Nathan Lowry, currently a member of the Antrim & Newtownabbey Peace Bytes team, first worked with us as a placement student. He had such a positive experience that not only did he write his degree dissertation about the project, he ended up coming back to work for us! Read more about his journey with us below.
Nathan Lowry, Social Media Youth Worker
To start, tell us a bit about yourself…
My name is Nathan Lowry and I work as a Social Media Youth Worker within the Antrim & Newtownabbey Peace Bytes team. I have been involved in youth work for close to 8 years – through either volunteering or paid work – and have completed multiple qualifications during that time, including my degree in Community Youth Work from the University of Ulster. I have also worked in a number of different youth work areas such as faith based, centre based, detached and international work, to name a few.
What made you interested in The Bytes Project in the first place?
I became interested in Bytes through doing my final year university placement with the organisation. This placement lasted 16 weeks which I completed with the Antrim & Newtownabbey team. Due to the amazing experience I had during my placement, I then went on to do my university dissertation on the Peace Bytes programme!
What is your favourite part of your job?
This question for me is a tough one as it is hard to pick just one part. But if I had to pick, I would have to say my favourite part of my job is being able to give young people the opportunity to progress and be themselves within a safe and enjoyable environment.
How have you grown as an individual since starting with Bytes?
Having starting at Bytes as a placement student, I then became a sessional worker and within about 6 months I was fortunate enough to become employed as 20hrs part-time Youth Support Worker with the same Antrim & Newtownabbey Peace Bytes team that I had done my placement in.
After another 6 months I became a full-time member of the team, becoming the team’s Social Media Youth Worker. Due to the different experiences I gained from each of these roles, I have grown as an individual and these experiences have taught me that hard work, commitment and having love for what you do will get you wherever you want to go.
What has made you stay at Bytes?
One of the biggest reasons I have stayed at The Bytes Project is the Peace Bytes Antrim & Newtownabbey staff team, who are more like a second family to me! They are always there for each other no matter how big or small the problem is, the banter is unreal and overall, they are just a pleasure to work with.
