Recently, Future welcomed the friends, family and colleagues of Chris Lane as we came together to celebrate his life and say our final goodbyes. So many people in Barking & Dagenham and beyond were touched by Chris’ warmth, positivity and humour. His passion for Youth and community work and supporting children and young people alongside his dedication and commitment made him the perfect Youth Worker.
My memories of Chris go back to 2018 when he was leading a group of local young people to shape the arrival of London’s first OnSide Youth Zone. At his wake, Mark Blundell remembered how Chris was determined that the Youth Zone was made how local young people wanted it and reflected on his huge contributions not just in Barking & Dagenham but London. My memories of Chris go back to 2018, when he was working with the Young People’s Development Group to help shape London’s first OnSide Youth Zone. Chris was passionate about ensuring the building truly reflected the voices of the young people it was being created for. I still remember him working alongside design architects and young people to influence everything from colour schemes to artwork. One story has stayed with me, a young girl no older than ten, spoke enthusiastically about her love of unicorns, rainbows and bright colours. Months later, when the Youth Zone opened, a beautiful unicorn and rainbow mural appeared in our Health & Wellbeing room. It perfectly captured Chris’ belief that every young person’s voice mattered and deserved to be seen. Chris’s ability to develop positive relationships and engage young people at the core was a true attribute of great Youth work. Other colleagues talked about Chris’ ability to make everything better, his incredible and unwavering support to colleagues, friends, and young people alike.
Sadly, Chris’ loss has come after a year of bereavement at the Youth Zone. In March 2025 we lost Jane Vickers. Jane had also been part of Future since we opened and had played a crucial role as Business Administration Manager in developing and supporting our growing staff team. Despite the health challenges she faced, Jane’s sense of humour and strength kept her going in her final years, continuing to live life to the fullest and care for those around her. Above the desk in the office where Jane sat is the quote “When life gives you a challenge, give it a smile” – which perfectly captures Jane’s resilience and inspiring attitude. Jane was remembered for her love of music and travel.
In December last year we also tragically lost Scott Cooper. Scott was an inspiring youth worker on our Futurebility sessions, a true team player; his love of sport showed young people what they could achieve with hard work. He brought his love of wheelchair rugby and applied the team spirit to his role as a youth worker, supporting young people to see their abilities shine through.
It’s hard to believe that we lost three bright lights in just one year. One thing that stood out at Chris’ funeral was that whilst he has gone, a part of him will always stay with us. Many colleagues reflected on the ability Chris had to lighten up a room with just his presence, laughter and good hearted energy even in difficult moments.
I know that many young people will also be doing their own grieving for the youth workers and family members who are no longer with them. To you, I say this. You are not alone. Future’s doors are always open to you and it’s okay to feel grief in whatever way you need to.
Jane, Scott and Chris each brought something unique to Future, but they shared a common belief in the potential of young people. Their legacy lives on in every young person who has gained confidence, found support, discovered a talent or felt truly seen because of their work. That is a legacy that will continue long into the future.