Gill Bainbridge
Gill has been the Chief Executive of Merseyside Youth Association since 2004, serving as the dedicated custodian of an organisation that has supported young people across the region for over 135 years. A graduate of the University of Liverpool with an MA in Women’s Studies, Gill has spent over 30 years championing the voluntary sector, with extensive experience spanning youth and play work, disability advocacy, and mental health support.
Under her leadership, MYA prioritises a "young person-centred" approach, delivered by a team of passionate professionals. Gill is a fierce advocate for co-production, ensuring that projects are designed with rather than just for some of Merseyside’s most vulnerable young people. Her work is deeply rooted in the concept of resilience, equipping young people with the coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and sense of hope necessary to navigate life’s challenges.
Driven by the belief that the wellbeing of young people is fundamental to the future of the Liverpool City Region, Gill remains committed to fostering environments where young people can lead their own change. She is delighted to contribute to the Heart of Glass conference, sharing insights on how collaborative practice and creative resilience can build brighter, more sustainable futures for the next generation.