Our Team

Our Team

Juliet Lamin

Juliet Lamin

Director, Founder,
Mentor/Coach of PL9

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Emmanuel Rufai

Emmanuel Rufai

Co-Founder of PL9

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Hans Dodoo

President

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Edward Don Elphson

Edward Don Elphson

Vice President/Youth Mentor

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Mary Ogar

Mary Ogar

Leader/Mentor

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Leke Olakanpo

Leke Olakanpo

Leader/Mentor

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Sam Rufai

Sam Rufai

Leader/Mentor

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Ambassadors

Joshua John Berret

Joshua John Berritt

Ambassador

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Albert Anane

Albert Anane

Ambassador

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Tomi Mayegun

Tomi Mayegun

Ambassador

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Miljan Scekic

Miljan Scekic

Ambassador

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Aaran Gedhu

Aaran Gedhu

Ambassadors

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Real Story

“Philip had friends across the borough not just at Bexleyheath Academy and after his death, it was clear that so many young people were feeling the same loss that I was. Therefore I decided I wanted to bring us all together to grieve positively and it was through this that ‘PL9’ was born. Philip was a keen footballer and as on the verge of playing the game professionally. He always wore the No.9 shirt, and it felt fitting to call the youth group PL9 in his honour” – Juliet Lamin

Over the course of the last year, we have regularly attracted in excess of 25 young people each and every week from over 17 different schools across the Borough. PL9 is a youth led meeting that openly discusses day-to-day issues that affect young people and the core purpose is to encourage and help them successfully manage those things that are pertinent to them. Whilst the topics can be serious and challenging, the aim is also to have fun, build long-lasting friendships and to show, as well as earn respect.

Our mission is to encourage youths to be part of community engagements and to motivate them to attain their full potential.

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Juliet Lamin

Juliet Lamin

Director and Co-founder of PL9

Over the last 20 years Juliet has worked in a professional capacity with adult and young people living with different complex needs. She is a trained community drugs and alcohol educator, a community activist, leader and youth mentor in secular and faith organisations. She is also a professionally trained and licensed grief recovery specialist, as well as a John C Maxwell certified coach, trainer and key note speaker for various conferences and events.

Juliet is currently undertaking a Masters research degree in public health.

Juliet founded PL9 on the 10th of May, 2013 after the sudden death of her only Son Philip Lamin, on the 5th of February 2013.

PL9 was initially set up to support Philip friends in their grief and loss of their friend. “My goal then, was to create an atmosphere where they could grieve positively.” Soon it became a place where young people from 17 different colleges and a wide range of communities would come together and talk about their different challenges. PL9 has since grown into a community project for young people and young adults. Many have left home for universities across the nation, completed their studies and have returned with a desire to give back to their communities.

“My motivation is to use this privilege position of trust afforded to me by the young people, to be a leader who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.”

Through PL9 and many other projects, Juliet raises awareness on the issue of sudden cardiac arrest which claimed Philip’s life, and continues to claim the lives of 12 young people every week in the UK.

Juliet is also a writer and author. Her works include:

  1. From Knockdown to Comeback
  2. Grief
  3. A 90 Day Devotional for Everyday Praying People
  4. Loneliness
  5. The Power and Importance of Listening
  6. Love Is Stronger Than Death
Emmanuel Rufai

Emmanuel Rufai

Co-Founder of PL9

Emmanuel graduated from the University of Nottingham with a Masters in Architecture and Environmental Design. He has worked mainly as an in-house street fundraiser with many charities such as World Vision UK, British Heart Foundation, British Red Cross and Marie Curie.

Emmanuel is confident and motivated in his work with PL9 because of a dream he had of Philip.

“It was like Phillip gave me his blessing and pushed me to be involved and be a part of this wonderful organisation.”

Losing a young man to cardiac arrest did not “sit right” with him and together with his mother Juliet Lamin and others, they sort to educate, detect, and raise awareness of cardiac issues in their local communities beginning in the boroughs of Bexley and Greenwich. They provided screening for children as well as petitioning for defibrillators to be provided in the schools.  PL9 developed further and wider not just affecting the local community but communities across the UK.

Emmanuel has always been involved in active mentoring and awareness, instilling and inspiring people around him to do the same.  His vision is for the work of PL9 to grow worldwide, providing heart screening for people in the most vulnerable situations and making sure adequate equipment is around to aid if cardiac arrest is to happen.

