Dave Mann is a church pastor and community organiser based in Silvertown, East London. He is also Chair of Oasis Academy Silvertown. Dave was previously a journalist and train driver, but has never fulfilled his ambition of playing for West Ham.

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"I love Community Albums’ focus on empowering young people across the world to have their voices heard. The use of music and media equips them with great skills, but most importantly gives them the confidence to bring about lasting change!"

Pete is the CEO of The Renewal Programme in East London, a multi-service charity that uses a holistic and personal approach to provide Newham residents with the tools and direction to address an array of issues, including homelessness, poverty and mental health wellbeing. He has spent the last 30 years working within the non-profit and educational sectors including leading the £2m regeneration of Flanders playing field in East Ham.

 

His passion lies in working collaboratively to bring out the best in people and communities..

Irini has over 10 years’ experience in the NGO sector including roles in project management and fundraising. She holds an MSc in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies and has enjoyed volunteering in the UK as well as abroad including in Kenya, Palestine, Zambia and Nepal. 

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"Community Albums is inspiring in its emphasis on the arts and in using music as a medium for collaboration, creative expression and personal development, working to harness young people’s potential towards positive change within themselves and their communities."

Dave has over 20 years' experience of working in the third sector with traditionally 'hard to reach' people. He founded the Caanan Project, a charity that empowers girls and young women in Tower Hamlets, East London. He has also been Managing Director of KwaCare in South Africa, Deputy CEO of City Gateway, Tower Hamlets, and Strategic Development Manager of Spotlight, a £7.5 million Creative Arts Space in Poplar, East London. Throughout his career he has maintained a real passion to see people reach their potential, whatever their circumstances.

 

"I joined the board because we live in a digital age, where media plays a huge part in influencing us. Community Albums recognises this and is actively using media to change people's lives."

Dave was a primary school teacher for many years, working in a number of schools in London, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire. Music is an important part of his life, both in his classes and in a number of bands, in which he continues to play.

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"I was approached by Simon to become involved with Community Albums and went to see a number of projects in action. I was immediately impressed by the impact that making music had on the young people involved in a range of contexts. With the careful guidance given by Community Albums' project workers, it is remarkable just how empowering this process is on a number of levels. I have become a Trustee and help in planning the way forward for the charity."