Hayley Brown, Chief Executive of Link to Change, is firmly dedicated to helping youths entangled in the complexities of exploitation. Her career speaks for itself.
“I started as a youth worker,” Hayley recalls, her journey beginning with the foundational blocks of university and a Masters in psychodynamic counselling. It was during her time as a student mentor at a Sixth Form college that the seeds of her future were sown.
“I’ve worked from the bottom all the way up to the top as well,” she states, a reflection of her hands-on approach that resonates deeply with her staff. “I’m never going to ask them to do something that I haven’t already done effectively,” she asserts, highlighting a leadership style rooted in experience and understanding.
The toll of dealing with trauma and tough experiences is an aspect Hayley is intimately familiar with. “It’s a tough job,” she admits, acknowledging the emotional strain that comes with the territory. Yet, she believes it’s not about developing a tougher skin but learning to “process things a little bit differently” and compartmentalise effectively.
Hayley’s defining moment came with her first case. “It was working on that in particular that made me realise this is something that’s very big and serious,” she reflects. This revelation steered her towards her niche, where she resolved to make a difference. For Hayley, the connection to the victims and the long-term objectives of working with young people are what drive her.
What’s more, the Link to Change Chief Executive cherishes the transformative journeys, despite their challenges in measurement. “It’s hard to evidence those journeys,” she says, recounting a story of a young girl whose goal was to overcome social anxiety and step into Primark—a monumental achievement in its own right. Hayley’s journey is one marked by small victories that create profound changes. She knows that at some point, her words will resonate with those she’s helped, long after they’ve continued on their path.
Fighting Exploitation on All Fronts
Hayley has witnessed firsthand the evolution of social attitudes towards exploitation. “I would say we’ve come a long way,” she begins, acknowledging the strides made in raising awareness. Yet, she is quick to point out that “we’re not even halfway there yet.” The journey is far from over, and Hayley is acutely aware of the misconceptions that still permeate society’s understanding of the trauma faced by young people.
The battle against exploitation is marred by oversimplified perceptions, where victims are often wrongly believed to have chosen their plight. Hayley emphasises the need for a shift in the language used to describe these young people, to foster a deeper understanding of their perspectives.
With the advent of the digital age, Hayley has been a vocal advocate against online exploitation, a phenomenon that has only intensified during the pandemic. “It’s happening in front of the parent, the carer, whoever it is, or in the education setting,” she explains, showcasing the insidious nature of this new frontier of abuse. The cost of living crisis further complicates matters, with groomers exploiting the most basic needs of young people.
Hayley’s frustration with the current state of affairs is palpable as she discusses the inadequacies in policy, government funding, and legal frameworks. “We see so many young people that have been prosecuted or have been seen as the groomer,” she laments, pointing out the cyclical nature of exploitation where victims can become perpetrators.
The conversation turns to the responsibility of social media companies and the challenges of implementing effective policies across international borders. “It gets lost in the ether effectively,” Hayley says, highlighting the complexities of dealing with multinational entities and differing legal systems.
As the interview progresses, it becomes clear that while progress has been made, the Link to Change mission is far from complete. The fight for better understanding, stronger policies, and more effective interventions continues, aspiring for a future where exploitation is not just understood but eradicated.
A Legacy of Transformation
Hayley articulates a powerful vision for the future, one where the chasm between policymakers and the lived realities of young people is bridged. Her advice is unequivocal: “Listen to the young people and listen to their voices.” This plea for attentiveness is not just about hearing their words but truly understanding the narratives behind them, narratives that too often go unnoticed yet are essential for informed policy-making.
The financial dichotomy that Link to Change faces exemplifies the broader societal disconnects Hayley seeks to mend. With a funding model reliant on grants, despite the majority of referrals coming from statutory services, she highlights the urgent need for investment in societal well-being, particularly in youth support services.
Hayley’s legacy is intertwined with the tangible impacts of her work—impacts that extend beyond individual lives to the very fabric of society. She aspires to influence not only local initiatives but also the broader policy landscape. “I would like to see myself as someone that’s made a difference,” she reflects, driven by the ambition to enact systemic change and the profound knowledge that there are young lives that have been, quite literally, saved through her efforts.
In a world grappling with the cost of living crisis and its ramifications on mental health and family stability, Hayley’s message is clear: real change requires a deep understanding of community struggles and a commitment to addressing them. It is this understanding and commitment that she hopes will define her legacy—a legacy of making a difference, saving lives, and shaping a society that listens, supports, and uplifts its youth.