“It is what keeps me going, seeing one more soul aware of cardiac risk in the youth and working to eradicate the stigma that young people cannot have cardiac issues because they are young.  It makes it all worth it, one step at a time.”

Emmanuel intends for heart screening to become mandatory for young people in schools and other curriculum in order to prevent the loss of young lives.

“To save our young ones, is to save our future!”

Hans Dodoo

President

Hans was an original member of PL9 and has been involved in all its activities and objectives since its earliest conception. He is a well accomplished individual with both a Bsc (First Class) in Marketing and an Msc in International Business and Management. He also works as a business consultant for a tech company.

Hans loves to build new relationships, and is a strong believer in dedicated and genuine mentorship. As president, Hans endeavours to help encourage and support members of PL9, to create an environment where everyone’s voices and opinions are heard clearly. Hans wants together with his team to foster creative and original thinking which furthers the awareness of PL9 activity and addresses important community issues in an innovative way. 

 

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.” – Benjamin Disraeli

 

Hans believes that people grow by being challenged and by having the opportunity to utilise their skills and talents. He carries a strong urge to give back to the community, make a positive and unique difference whilst continuing to promote the legacy of a close friend.

“Philip and I were close friends and shared many experiences together, losing him was a tragedy but it’s turned into a deep motivation. Youth Community Impact Awards is the perfect platform to acknowledge and celebrate the youth that are making significant impacts and also inspire more to do the same. I want people to be inspired so profoundly that they want to be a part of the it.”

Hans’ own inspirations include Sir Alex Ferguson – who simply just understands people and Lebron James who’s outstanding leadership qualities bring out the best in his teammates – alongside his mentality of excellence.

 

“People and their stories, legacies, intricacies, thoughts and perspectives inspire me. The hope of being a versatile and resourceful influence who can help another person to navigate life’s labyrinth is my goal.”

Edward Don Elphson

Edward Don Elphson

Vice President/Youth Mentor

Edward is a master’s graduate in clinical psychology currently training to be a qualified therapist serving the Bexley area. He has been a part of PL9 since December 2013 and has been involved in many forums, projects and meetings aiming to establish PL9’s role as a pioneer for youth wellbeing and betterment in local communities.

Professionally he has volunteered in the community for adult healthcare and is still a volunteer youth mentor for PL9. He has also worked in a medium secure unit, which houses adult incarcerated service users with severe and complex mental health issues.

His knowledge and experience gained from his academic and work background has equipped him with key interpersonal skills that are much needed to connect with the youths the organisation is trying to reach.

Edward’s main role in the team is to be a coach for youths. To increase awareness of psychological therapies and offer psychoeducation for youths, highlighting the importance of maintaining wellbeing, especially for young persons who may be criminally at risk. He hopes to work with and celebrate other organisations that provide help to youths and enhance networking to establish a far-reaching web of opportunities for the work of PL9. Edward plans to collaborate with local mental health institutions to offer work experience or avenues into psychological work for those who may be interested in pursuing that career path.

“As a young adult having come from a poor background and growing with many who unfortunately took misdirected steps into criminal activities and/or prison. I truly see the importance for salient and legitimate role models that youths can take advice from and understand that life doesn’t have to be as limiting as it may feel at times.”

Edward aims to shine a light on better paths for at-risk youths, aiding them in utilising PL9 as a platform through which they can enter legitimate careers of their choosing.

“Through my work at PL9, I am also motivated to show those we work with, that merit and social value do not have to be restricted by others perceptions of us. Juliet Lamin has been an inspiration in this regard and I would like to follow the example she has set when it comes to pushing youths forward into positions of influence.”

Mary Ogar

Mary Ogar

Leader/Mentor

Mary graduated from the University of Brighton as a teacher in early years education and is a 2016 Chevening Scholar of the British Government where she studied Gender and Development at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex.

Mary is a professional journalist who has worked extensively in the media industry in Nigeria specializing in investigative journalism and bringing to the fore, the behind-the-scene accounts that produced several exclusive stories. Her reports influenced a number of changes in public education policies.

Mary has collaborated with UNICEF and UNESCO development partners. She has also volunteered with several NGOs including  Oxfam, ActionAid and Save the Children among other, supporting in publicity and fund raising activities.

“I have known Philip since he was a little boy and his passion to support causes that would alleviate the sufferings of young people has been an inherent part of his personality. He once told me he was going to build nice houses for children in Africa when he gets older and starts making money”.

