Dan Gaze’s journey is defined by resilience, lived experience, and an unshakeable commitment to young people. Raised in a difficult and unstable childhood, he faced barriers that many of the young people he now supports are still trying to overcome. Excluded from school and frequently in trouble with the police, his challenges eventually led to a prison sentence — a turning point that planted the first seeds of the work he would go on to do.

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Later in life, Dan was diagnosed with dyslexia, offering long‑awaited clarity around the struggles he had faced throughout his education. Rather than allowing those experiences to hold him back, he transformed them into a source of empathy, understanding, and skill. His lived experience became his greatest strength, enabling him to connect authentically with young people who often feel misunderstood or underestimated.

Entering the education sector, Dan quickly stood out. Over many years, colleagues and senior leaders recognised that he had “the right stuff” — a natural ability to lead, inspire, and create positive change. His dedication and impact led to a series of promotions, first becoming a Head of Department and later a Deputy Head of School. In these roles, he championed inclusion, wellbeing, and learner‑centred practice, always ensuring that no young person was left behind.

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Driven by a desire to reach young people more directly and more personally, Dan went on to create his own mentoring and youth support organisation: Dan Gaze Support Services. Through this work, he and his team provide one‑to‑one mentoring within schools, run community youth centres, and use sport as a powerful tool for wellbeing, confidence‑building, and nurturing personal growth.

Beyond day‑to‑day support, Dan is also deeply involved in charitable initiatives and community events. His contributions to young people, education, and local communities have led to multiple awards recognising his leadership, compassion, and long‑term impact and even meeting the Prime Minister to discuss some of the issues around young people.

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Today, Dan’s mission remains clear: to ensure that every young person feels seen, supported, and believed in. His story is not just one of overcoming adversity, but of using that adversity to build something powerful — a service that changes lives, one young person at a time.