Nick Garbutt: New Chairman of Opportunity Youth
Nick Garbutt has been appointed the new Chair of Opportunity Youth, succeeding John McCorry who had served as Chair for the past 4½ years.
Upon taking up appointment, Nick commented “I studied Law at university and one of the options I took up was Criminology and Penology – as a result I spent one afternoon per week for a term in the local prison. It completely changed my attitude towards young people who get into trouble with the law and ever since I’ve wanted to get involved in this field of work.
“That’s why I was so pleased to get the opportunity to serve on the Board of Opportunity Youth – and why I feel so honoured and delighted to be appointed Chair. This is a wonderful organisation that does fantastic and very important work. I’m really looking forward to making a contribution and to getting to know the team.”
As outgoing Chair, John McCorry remarked, "I've a longstanding association with Opportunity Youth, stretching back to those early days of peer educators and YTP trainees. My experience as a Board Member has been rewarding and allowed me the privilege to serve as the organisation's chair at various stages in its development. After holding the position of Chair for the past 4 ½ years, I have decided to focus my energies on other aspects of Opportunity Youth's services and to work with the new Chair, Nick Garbutt, in the next phase of our journey."
Nick further noted “John has done great work over many years, helping to ensure that Opportunity Youth is a great success – and the achievements that he and Anne‑Marie McClure have made are there for all to see. We now have to ensure that we build upon these great foundations so that even more young people can benefit from our work.
“As Chair I’ll be working closely with Anne-Marie to help to ensure continued success for Opportunity Youth.”