Mary is passionate about education, opportunities for young women and black youths in the community. She has been involved in PL9 activities, working alongside other team members to organise and carry out publicity and awareness activities, mentoring and fundraising events within the community.

Mary was also part of the African campaign team who visited Nigeria, where Juliet spoke to teachers and headteachers from over 50 secondary schools in Lagos Nigeria to raise awareness on the need to have defibrillators in schools. According to one headteacher, who described Juliet’s lecture as an eye opener, she also mentioned that some preventable deaths have been recorded within schools especially during major school sporting events.

Seeing many young people lose their lives in very preventable circumstances is what drives Mary to support PL9.  “ Many of our young ones think they are super heroes. From cardiac arrest to Covid 19, no one is immune. It is time to raise awareness and get as much people to understand that prevention is way better than cure”.

Leke Olakanpo

Leke Olakanpo

Leader/Mentor

Leke is currently in his final year at the University of Durham where he is pursuing a BA in Sports, Exercise and Physical Activity. He is skilful in video editing, operating any camera system and is quite the computer expert. He offers these skills to PL9 as well as the audio-visual department at church.

Leke finds inspirations all around him and these include his family and friends, certain elders at church and especially Philip’s life.

“A legacy is not just something we leave behind when we leave this life. Rather, a legacy is something we live now. We should live in such a way that we will bless others now and for generations to come.”

Leke hopes to be a driving force for others. Giving them confidence and guiding them to take bold forward-moving steps.

“I would like people to respond to my work in a positive way. To show that we can all make a change.”

Leke was in a younger class when Philip passed away in 2013. He woke up one day in 2014 and started thinking about Philip and for him, this was God directing him towards PL9. It was not until 2016 that he officially met “Aunty Juliet” and was appointed a leader at PL9 in 2017.

“I was nervous about the Youth Community Impact Awards because new challenges can be daunting, but I reminded myself who I’m doing this for and I know Jesus will guide me along the way.”

Sam Rufai

Sam Rufai

Leader/Mentor

Sam was an original member of PL9. He graduated from the University of Derby where he studied Psychology. He currently works in the Recruitment sector as a Consultant, within Specialist Finance.

Sam is very playful and has always been a lighthearted guy with a lot of energy and loves to play games and have fun.

Sam has always struggled with having a structure and getting involved in serious debates as he quickly loses interest. However, going through PL9, he has since developed a sense of responsibility for one’s health and actions and definitely gives light to a new experience and belonging.

“Losing someone as close as Philip to cardiac arrest was so painful, words can’t explain the overwhelming waves of negative feelings you get.

Knowing that we at PL9 have actively made moves into decreasing the frequency of this occurrence is amazing.”

Sam and other PL9 members have been on several fundraising activities and arranged several health awareness forums to help tackle this distressing issue.

It’s honestly a fantastic thing to be a part of and I am happy I’ve been involved in all parts of this movement and look forward to moving forward.

Joshua John Berret

Joshua John Berritt

Ambassador

Joshua John Berritt, went straight into working after he completed his 6th form. His work experience spans the retail, warehouse and construction industry. He is currently working towards the necessary qualifications for a role in the Security industry.

Joshua has been surrounded by mentors and positive influences in his life, namely his Mum and Dad and his older brother who suffers from severe epilepsy and lives in a full-time care home.

Joshua himself is an inspiration. He finds positives even in the most negative situations. Gratitude drives him and his background and environment has taught him to be grateful for everything and everyone in his life.

It took one of the darkest and most negative chapters of Joshua’s life for him to be involved in PL9. “Although the loss of Philip was devastating to all, it has truly birthed something very special. Seeing how our beloved Juliet has transformed such a negative situation has been truly inspirational.”

Joshua believes that the work of PL9 has really opened doors and given him a platform to try and help the younger generation.

“Whether it be passing down my knowledge that I have learnt over the years or just trying to help them tap into what they love instead of feeling the pressure to do the norm in life.”

“The one quote that has always stuck with me in life would be one that was read out during Philip`s funeral, “Long life, Short legacy. Short life, long legacy.””

As an ambassador, Joshua hopes to use the vital life experiences and skills he has gained in his work to promote mentorship. He gained much through PL9 mentoring and endeavors to pass it forward.

“I hope what we’re doing can have a massive impact on the youth of today and maybe, hearing from voices such as ours can help bridge the gap in relatability.”

Albert Anane

Albert Anane

Ambassador

Albert is currently at London South Bank University (LSBU) undertaking a Masters in Data Science.  Albert is proactive and turns obstacles into opportunities. During the pandemic, he lost his job and this led him back to university to explore a different career.

