MEET THE TEAM

AREA DIRECTOR: RIYAH CURTIS

Riyah joined YL as a volunteer leader back in 2018, soon came on as student staff during her last two years of uni and then came on as part time staff in 2021. She then took over as Area Director in Jan 2024 where she has been growing, developing and leading the ministry here in the city. Riyah has a real heart for the St. Mary's/Newtown area of Southampton and partners with her church Lighthouse International in reaching out to the South East Asian community in particular.

DIRECT MINISTRY: EMILY SLATER

Emily joined YL as a volunteer leader back in 2023 and came on as student staff in 2024 when Riyah became AD. She continued in that role during her

last two years of uni and has since come on as part time staff post graduation. Emily has a real heart for the young people in Southampton, particularly kids with additional needs and is going to be a key leader in the development of Capernaum in the city.

DEVELOPING GLOBAL LEADER (DGL): JOE BUCKELY

Joe joined the team in 2024 in partnership with Kings Church to work alongside YL Southampton to develop ministry in the Lordshill area. Since then, Joe has committed to the DGL programme where he will train and continue to develop Lordshill ministry as well as studying Theology and Youth Work at university. Joe has a real heart for kids to know Jesus and has started conversations about ministry in Millbrook too, he will be a key leader in the development of YL ministry in the West of the city. ​