Simone Spray (she/her) has been working with children, young people, families and communities for over 30 years driven by a passion for equality, social justice, youth empowerment and creativity. A qualified Psychologist and Youth Worker, Simone cut her teeth in the Greater Manchester public sector and then went onto lead the UK Child Poverty Programme at Save the Children, scaling up evidence- based programmes within the political infrastructures of each nation. Simone has led 42nd Street for 8 years. The charity has local impact with national significance, pioneering work that supports 11-25 year olds with their emotional well-being and mental health. They offer a choice of effective, young person-centred, rights-based therapeutic, group, creative, identity-based and social action approaches. Simone is Chair of the GM VCSE Mental Health Leadership Group and Co-Deputy Chair of Young Manchester where she advocates for transformational system leadership. Married to Peter-a talented pyrotechnician-they have two children Amy, 29, an inspiration, musician, climber and neuro-psychologist and Flo,14, a ray of sunshine, dancer, singer-songwriter and photographer; they all teach her something new every day.
