Exit Foundation

MEET THE TEAM

Learn a bit more about our backgrounds and who we are here at Exit Foundation and what drives our passion to help people to exit their old lifestyles into brighter futures.

PAUL

Founder and Director

Paul Dayes, the Director of Exit Foundation is himself an ex-offender. Paul has now made it his life’s passion to stop young people from taking the same path and making the same mistakes that he once made. Paul does this via one-to-one mentoring, life coaching and group sessions (including public speaking and workshops). Since setting up the Exit Foundation organisation, Paul himself works tirelessly in the field alongside the rest of his staff members. Together, the Exit Foundation team help people exit their old lifestyle for a new beginning as Paul himself has done.

The mission statement that Paul chose for the Exit Foundation organisation is ‘Love never fails’. Paul TOTALLY believes in this statement.

DINIJA

Office Manager

Dinija was born in Kerala South India and moved to the UK with her parents and sister in March 1973, when she was 6 years old.  She is the oldest of 4 siblings. Dinija is a divorced mother of 2 as well as a grandmother to 2 beautiful and cheeky boys! She grew up in Chatham, Kent, moved to Newham, East London in 1989, and eventually settled in Seven Kings Ilford in 1998.

Dinija has a vast knowledge (32 years) of the youth justice system and has spent the majority of her career as a Youth Justice Support Services Manager at Newham Youth Justice Service.

Dinija joined exit foundation in January 2023 as an office manager, bringing with her, her vast knowledge of youth justice and her administration skills she has acquired over the last 32 years.

DAVID

Therapeutic Care Worker

David has worked within the sphere of Social Justice and Youth and Community work for over 17 years. He started out in a statuary role in Youth Offending and generic youth work settings such at the age of 19.

After qualifying in Youth and Community Development, he began managing Residential Care Homes, which he continued to do for over 8 years. Alongside this he also volunteered and supported the Chaplinecy Team at HMP Belmarsh. During his time at Belmarsh, he supported the spiritual development of young men whilst they where in prison and  now mentors them upon release.

For the past 24 months David has been working as a Youth and Community Consultant. He has delivered employability and coaching with a kickstart program in Waltham Forest and an employability and business start-up training in Newham, Hackney and Tower Hamlet.

He is  excited about the opportunity to work with the Exit Foundation Team.

NIGEL

Senior Mentor

Nigel is a dedicated community activist with extensive experience in empowering and supporting the development of children and young people. He has worked across inner-city environments, providing mentorship, training, and guidance to young people and the professionals who serve them.

Specialising in empowerment models, Nigel has helped socially excluded youth at risk of leaving education or entering the criminal justice system to build their confidence and engage with their communities. Nigel’s experience spans diverse settings, including schools, residential facilities, and community organisations and he has collaborated with stakeholders such as the Metropolitan Police, Youth Offending Teams, fostering agencies, councils and other organisations.

Nigel also works holistically with families to strengthen relationships and has contributed to initiatives addressing gang-related activity, focusing on prevention and exit strategies for young people.

PENNY

Senior Mentor

Penny is a dedicated life coach and mentor with over seven years of experience working with both adults and children. She has contributed her expertise to various schools and organisations, helping individuals align with their personal goals and navigate life’s challenges.

Currently pursuing a BSc degree in counselling, Penny is committed to expanding her knowledge and skills to better serve those she works with. She is passionate about helping individuals align themselves onto a path they wish to be on.

Penny’s passion lies in supporting people on their journey to personal growth and fulfilment. She values meaningful connections and believes in the power of lifelong learning, growth, and wisdom, which she hopes to pass on to others in need of guidance.

GREG

Mentor

Greg’s journey is one of remarkable transformation and resilience. Growing up on the streets of Ipswich, he faced significant challenges, culminating in a nine-year prison sentence in 1991 for armed robbery. During his time in prison, Greg experienced a life-changing transformation, becoming a Christian and setting a new course for his life.

