About Barefoot

Barefoot began working with Plymouth communities in September 1996 and has since grown and become well-known and trusted across the city.  The charity was founded by David Oddie OBE in 1996, Richard Marsh becoming director in 1999 and Julie Matthews taking on the role of Co-ordinator in 2006.
We currently employ xxxx part-time youth workers - Jon, Gail & Jeanette and contract others when funding allows. 
The Barefoot staff are supported by a five-strong Board of Trustees.
With a common goal of providing inclusive opportunities for everyone, particularly young people, the Barefoot team work tirelessly to bring people together to share positive experiences, helping to create stronger communities. ​

Our Vision, Mission and Outcomes

Our Vision

Young people believe in themselves, feel safe and can take control of their futures

Our Mission

  1. To build trusting relationships with young people and provide a safe space to enable them to take control of their future
  2. Barefoot works with young people to break down barriers through activities, projects and events

Our Outcomes

  1. Young people feel more confident with more self-belief
  2. Young people feel safer
  3. Young people feel they have more aspirations and control of their lives and their future

Our Partners

From the beginning we were determined that Barefoot would work in genuine partnership with all groups and organisations, ensuring that involvement with any aspect of our work would bring mutual benefit to all partners. Over 23 years we have developed wide networks of partners encompassing youth work, education, the arts, local government, community, diversity, regeneration, social care, heritage, volunteering, sport, business, reconciliation and youth offending prevention sectors.
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Our current partners include: Plymouth City Council Youth Service, Plymouth Community Homes, Ernesettle Community Forum, Plymouth YMCA, The Eddystone Trust, Ernesettle NHS Surgery, Exim Dance, FotoNow, Livewire Youth Project, Devon FA, Plymouth Sports Charity, the University of St Mark and St John, Plymouth University, HOPES, Ernesettle Community School, Marine Academy Plymouth and Sir John Hunt Community School.