About Us
Our Story
Making a Difference in the Lives of Young People
The Jamie Simpson Trust was founded with the aim of making a positive difference in the lives of young people. We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, and through our programs and initiatives, we strive to provide them with the necessary support and resources.
Set up by Lorna Simpson in memory of her beloved son, Jamie. Following the devastation of Jamie's passing, she hopes to honour his memory by supporting young people to make positive life choices.
Meet the team
Our team consists of highly qualified and motivated professionals, who are all experts in their field. With many years of experience working with and supporting young people and adults, they have the expertise to provide comprehensive, first-rate support.
Founder
Lorna Simpson
My name is Lorna Simpson, and I founded the Jamie Simpson Trust following the tragic death of my son (Jamie) in 2008. He was a victim of knife crime.
Throughout my life I have furthered myself by going to Derby university where I achieved a degree and later a PGCE at Leicester University.
I have had several roles during my working life supporting students with learning and behavioural difficulties. Working as an Advisory support teacher with Local Education Authority, my role was to raise achievement and prevent exclusion of African Caribbean and mixed heritage children in inner city schools in Derby. This was across both primary and secondary education.
Whilst working at Derby College with students with learning difficulties I completed my ILM coaching and mentoring certificate which I hope I can use to encourage and support young people on the programme.
The trauma of losing my son was devastating but I was determined to create a legacy in his name. Therefore, the Jamie Simpson Trust was founded in 2011. The trust was focused on preventing knife crime and providing young people with opportunities to excel. The trust raised money through fund-raising events which was then used to support other charities.
I was awarded the Profile of Courage by NBCPA for my work around knife crime, giving lectures to young people to understand the impact knife crime can have on families.
Since 2022 I have worked tirelessly to create a project that will give young people life skills and to encourage them to make wise choices for their future. The Forward Vision project was born in September 2023. The Jamie Simpson Trust gained charity status as a Community Interest Company (CIO). It is my dream that this project will be the making of the young people who take part.
Trustee
Laura Smith
I have taken on the role of trustee as I am wanting to share my commitment to giving back to the community.
I have worked with vulnerable people within our community for over twenty years, supporting them to access accommodation, education, employment and reconnect with social networks. My work is my passion, I thrive off seeing people have the opportunities they deserve.
I am a mother of three children, seeing children being able to develop in our community, is something I believe every young person should have the opportunity to be part of.
Jamie had a passion for life and people, the Trust allows his positive energy and legacy to live on for generations to come.
The Jamie Simpson trust allows young people to feel part of their community and we are able to create a future where they feel involved and included.
I will support the trust to make a difference by having a positive impact on the life’s of young people by sharing my knowledge, skills and experience to support the trusts programs and commitments.
As a trust we will raise awareness and advocate for young people, within my role I will be able to address social inequalities and create a brighter future for vulnerable young people.
Locksley Ford
Starting his career in engineering, with an apprenticeship at Rolls Royce Locksley has worked for a few other large engineering companies in the Derby area.
In 1980 he became involved in working with unemployed young people at various levels of interaction, mainly with groups of young offenders. Most of
whom were on probation.
1984 to 1985 Locksley completed a 1-year access course as a trainee in Youth and Community work. 1985 to 1987 Manchester polytechnic - Certificate in Youth and Community work.
His placement in the first year of the course was completed at Old Trafford Youth Centre in Manchester where he worked with the unemployed club on a regular basis. Also spending time in
schools in the Manchester area interviewing pupils and teachers about education and employment. His placement on the second year of the course was completed jointly with the Derbyshire Careers Service and Education welfare service in Derby.
Whilst on placement with Derbyshire Careers Service he applied for and was successful in getting a traineeship which allowed him to complete the Diploma in Careers Guidance {DipCG} at Trent Polytechnic in Nottingham. On successful completion of this course, he was offered a permanent post as a career’s advisor by Derbyshire Careers Service in 1988.
Having amassed over 30 years experience working in the Education, Training and Employment sectors. Locksley joined the Jamie Simpson Trust to continue to inspire and empower young people by offering support, guidance and learning opportunities to help them make informed choices.
Locksley strengths include excellent communication skills, self-motivation, enthusiasm, flexibility, the ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently and the ability to build a strong rapport with people from all walks of life.
