Kyle McKenzie Takes Charge as CEO of Escape2Make Charity

Kyle McKenzie has officially been appointed as the permanent CEO of Escape2Make (E2M), a charity dedicated to supporting young people aged 11-18 in the Lancaster and Morecambe areas. McKenzie, who previously served as the interim CEO, aims to expand E2M’s impact by providing free creative activities that help combat boredom, loneliness, and social pressures faced by youth.

Founded with the mission of creating safe and welcoming environments, E2M offers a variety of programs, including clubs, school holiday activities, outreach workshops, and community events such as festivals and fairs. These initiatives are designed to allow young people to express themselves creatively, forge new friendships, and contribute positively to their communities.

Background and Vision

Growing up in rural North Wales, McKenzie was raised by a single mother and faced challenges in accessing creative opportunities. His passion for filmmaking drove him to seek out ways to create content, often using an old camera to make home videos with friends. Recognizing the lack of affordable resources, he pursued a degree in film at university, igniting his journey towards a career in the arts.

Since joining E2M in 2019, McKenzie has been actively involved in shaping the charity’s early development. He expressed his commitment to its mission, stating, “I wholeheartedly believe in the vision this organisation has. I regularly wonder about what fantastic things E2M would have done for me if it had been around when I was a teenager.” His personal experiences fuel his desire to provide opportunities for young people to discover their identities and build confidence.

Support from E2M’s Founder

Jenny Natusch, the founder of Escape2Make, praised McKenzie’s leadership and dedication. She remarked, “Kyle has played a key role in E2M’s journey since 2019. His passion for empowering young people truly embodies our mission.” With McKenzie’s appointment at just 27 years old, Natusch highlighted the importance of investing in youth leadership.

Natusch emphasized the urgency for E2M’s creative education model, which operates from its high street location and extends through various free workshops and community projects. She expressed excitement about McKenzie’s potential to broaden E2M’s reach, stating that his leadership will help more young people escape the challenges of social media and engage in real-life communities.

Outside of his role at E2M, McKenzie remains active in the arts as a writer, director, and performer, specializing in comedy and family theatre. His engagement in artistic pursuits, including improv performances and murder mystery events, reflects his commitment to creativity and community engagement.

As McKenzie steps into his new role, the future looks promising for Escape2Make and the young people it serves. For those interested in supporting this initiative or learning more, further information can be found at www.escape2make.org or by contacting the organization directly.