About US

We Rise is an award winning Brixton based community business with a mission to empower young people to create successful futures.

about us

We Rise is an award winning community business with a mission to empower young people to create successful futures.

OUR STORY

We believe in the creative potential of young people

We Rise was set up by a group of parents with a shared passion to tackle social disadvantage by helping young people make the difficult transition from school to work

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OUR VALUES

We put our values into practice

WE MUST ALL BE PART OF THIS MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE
OUR IMPACT

We always strive for elaborate results and do our best for you

Tailored Programmes for schools and young people

Commissioned creative content for a variety of Clients

Connections and Engagement in our Community

OUR IMPACT
testimonials
What young people say
Our passionate team, committed to the personal growth of our youth.

The We Rise team have decades of experience from our careers in the commercial, voluntary and public sectors and in education. We use what and who we know to make a difference.

Abigail Melville, CEO - We Rise Brixton

Abigail Melville

CEO

Passionate about tackling inequality, after 25 years working in public, commercial and non-profit organisations – including spells as a Lambeth Councillor, public affairs consultant and secondary school teacher – Abigail founded We Rise to make an impact in her community.

Andy Ankrah

Director

Andy is VP, Head of Technology Consulting for Merkle where he creates better, more connected, and personally relevant experiences for consumers. He is passionate about making meaningful progress for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and empowering others – especially young people – to gain access to opportunities and create successful futures whether in digital or otherwise.

David Njie, Director - We Rise Brixton

David Njie

Director

David loves young people. A former youth worker, coach and learning mentor, he is a qualified counsellor with a practice focussed on adolescent mental health. He has 18 years experience delivering person centred programmes that improve motivation, aspiration and performance.

James Flitcroft, Director - We Rise Brixton

James Flitcroft

Director

James co-founded We Rise to innovate careers education. He has 14 years experience developing employability programmes for 11-19 yr olds in inner city schools and PRUs, including a DWP funded Employability Passport for 11-16 year olds. He is careers lead and senior leader at Chelsea Academy.

Polly Waterworth, COO - We Rise Brixton

Polly Waterworth

COO

A Brixton creative at heart, Polly is a qualified Architect with 20 years experience designing, managing and delivering architectural projects across London. She also runs her own hand made bag company on Etsy.

Mohammed-Hadi Osman

Director

Mohammed is a Strategy Consultant, with previous experience in working in Supply Chain and Technology at an automotive manufacturer. He also has some experience in Political engagement, sustainability, youth engagement and climate advocacy, having attended both COP26 and the 2021 G7 as a Climate Youth Advocate.

Ray McFarlane, Director - We Rise Brixton

Ray McFarlane

Director

A Brixton based film Director, Ray tells stories through film. He has collaborated with many local organisations like Makerhood and Afawee. Ray also teaches film-making to young and vulnerable people.

Virginia Payne, Director - We Rise Brixton

Virginia Payne

Director

Virginia is a Brixton based management accountant with over 20 years in the corporate world. She has deep experience of leading and delivering global commercial finance projects across Europe & Asia.

Maria Taylor, Director - We Rise Brixton

Maria Taylor

Director

Maria is studying Biomedicine at Sussex and brings a young person’s perspective to the Board. She is passionate about youth empowerment: she led the Youth Council and has worked as a Youth Worker and We Rise Coach.

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Picture of Abigail Melville, CEO
Abigail Melville, CEO

Passionate about tackling inequality, after 25 years working in public, commercial and non-profit organisations - including spells as a Lambeth Councillor, public affairs consultant and secondary school teacher - Abigail founded We Rise to make an impact in her community.

Picture of Reece Simwogerere, Director
Reece Simwogerere, Director

A former Apprentice, Reece leads projects for Brixton Business Improvement District to support local businesses and develop the town centre. A familiar figure in Brixton he is often to be found networking at local events. He grew up locally and lives in Tulse Hill.

Picture of David Njie, Director
David Njie, Director

David loves young people. A former youth worker, coach and learning mentor, he is a qualified counsellor with a practice focussed on adolescent mental health. He has 18 years experience delivering person centred programmes that improve motivation, aspiration and performance.

Picture of James Flitcroft, Director
James Flitcroft, Director

James co-founded We Rise to innovate careers education. He has 14 years experience developing employability programmes for 11-19 yr olds in inner city schools and PRUs, including a DWP funded Employability Passport for 11-16 year olds. He is careers lead and senior leader at Chelsea Academy.

Picture of Polly Waterworth, COO
Polly Waterworth, COO

A Brixton creative at heart, Polly is a qualified Architect with 20 years experience designing, managing and delivering architectural projects across London. She also runs her own hand made bag company on Etsy.

Picture of Estella Reed, Director
Estella Reed, Director

A self confessed people person, Estella has 15 years experience helping companies grow. She specialises in developing company culture and recruiting the best talent for start-up and rapid growth companies in the tech sector.

Picture of Ray McFarlane, Director
Ray McFarlane, Director

A Brixton based film Director, Ray tells stories through film. He has collaborated with many local organisations like Makerhood and Afawee. Ray also teaches film-making to young and vulnerable people.

Picture of Virginia Payne, Director
Virginia Payne, Director

Virginia is a Brixton based management accountant with over 20 years in the corporate world. She has deep experience of leading and delivering global commercial finance projects across Europe & Asia.

Picture of Maria Taylor, Director
Maria Taylor, Director

Maria is studying Biomedicine at Sussex and brings a young person’s perspective to the Board. She is passionate about youth empowerment: she led the Youth Council and has worked as a Youth Worker and We Rise Coach.