Upon his release in 1998, Greg began rebuilding his life, starting a career in roadworks. In 2008, he extended his efforts to help others by engaging in prison ministry, where he shared his testimony with inmates, inspiring them with the message that it is never too late to turn their lives around.

In 2015, Greg joined Exit Foundation as a volunteer mentor, dedicating his time to supporting individuals seeking to leave street life behind. As a valued and committed member of the foundation, Greg is passionate about helping others embrace change and build brighter futures.

SEAN

Mentor, Support Worker & Bereavement Lead

Sean grew up in a home affected by domestic violence and left school with no qualifications after being expelled. At 13, he went to prison for the first time and later turned to robbing banks, leading to lengthy sentences. While in prison, Sean focused on education, even earning a university degree.

After hearing about Exit Foundation through his sister, who attended a presentation at her local church, Sean made a self-referral. The Foundation visited him in prison and saw his potential. Upon release, Sean received counselling, training, and mentorship from Exit Foundation.

During counselling, Sean shared that his son had been tragically murdered (through knife crime) in a case of mistaken identity. Recognising his experience, Exit Foundation chose Sean to lead the new bereavement support service for families affected by knife crime. This services has since thrived with Sean providing a wide range of support including emotional support, graveside visits, and help with employment and youth support.

CARLTON

Mentor & Support Worker

Carlton serves as a dynamic force for positive change at Exit Foundation, blending compassion and experience to create a meaningful impact. As a dedicated parent of two, Carlton brings a deep passion for guiding young people toward brighter futures, fostering personal growth, and instilling hope.

At 40, Carlton embraces continuous learning and personal development, ensuring a fresh and effective mentoring approach. Known for a fun-loving demeanour and unwavering commitment to making a difference, Carlton plays a pivotal role within the Exit Foundation community, empowering young individuals and contributing to the creation of a better tomorrow.

CLAUDE

Mentor & Support Worker

Claude (JR) is a dedicated advocate for personal transformation, drawing from his own experiences of overcoming a difficult past marked by violence, hardship, and incarceration. After years spent in a negative lifestyle, Claude’s life took a pivotal turn in 2013 when he connected with Paul, a mentor introduced to him by a friend. This encounter sparked a profound change, inspiring him to dedicate his life to helping others, particularly those navigating similarly challenging circumstances.

Claude is deeply committed to supporting individuals, both men and women, who are living in pain and struggling with difficult lifestyles. His passion lies in offering hope and guidance, empowering others to break free from negative cycles and embrace positive change. Through his work, Claude continues to strive for the transformation of lives, giving people the opportunity to achieve success and realise their full potential.

MATT

Mentor & Support Worker

With over a decade of experience in security, mentoring, and community support, Matthew is dedicated to empowering vulnerable young adults to overcome obstacles and reclaim their place in society. Drawing on a wealth of personal and professional experience, Matthew possesses the skills and knowledge to effectively guide individuals through challenging circumstances.

Committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, Matthew  works to help each person discover their strengths and work towards a brighter, more successful future.

WONTON THE SHIH TZU

Therapy Dog

Wonton serves as the therapy dog for Exit Foundation and Newham Youth Offending Service (YOS), playing a vital role in the team. Accompanying Paul during one-on-one mentoring sessions, Wonton provides a calming and supportive presence for young people. Always ready to engage, Wonton travels in the back seat of the car, offering comfort and interaction to those who wish to connect.

Beloved by all, Wonton has earned the title of the most popular team member, embodying the spirit of connection and care central to the foundation’s mission.

BECOME A MENTOR

Our mentors and volunteers at Exit Foundation are essential in enabling us to help improve the lives of those in need. At Exit Foundation, we believe in second chances and we are proud to work alongside mentors who have life experience of the care system or crime related lifestyles as well as those who do not.

To express your interest, please complete the form on our contact page. A member of our team will reach out to answer your questions and guide you through the mentor application process.

THE IMPORTANCE
OF MENTORS

It is with your funding that we are able to continue helping young people take effective steps to exit a life of violence and crime. To help us support more young people in need, please click the button below to donate.