Michelle Railston

Michelle is one of our Youth Work Practitioners, she plays a vital role in the lives of young people who attend our youth sessions by helping them navigate challenges, develop life skills and see their potential. Some of Michelle’s main responsibilities are helping to build positive relationships, promote personal development, planning sessions, and offering guidance.

Before joining YMCA Northumberland, Michelle began her working life in retail, starting at Argos before she started training and working as a Nursery Nurse for 10 years within schools and private nurseries. She was once a School Holiday Playscheme Leader for the local council based in Ashington. As well as this she also ran an indoor children’s play area and hosted children’s birthday parties. Michelle then went back to working in retail at Priceless Shoes in Ashington before moving on to becoming a store assistant at ALDI for a further 10 years. Michelle then joined our Youth Team in April 2023.

Michelle specialises in building strong, trusting relationships with young people, parents and sometimes external professionals. Her ability to communicate effectively ensures she can connect with a wide range of individuals, promoting her understanding. She is also experienced in creating caring, stimulating environments that encourage development, she is able to use her Nursery Nurse background to design activities that are engaging and supportive. Michelle’s organisational skills allow her to manage responsibilities effectively whilst maintaining a high standard of care, even during challenging situations. 

Michelle brings a calm and approachable nature to the team, which helps create a positive atmosphere and encourages open communication. Her patience and adaptability means she can handle difficult situations with confidence, whilst always maintaining a sense of humour to put others at ease. Michelle is dedicated and responsible, ensuring that she follows through on commitments and delivers the best possible outcomes for the young people we support here at YMCA Northumberland. Additionally, her innovative approach allows her to contribute fresh ideas and creative solutions to the team.

Outside of work, Michelle has a wide range of hobbies that keep her inspired and engaged. She is a massive music enthusiast, whether it’s attending festivals, playing bass guitar, or exploring her newfound love for singing. She is also a huge fan of horror movies as well as cooking, which allows  her to experiment with flavors and creativity in the kitchen. Additionally, Michelle  has a deep interest in spiritual practices like Tarot, mediumship, and Reiki, which might be surprising for some people. These hobbies not only bring her joy but also allow her to connect with others who share similar interests.

If Michelle had to describe herself in 3 words, they would be chill, quirky and empathetic. Chill because she has a laid-back and easy going personality, which helps her stay grounded and adaptable in various situations. Quirky because it reflects on her unique sense of humour and individuality, as well as her love for unconventional hobbies. Finally, empathetic because it captures her ability to deeply understand and connect with others, always striving to offer support and kindness whenever it’s needed.

Michelle’s approach to problem-solving is rooted in listening and compromise. She believes in taking the time to fully understand all perspectives before finding a solution that works for everyone involved that is fair, balanced and considerate.

Michelle’s ability to listen and compromise is one of the most important contributions she brings to the team. By fostering open communication and finding common ground, she helps create a collaborative environment where everyone feels heard and valued.

YMCA Northumberland