GET TO KNOW US
The team at We’re Hear For You are motivators, mentors, parents and professionals with decades of experience in social care, education, business, sports and fitness, and the criminal justice system
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT US
We’ve worked with children and adults who have experienced financial hardship, trauma, difficult upbringings and family lives.
Our session leaders are active listeners, skilled communicators, adaptable, patient and empathetic. Most importantly, we’re role models by being ourselves.
MEET THE FOUNDER – JOSEPH SQUIRE
For more than a decade, Joseph Squire has combined his desire to see children and young people thrive with a varied professional career that has seen him work with vulnerable and at-risk youth in schools, hospitals, children’s homes, secure training centres (STCs), the boxing ring and on the football pitch.
Joseph is a University of Warwick-qualified coach and mentor, a personal trainer, former teaching assistant, ex-offender and father. By supporting and advocating for young people in a number of settings he’s gained perspective on their struggles, the systems in place to help them and where those systems fall short.
He was also motivated by his own school journey and the later realisation that teachers focused more on his challenging behaviour than his potential.
Life experiences and a natural gift for connecting with people have opened doors for Joseph to influence young people – one of those experiences being time in prison. Life experience has also taught him how to reason with those young people, and their families, who are often branded ‘hard to engage’.
Joseph believes school is one of the best places for a child to remain in. His mission is to impress on young people that learning never stops and how powerful that is for their lives.
“I plant seeds in young people so they want to seek more information about life in order to become more rounded, fulfilled, mindful and socially conscious human beings.”
Joseph Squire, Founder
Ferron Ford (lead Facilitator)
Counsellor, Author, and Advocate for Personal Growth
Ferron Ford is a qualified counsellor with extensive experience working with both adults and children, dedicated to fostering resilience and helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. With a passion for guiding others through their personal journeys, Ferran empowers people to explore their situations—whether positive or difficult—by encouraging reflection, growth, and the development of their own solutions.
A father of three and an accomplished children’s book author, Ferron brings a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing aspirations, creativity, and emotional well-being. His lived experiences have equipped him with the resilience and empathy needed to support others in finding strength and clarity in their own lives.
Outside of his counselling work, Ferron enjoys writing, spending time at the Fire and Range, and following Manchester United. His commitment to both his professional and personal life demonstrates his belief in balance, personal growth, and the importance of fostering aspirations in all areas of life.
Shantyl Mangal
Lead Facilitator and Deputy DSL
Shantyl, a 50-year-old mother from Coventry, has dedicated the past 23 years to working with children. After overcoming a traumatic childhood, troubled adolescence marked by substance abuse, and surviving an attempted murder by her former husband, Shantyl has channeled her experiences into mentoring and supporting young people aged 9-18.
Her career includes roles in children’s residential homes, a secure training centre, and a trauma-informed team within a West Midlands Council, where her contributions helped the team achieve prestigious awards. She also serves as a Referral Panel Member with the Coventry Youth Justice Service.
Currently, Shantyl focuses on teaching music to at-risk children and is actively involved in the People’s Assembly, a group formed by the National Trust, RSPB, and WWF-UK. As a recognised community representative for the People’s Plan for Nature, she advocates for immediate action to restore and protect the environment. In September 2024, Shantyl represented the assembly during the submission of a petition to the House of Commons.
Colin Orr
Sales Executive
I am a frist-generation mancunian, from Caribbean parent; (Windrush Generation), I became an architect after over seven years hard studies. As well as practising and carrying out consultancy work for over 35 years I have pioneered Architectural studies in several UK Universities and retired as the Head of Department in the Black Country, where I left university with a recognised Validated part 1 & 2 Architecture Programme.
My journey has been mixed with highs and lows, but I have never given up. Growing up in a Christian home, I believe that the Lord will order your footsteps. I failed the 11-plus, for which I make no apologies, as it did not stop my success.
I am married with two daughters who live in a world where anything is possible. There are still challenges and barriers to overcome, however, I am determined, with other innovated professionals from our community to make a difference.
My Passion is Social Mobility and enablement of young people. ‘We’re Here For You’ has provided an opportunity to for fill this vision, regionally and nationally. I can harness my professional experience
as an educator and Ambassador to support alternative approaches to meeting the thresholds of today’s curriculum.
Nicola Shea
Family support worker
I am Nicola Shea, founder of Quest4Clarity (Q4C), a bespoke Education Advocacy Service which supports young people and their families to navigate the education system.
I am extremely passionate about supporting young people who may have additional needs, disabilities, trauma, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) or challenging behaviours. I believe every child should have access to an education that meets their needs, whilst providing a nurturing environment and accessible curriculum to maximise their potential. Having over 20 years of personal and professional experience in SEND, I have worked alongside numerous primary and secondary schools to assist with unpicking what may be perceived as challenging and/or disruptive behaviours and determine the educational need. My most recent role in employment was an Education Officer for a CAHMS school within a mental health hospital for children and adolescents.
Whilst here, I was part of a multi-disciplinary team. I am also a SEND governor for a Primary School and Parent Partnership representative for a Secondary School. Throughout my professional roles, I have always worked to ensure my practice is as inclusive, relevant and as valuable as possible, whilst maintaining my passion for making a difference. I want to promote education as a positive experience for young people, to support them to feel in control of their learning by increasing their confidence and to give families and schools the tools to help break the barriers that young people face. By working together, we can maximise communication, support positive mental health and help them to thrive.
LIKE WHAT YOU’VE READ SO FAR?
Find out more about the programme our team can deliver and the results we’ve already achieved with the young people we’ve supported and mentored
We're Hear For You 