The central tenet of Locksley work has always been to empower clients to make informed life choices
and equal opportunity exists as a dominant philosophy throughout.
Trustee
Helen Simpson
A seasoned strategic leader with over 15 years of global experience in enhancing business culture, strategy and transformation across government, profit and non-profit sectors, serves as a trustee of the Jamie Simpson Trust.
Her expertise in Programme Management, Strategic Planning and Corporate Governance equips her to navigate complex stakeholder environments and provide trusted strategic counsel, qualities that are integral to her role within the trust.
At the core of her trusteeship is her profound personal connection to Jamie Simpson, her brother, whose legacy she strives to uphold through the trust’s initiatives. Helen is particularly passionate about creating opportunities and providing support for young people, aligning with the trust's commitment to enhancing educational and developmental prospects.
Currently studying an Executive MBA from ESCP Business School, Helen's professional tenure includes significant contributions as the Chief of Staff & Head of Strategic Coordination at the Greater London Authority. There, she spearheaded initiatives for the Good Growth Directorate on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and policy development, demonstrating her ability to manage large-scale, impactful projects.
As a trustee, Helen focuses on expanding the reach and impact of the trust, leveraging her extensive skills in strategy development, change management, and stakeholder engagement. Her vision includes nurturing partnerships that align with the trust’s goals and creating enduring positive impacts that resonate within the community.
Through her dedicated leadership and commitment, Helen hopes to not only honour her brother’s memory but also to help drive the Jamie Simpson Trust towards a future where it continues to make a profound and positive difference in the lives of young people.
Amanda Trotman
Trustee
Amanda’s, (better known as Mandy) career background is in policing. She served for 30 years as a police
constable, undertaking various roles throughout that time.
This included roles in training and facilitation as well as colleague support roles. She was the founder member of the local Black Police Association and an elected Federation representative.
Following her retirement, Mandy has worked with several local community based charitable organisations. She was previously employed with another local charity which supports children and young people.
Her passion is to engage with young people to encourage them to
consider and make healthier life choices, through opportunities, which can support them to find their
individual path to achievement and fulfilment.
Mandy has been inspired by the story of Jamie Simpson and the passion and drive of his mother Lorna Simpson,
to support young people in Derby in their personal growth and development.
Mandy sees the Forward
Vision Project is a welcome vehicle for this.
Judy Powell
Secretary
My name is Judy Powel, and I joined the Jamie Simpson Trust in 2023 and became temporary secretary of the board of Trustee in September 2023. Although this is a temporary position, I am delighted to help the charity establish the Forward Vision Project.
During my working life I worked at Rolls-Royce plc in the Metallurgy department, starting as a
typist and working my way up to doing investigations. After leaving Rolls-Royce my next position was with Derby College. I began as a support worker helping students with learning
difficulties.
Eventually I became the lead person of the team of support workers at Joseph Wright College in Derby.
My time at both institutions gave me an insight into the differences and challenges people face, whether personally or through family or friends. In both sectors I was able to progress and develop my skills through hard work, dedication and help from inspiring people.
In joining the Jamie Simpson Trust I hope to help build the charity and the areas it will focus on, in particular working with young people. I hope to be able to pass on what I have learnt from my previous roles by way of support and encouragement to the young people taking part in the
Forward Vision programme.
Vanessa Simpson
Trustee
As a Co-Founder and Trustee of the Jamie Simpson Trust, Vanessa is dedicated to preserving Jamie’s legacy and commitment to supporting others. With a passion for fostering growth and community impact she support the strategic direction and initiatives of the trust.
With extensive experience working with young people since 2007, Vanessa excels in guiding and nurturing creative talent. As a qualified coach and mentor, she currently serves as the Head of Media for the largest college in the North West, overseeing 350+ creative media students. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to empowering young people to believe in their potential, pursue ambitious goals, and achieve outstanding results.
Leveraging a strong background in video production—including live event filming, music videos, promotional content, and documentaries—Vanessa provides strategic oversight and develops impactful creative content for the trust’s charitable initiatives. Her combined expertise in leadership, education, and media production ensures that every project delivers meaningful outcomes and lasting influence.
Join Us in Empowering Young People
Become a Volunteer or Supporter
You can make a difference in the lives of young people by joining us as a volunteer or a supporter. Whether you choose to invest your time or contribute financially, your involvement will have a meaningful impact on the youth we serve.
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