Meet The Team
Don Bryden - CEO & Founder of BEST
Don is managing director of recruitment company KCJ-Care.
When his daughter Jess became involved in gangs within Swindon, Don found that he was able to move her away from anti-social behaviour by getting her involved in sports.
Seeing the positive effect that fitness and a relationship with a 121 coach had on Jess, Don decided that he would use his own funding and set up a sports mentoring service that could be accessed by all children and young people within Swindon and WIltshire.
Laura Frankham-Gething – Operational Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Laura has over 15 years’ experience working directly with children and young people with complex issues. Laura has previously worked in alternative education, supporting young people with SEN, mental health issues and challenging behaviours. With qualifications in Social Science, Emotional Regulation and Child Trauma, She is a fully trained safeguarding lead who specialises in child exploitation and ACE’s
‘I struggled in my teenage years with issues at home and that came out in my behaviour with education and authority, I just wanted to feel part of something but didn’t know how to engage. Every day I see our mentors make young people feel part of a community that values them, watching that young person thrive is why we all do what we do.
I feel lucky to be part of an incredible team’.
Paul Rogers – Lead Mentor and England Boxing Coach
Paul was the first BEST mentor in 2020. Previously a boxer for 13 years, titled Western Counties ABA Champion for 9 years, received 9 caps as Captain of the England Boxing team and a 1996 Atlanta Olympic member. Before he came to BEST Paul spent 10 years working in schools and various youth projects, teaching non-contact boxing. Paul is level 2 trained boxing coach and has level 2 qualifications in Understanding Autism and Information, Advice and Guidance. In his spare time Paul is a boxing coach for Scrappers ABC
‘Best has allowed me to enhance my personal skills, while passing on knowledge and life skills I’ve learned. I love Supporting and encouraging young people to make positive choices by working with a skilled team of mentors and sports coaches, who are excellent in their field.
We are a close team who support each other and learn from each other, working for BEST can be both challenging and rewarding.’
Stephen McRae – Lead Mentor and Martial Arts Coach
Stephen has been working with young people in Swindon for over 10 years. Previously he delivered the Prince’s Trust Team Programme, supporting groups of complex young people to develop their skills in team work and work skills. Stephen has qualifications in education and training, information, advice and guidance, level 3 in counselling and working towards a level 4. He is also a black belt in Karate and regularly coaches in his spare time
‘I love my role at Best and being part of an amazing team where everyone shares the same professional values and ethos.
We all bring our own expertise to the charity and constantly seek to learn new things from each other and the young people we serve. It’s within this nurturing environment that successes and breakthroughs are witnessed daily’.
Neil Tustin –Youth Mentor, DDSL and FA Football Coach
Neil has been a fully qualified FA youth football coach and has worked in grassroots football and ran primary school teams for over 15 years. Neil coaches 3 teams at Highworth Juniors FC and is the FA Respect officer, all in his spare time. He has been voted FA Grassroots Coach of the year for 3 years running since 2020. Neil is qualified in information, advice and guidance and child protection level 3
‘I love every part of working for Best and find it extremely rewarding to be helping so many young people who are struggling by supporting them into sports, such as football and watching their self-esteem grow. We make a fantastic team and its very unique, almost like a family’.
Ryan Beauchamp – Youth Mentor, Personal Trainer and Boxing Coach
Ryan is a level 3 Personal Trainer and Amateur Boxer for over 10 years. He has previously worked in SEN education and Children’s Homes. Ryan is passionate about helping others live healthier lifestyles and managing positive mental health, using his own life experiences. Ryan is also qualified in advice and guidance
‘I love working for BEST because we are given a chance to make a positive impact to young people’s lives using sports and fitness. The team at BEST are more of a family who all work together to ensure we can achieve the best outcomes for all of our young people.’
Jack Rogers – Tutor and Youth Mentor
Jack is a tutor at BEST, helping our young people apply their skills academically. Jack previously worked in Primary schools, for Middlesbrough F.C. and spent 3 years teaching English in China. He also brings his skills from the wider business world, having worked for a multinational green energy company. Prior to starting as a Tutor, Jack was our longest serving volunteer, having been with BEST since the start.
‘I love working at BEST because BEST has a positive impact on our community and refuses to give up on vulnerable people. It's a great feeling to be part of this talented team that builds self-esteem and makes a real difference in the lives of Swindon's youth.’
