Dominic Taylor joins fast growing, local charity,
capping its successful 5th year
14 December 2022
Youth Challenge Oxfordshire (YoCO) has appointed its first CEO as it continues to grow from strength to strength. Dominic Taylor, joins with a wealth of knowledge in the charity and youth sectors, and plans to expand the youth group charity into new towns and villages in Oxfordshire.
Established in 2017, YoCO offers support to young people, aged 13-21, helping to develop resilience and confidence through its diverse programme designed to enable them to manage and overcome the many challenges they face. Weekly meetings are run by youth group leaders in central venues and are supported by a professional team. After completing the 18 month programme, the groups undertake an overseas volunteering trip.
YoCO has run 11 groups in its 5 years, and this year, 4 groups, including one from Blackbird Leys, volunteered in Kenya. Two new groups in Abingdon and Faringdon launched this Autumn, with Berinsfield and Carterton due to start in early 2023. With increased demand for more groups in different locations, YoCO is delighted to appoint its first CEO to oversee its growth.
Dominic joins YoCO after 5 years with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. He has a strong connection with Oxfordshire having been a Development Officer for Oxfordshire Council as well as trustee for Oxfordshire Youth. He currently works with 12 schools in the county through his role as Founder of School of Outdoors.
Excited by the challenge of taking YoCO to the next stage of its development, Dominic said:
“Throughout my career I have always encouraged young people to challenge themselves to gain new skills and experiences. I am delighted to accept the role as CEO with an organisation that aligns with my personal values and passions. I look forward to building on the already strong foundations YoCO has developed over the last 5 years. YoCO is more relevant than ever in today’s world with cuts to local youth provision and the residual impact of the last few years on society. I look forward to working with the young people, volunteers and partners over the coming months”
Jane Cranston, Chair of YoCO, added,
“Over the last 5 years, YoCO has helped more than 150 young people develop through personal challenge and we have seen the impact our programme, together with our volunteer group leaders, has on young people’s lives. The YoCO word is spreading and there is an increased demand for support for vulnerable young people. We are delighted that Dominic has chosen to join YoCO to help expand our services and groups so we can help a greater number of young people and make a difference to their lives.”
For further information, please contact:
Rachel Warren, Operations Manager, YoCO
T: 07999 340597
