, and criminal
Dr Mohammed Rahman is a distinguished criminologist with over a decade of experience in Higher Education.
His research interests include serious violence and organised crime, qualitative research methodologies, and social inequalities in the West Midlands, England.
He has collaborated with offenders, victims, charities, NGOs, and criminal justice stakeholders.
Dr Rahman is an Expert Network Member for the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GITOC) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
His academic qualifications include a PhD, MEd, MA, PgCert, and BSc (Hons). Dr Rahman is also an internationally published author of books, book chapters, and peer-reviewed articles.
Daniel is a dedicated professional who challenges the traditional landscape of therapy with a unique and integrative approach.
As a registered integrative therapist with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), he brings a rich tapestry of experience, education, and personal perspective to us.
Holding an undergra
Daniel is a dedicated professional who challenges the traditional landscape of therapy with a unique and integrative approach.
As a registered integrative therapist with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), he brings a rich tapestry of experience, education, and personal perspective to us.
Holding an undergraduate degree in Social Welfare and a master's in Psychotherapy & Counselling, Daniels foundation is both academically solid and practically applied.
He prides himself on his 20-year journey in youth work, where he has had the privilege of fostering growth and resilience in young people from diverse backgrounds.
As a black male therapist, he stands at the crossroads of cultural understanding and professional expertise.
Daniels presence not only goes against the norms but also expands the narrative of what a therapist looks like and the unique insights they can offer.
Daniels goal is to provide a space where all individuals—regardless of background or identity—feel seen, heard, and understood.
Dr Martin Glynn is an experienced and internationally renowned criminologist, educator, theatre director, and dramatist with over 35 years’ experience of working in criminal justice, public health, and educational settings.
As a writer Martin has written for BBC 1’s Casualty, had radio drama’s produced for BBC Radio 4, written and directe
Dr Martin Glynn is an experienced and internationally renowned criminologist, educator, theatre director, and dramatist with over 35 years’ experience of working in criminal justice, public health, and educational settings.
As a writer Martin has written for BBC 1’s Casualty, had radio drama’s produced for BBC Radio 4, written and directed numerous theatre productions, published many poetry books, alongside developing a growing reputation as an author of children’s books. His new book ‘Speaking Data and Telling Stories: Data Verbalization for Researchers’ is published by Routledge (2019).
Sean has spent many years practising within the sectors of youth work, working heavily in multi-agency settings with criminal justice, social care and health as both frontline practitioner and service manager roles.
Notably: Running a hyper-local centre based model for a community deeply impacted by violence and trauma.
Developing three ho
Sean has spent many years practising within the sectors of youth work, working heavily in multi-agency settings with criminal justice, social care and health as both frontline practitioner and service manager roles.
Notably: Running a hyper-local centre based model for a community deeply impacted by violence and trauma.
Developing three hospital based violence interruption services to meet the needs of young people presenting as victims of sexual violence, bladed and firearm injuries.
A former regular attendee of the Guns, Gangs and Serious Organised Crime Strategic Board.
Sean's specialisms lie in Contextual Safeguarding and risk management relating to safeguarding against organised and extra-familial harms.
Lisa specialises in crime awareness, using her lived experiences to educate young people about the choices and consequences of criminality and the realities of the criminal justice system.
Having been both a victim and a perpetrator of crime, Lisa brings a unique perspective to crime interventions. She is passionate about motivating and g
Lisa specialises in crime awareness, using her lived experiences to educate young people about the choices and consequences of criminality and the realities of the criminal justice system.
Having been both a victim and a perpetrator of crime, Lisa brings a unique perspective to crime interventions. She is passionate about motivating and guiding young individuals away from the path of crime.
Lisa has delivered motivational talks in various settings, including schools, police stations, and prisons, with a focus on inspiring positive change within communities.
Lisa's commitment to crime prevention extends to her work with media outlets, including Kirklees Local TV, and her appearance in a Channel 4 documentary in 2020.
Her dedication to raising awareness and promoting change remains central to her life's mission.
Fidel Thompson is a Mentor, Keynote speaker, Workshop facilitator and the CEO of the Charity 'Breakin Barriers'.
Fidel has years of experience of delivering real life workshops and outreach work due his past decisions that resulted him being paralysed and wheelchair bound from multiple gunshot wounds.