“So far I am enjoying it and I would say it’s one of the better things I have decided to do during this difficult year.”

Albert enjoys meeting new people, to communicate and discuss new ideas.  He is a willing listener and is open to learn from others.  He is passionate about sports, something he shared deeply with Philip as they played for the same football team. 

His goal is to be a valuable contributor to the team, actively looking for ways for the organisation to function better and achieve their goals.

Albert recalls that in his early days at PL9 there were older members of the group that he learned a lot from. “We would talk about problems that we encounter each day and help each other out as one family.”  He hopes to help create that same atmosphere, sense of family and support.  Optimistic and passionate about his future, Albert hopes that he will now be a good mentor to others putting all his knowledge, skills and experiences to profitable use.

Tomi Mayegun

Tomi Mayegun

Ambassador

Tomi is currently studying Financial economics at University of Kent. He recently graduated with a degree in Mathematics and that has led him to tutoring GCSE and A level students. He possesses strong communication skills which has been developed through various public speaking events at Kent Talks and toastmasters.

Other achievements include:

  • 2017 Part of Runner-up team in Kent investment society
  • 2018 Prince 2 and PMP training course
  • 2019 Awarded Toastmasters international best topics speech

 Tomi likes to motivate and encourage with wise words. He is inspired by progress and seeks the development of the people around him. He is always willing to learn from his experiences and mistakes.

 “I like to see people grow and become who they really want to be, most especially when they didn’t see how it was possible. “Our only security is our ability to change.””

 He wants to inspire others with his work and be equally inspired by the work of others on the team.

 Tomi hopes to offer in depth analysis on situations from different perspectives, along with good energy that makes everyone feel comfortable and welcomed.

“I hope we can all reach a place of clarity on the situations that we come across and think about, I hope we can do this together and learn a lot about ourselves and others.”

Tomi joined PL9 after he was introduced to it by some friends.  Tomi supports the work of PL9 because it upholds his core values, which are to help his community and give others the opportunity and liberation that he was given to grow as a person.

“Philip was my Nigerian brother, he was a positive impact on me and others in the short time he was here, hence why he can never be forgotten.”

For Tomi, PL9 means the opportunity to, grow, learn, and help others.

Miljan Scekic

Milijan Scekic

Ambassador

Miljan Scekic, is an honoured ambassador for PL9.

He is a First-Class Chemistry graduate from the University of Kent and is currently assisting in the management of a small logistics and transport business while also studying an online module for the purpose of becoming a chemical data analyst.

Miljan is strongly passionate “about things that are united under the commonality of compassion and service to others, especially those who need it most. I believe that in order to build a brighter future, we must begin with educating the younger generations.”

He believes that reforming the education system could facilitate prosperity and growth in the younger generations. “In order for us to be in a teachable position as such, we must do our best as individuals to become as knowledgeable and capable as possible in subject matters that are of critical importance for our own personal success, so that we can slowly, but surely, guide the world to a better tomorrow.”

Miljan’s involvement in PL9 and the Youth Community Impacts Awards, came about through the loss of Philip Lamin, when Philip’s Mother, Juliet Lamin, courageously organised an after-school forum for the youth, where people of all backgrounds could come and listen or take part in various discussions ranging from knife crime and policing issues to religion, faith and forgiveness.

“The lessons I learned while at PL9 are of great sentimental value to me, and will remain with me for as long as I can think.”

As these debates served to find solutions to the issues youths are facing today in the UK, Miljan realised that they aligned with many of his core principles and beliefs. It made him keenly attracted to the opportunity of being a part of something humble and dignifying as PL9.

“The only wealth which you will keep forever is the wealth you have given away.” – Marcus Aurelius

Aaran Gedhu

Aaran Gedhu

Ambassador

PL9 has helped in various ways. It’s helped me to understand cardiac arrest in the young as well as playing a big part in the decision making of my future. PL9 has reassured me that with defibrillators in schools across the borough, that we can help to protect lives after tragically losing Philip.

PL9 has been close to my heart since 2013 when it was founded, it’s been a great avenue for young people to come and meet, to talk and share their experiences and to raise awareness across other schools. Mentoring has been the key to our experience as we have all benefited from this and will like to pay it forward and also continue to raise awareness. As an ambassador of PL9, I like to use my past experiences to further enhance the work of PL9 which I have been very honoured to be part of

I studied international relations and politics.