Meet Adnan, youth work professional at Feathers Marylebone raising aspirations and creating opportunities for young people in Church Street.

1Can you explain your role in one sentence?I manage community-focused work and the Community Hub at Feathers Marylebone Youth, supporting young people, building partnerships, and creating impactful programmes that bring real opportunities to our community.
2Did you find yourself in this role by accident or design and how long have you been doing it?It wasn’t by accident. My journey has always been rooted in lived experience and a passion for helping others, which naturally led me into youth and community work. I’ve been in this role for just under a year, but I’ve been supporting young people and communities for much longer through outreach, youth work and programme delivery. My previous role was in Youth Violence Reduction, working closely with the gangs unit, though I have been in the youth and community sector since 2010.
3What’s the best part about your role?Seeing the growth and potential in young people - whether it’s someone gaining confidence, finding a new passion, or stepping away from negative influences to pursue something positive.
4What’s the most challenging part of your role?Balancing the huge needs of the community with limited resources, making sure every young person gets the right support while also building sustainable opportunities for the future.
5What impact do you hope your work at Feathers will leave on young people and the wider community?I want young people to feel that their talent, voice, and future truly matter, and for the community to see Feathers as a hub of opportunity, growth, and support.
6What’s one project or programme you’re most proud of leading?I’m especially proud of developing the Community Café and leading music sessions with our young people. Both create safe, positive spaces where culture, creativity, and community come together in powerful ways. We’ll be working with the Marble Arch BID to engage corporate volunteers for the Community Café as well as hosting skill sessions for those who attend.
7What do you like most about the local area?The diversity and energy. Westminster brings together people from all walks of life, and there’s a strong sense of community spirit when you look past the surface.
8What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?I enjoy creating music, trading forex and crypto, travelling, and working on new projects, but I also find time to just connect with people and keep learning from different experiences.
9If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?Morocco - not only because of my roots, but also for its culture, history, and the opportunities I see for building international exchanges for young people.
10Who is your hero and why?My hero is anyone who chooses to make a positive difference in their community despite the struggles they face. Everyday people who give back inspire me more than celebrities or big names ever could. The biggest heroes to me are those who beat the odds when everything was stacked against them.