Fidel has over 10 years of experience
Fidel Thompson is a Mentor, Keynote speaker, Workshop facilitator and the CEO of the Charity 'Breakin Barriers'.
Fidel has years of experience of delivering real life workshops and outreach work due his past decisions that resulted him being paralysed and wheelchair bound from multiple gunshot wounds.
Fidel has over 10 years of experience working with young people who are challenged by the the obstacles of their environment and life.
Henna is our esteemed female Intervention Worker based within the AP Taskforce team.
Henna is a Mental Health Specialist with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Interdisciplinary. Her academic and professional journey is deeply rooted in exploring the connections between trauma, mental health issues, and their outcomes in both youths and a
Henna is our esteemed female Intervention Worker based within the AP Taskforce team.
Henna is a Mental Health Specialist with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Interdisciplinary. Her academic and professional journey is deeply rooted in exploring the connections between trauma, mental health issues, and their outcomes in both youths and adults.
With over five years of dedicated service in the education sector, including a significant tenure as an Assistant Headteacher, Henna has honed her specialisation in behaviour understanding and modification. Her robust background in SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) schools underscores her commitment to addressing the complex needs of her charges.
Beyond her role in education, Henna is adept at teaching crime studies, managing mental health and safeguarding initiatives, and developing both training programmes and incident response protocols.
As a passionate advocate for creating protective and inclusive environments, she has a proven track record in forging strong collaborations with external agencies, conducting thorough risk assessments, and spearheading safeguarding measures in Birmingham and Coventry.
Henna’s unparalleled commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety and well-being for all individuals under her care truly sets her apart as a pivotal member of both SOLVE and the AP Taskforce team.
Niamh Boyle is our Level 3 accredited Peer Mentor and a committed second-year criminology student at Birmingham City University, where she concentrates on the pressing issue of criminal exploitation among at-risk youth, with a particular focus on young girls.
Her academic research and practical endeavours are aimed at uncovering the intri
Niamh Boyle is our Level 3 accredited Peer Mentor and a committed second-year criminology student at Birmingham City University, where she concentrates on the pressing issue of criminal exploitation among at-risk youth, with a particular focus on young girls.
Her academic research and practical endeavours are aimed at uncovering the intricacies of this exploitation, seeking effective interventions and support mechanisms.
Niamh is deeply passionate about effecting positive change in the lives of vulnerable children, combining her field experience with rigorous academic study to make a meaningful impact.
Looking ahead, Niamh is determined to further enrich her knowledge and enhance her contributions to the field by pursuing a master's degree. Through her role as a Peer Mentor, she applies her academic knowledge and genuine dedication to support and guide those directly impacted by these critical challenges, showcasing a seamless integration of academic insight and deep commitment to societal betterment.
Kareem has been supporting young people for 3 years. He has previously worked with both young people and adults within UCB.
Kareem is a qualified Peer Mentor; qualified in level 1,2,3 and is currently completing a 'Working with gangs and youth violence' course.
He has lived experiences which provide him with an deeper understanding and rel
Kareem has been supporting young people for 3 years. He has previously worked with both young people and adults within UCB.
Kareem is a qualified Peer Mentor; qualified in level 1,2,3 and is currently completing a 'Working with gangs and youth violence' course.
He has lived experiences which provide him with an deeper understanding and relatability to young people some of whom may evidence complexities/risky behaviours or be deemed as unreachable.
Kareem is also able to understand and create a safe space whereby young people feel confident enough to be themselves & comfortable to communicate & safe enough to have fun.
Robert Walsh-Lawrence is a Visual Media Specialist who is experienced in Photography and Videography.
With over 10 years of experience in the industry he has created content for platforms such as BBC, Microsoft, Grenade, YouTube, Stonegate Pubs & much more.
His YouTube view count for multiple projects exceeds over 120 million and has work
Robert Walsh-Lawrence is a Visual Media Specialist who is experienced in Photography and Videography.
With over 10 years of experience in the industry he has created content for platforms such as BBC, Microsoft, Grenade, YouTube, Stonegate Pubs & much more.
His YouTube view count for multiple projects exceeds over 120 million and has worked all over the world creating films, documentaries, music videos and modelling photoshoots.
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