The team
Andrew Mckinney, Community Development Director
Andrew joined YourStory a few months after Darren and worked with him on local estates running football sessions for children. They immediately built a partnership and, having both come through the same drug rehabilitation programme, they understood and supported each other and really enjoying working together.
Andy’s background is sports-based with a qualification in leisure and business studies. Having achieved numerous coaching qualifications as a young adult he just needed the opportunity to do something he believed in and he is now responsible for designing the programmes with Adrian. The reason that his programmes work is because he has been on both sides of the fence - one as a service user and now as a deliverer. This means he understands and appreciates how best to help people. His practical experience, coupled with his openness to learn from more experienced individuals, means that he can only improve every day.
He is the first to admit how fortunate he is to be where he is today. “I am lucky to be alive considering what I got up to in my past. However, I was given an opportunity and received a lot of support from my family and the YourStory family and I haven’t looked back since. I’m not saying it’s easy but if you want something you have to go out and grab it without fear and with self belief and self worth”.
Andy also plays for YourStory football club and certainly has a presence on the pitch. Put it this way, if you hear him shout “Andy Mac’s” get out the way, whichever team you are on!