Lucy Jones – Receptionist and Social Media Creator
Lucy is an integral part of BEST, often being the first friendly face to welcome you into our centre. She is trained in SEN, complex behaviours, and contextualised safeguarding, bringing both expertise and compassion to her role. In her spare time, Lucy loves to sing and dance, and she often uses these skills to support and engage the children when needed.
‘I am passionate about working with young people, making them laugh, helping them feel safe, and celebrating every step of their growth. Seeing them develop day by day is truly the most rewarding part of what I do.’
Zena Sworder - Youth Mentor and Personal Trainer
Zena is a youth mentor at BEST, supporting young people by using physical activity and sports to positively engage and inspire. Zena is trained in childcare and alongside her mentoring work, Zina is a Personal Trainer, experienced door supervisor and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt. Zena uses her values of sport to help build skills that extends beyond the gym.
’I am very passionate about working at BEST, helping to positively impact young people and support them in building a better future’.
Jacob Sworder - Youth Mentor and Brazilian Jujitsu Coach
Jacob is a dedicated youth mentor at Best who is deeply passionate about helping others reach their full potential. He consistently goes above and beyond to support young people by providing positive role modeling. In addition to this Jacob is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Professor, where he teaches discipline, confidence, and resilience both on and off the mat. His ability to connect with youth through mentorship and sport allows him to inspire strong values such as respect, perseverance, and teamwork.
‘Working at BEST allows me to do what I love most - support, inspire, and guide young people toward becoming confident, capable individuals. Seeing their growth and knowing I can make a positive impact every day is what truly motivates and fulfils me’.
Chris Bryden - Youth Mentor
Chris is a youth mentor at Best who brings valuable experience from playing rugby and outdoor learning activities. Chris uses that background to positively impact young people. Chris is trained in SEN, complexed behaviours and contextualised safeguarding. Through sport and a love of the outdoors, Chris teaches more than just skills. he mentors young people in discipline, teamwork, respect, and resilience.
‘I am passionate about working at Best because I enjoy guiding our young people to reach their potential. I believe strong mentorship through sport and outdoor activities, such as den building, can create a lasting, positive change’.
Leo Hayes - Youth Mentor
Leo is a passionate youth mentor at Best, brings valuable experience from previously working in youth clubs, where he developed a strong understanding of how to support and engage young people in positive ways. Leo is highly sport-driven and uses physical activity as a powerful tool to promote teamwork and confidence. His ability to connect, motivate, and create a safe and supportive environment helps young people feel valued and encouraged to participate, grow, and succeed.
‘I feel very grateful to be working at BEST because it gives me the opportunity to do something that genuinely matters to me. Having previous experience working in youth clubs, I’ve seen how important it is for young people to have positive role models. At BEST, I feel proud to be part of a team that truly cares about young people and their futures. I love being able to use my passion for sport to engage with young adults, build strong relationships, and help boost their confidence’
Chris Skelley-Hunt - Youth Mentor and Former Paralympic Gold Medallist
Chris Skelley-Hunt is a highly respected British Paralympic Youth Mentor at Best. Chris has completed in 3 Paralympics in Judo, winning Gold in Tokyo and Bronze in Paris. Chris has overcome significant challenges to become one of the UK’s most inspiring athletes. Despite being born with a rare genetic condition that led to a serious deterioration of his eyesight during his late teens. Chris is an inspiration to our young people at Best and has used his experience with disability not just to excel in sport, showing them that obstacles can be transformed into strengths, and that sport and community can be powerful vehicles for empowerment, resilience, and personal growth.
‘Working at BEST empowers me because it allows me to use my own experiences to support and inspire young people. I know first-hand that challenges don’t have to limit your potential, and at BEST I can help others build confidence, resilience, and belief in themselves. Being part of a team that values inclusion and positive change motivates me to make a real difference every day’.
Sarah Bryden - Co-founder and Trustee
Sarah is the co-founder of BEST, she was driven by both personal experience and a deep desire to create meaningful change. After witnessing her daughter struggle and experiencing first-hand how existing systems failed to provide the support she needed, she was determined to turn a painful situation into something positive. Rather than accepting those failures, herself and her husband Don created BEST with the purpose of ensuring that other young people would not be let down in the same way. Her compassion, resilience, and commitment to doing better for families and young people continue to shape the heart and values of BEST, inspiring a service built on understanding, support, and genuine care