Aaron Johnson
Case Study
How would you like to be described?
A south London Youth/Adult Worker
How would you describe what you do?
I mentor and guide young people and adult into a more productive and positive path in life, supporting them to achieve and reach their goals.
What is your greatest achievement?
Personal: Graduating from University as a mature student.
Professional: Solely leading the DIVERT programme, and winning the community programme of the year award at the London Football Awards.
What was the cause or ’trigger for this journey of making the world a better place through being useful and kind? And how old were you? When did you realise you could make a difference?
I’ve always worked with young people in my adult life, going into youth crime prevention came from a recommendation from Soye Briggs who was then the head of community development at palace for life foundation. Utilising my own personal life experiences to help the young people I work with.
Was it something your parents are/would have been proud of and encouraged?
Parents are proud of what I do as a career along with the help and support I give the local community from this work.
Who or what were your early influences?
Errison Ahwan, a good friend of mine. He would later become a sort of mentor for myself offering advice throughout my adult life.
What were you doing at 16?
Attending London Leisure College, studying a sport and leisure course.
What advice would you give your 16 year old self?
Remain on track, and don’t lose focus. Learn the importance of saving, taxes and credit.
What advice would you give to other young people?
Now more than ever is the best time to change your hobbies and interests into a career. Don’t be afraid to fail, Learn from it and improve on your next attempt.
What has been the most difficult challenge on the way and how did you overcome it?
Studying Uni full time, working pretty much full time, whilst being a parent. Stayed on track, remained focused, driven and determined to achieve the best I can.
What do you think are the changes we need to see in the world and how can being U&K help solve those things?
Education, and educating people around equality, and the importance of hard work.
How are you useful and kind to yourself - what helps and hinders?
Doing Yoga, and self-care.
How are you both useful and kind to others (the easy ones and those who are more difficult to be U&K to)?
Not to judge anyone, treat everyone fairly and offer as much support as I can.
What is your biggest challenge in the future?
One day to start my own community programme from young people
What do you wish you had done differently?
I feel whatever has happened or I have been through has shaped me to be the person I am today. However good or bad.