Creating Opportunity - Changing Lives
Creating Opportunity - Changing Lives
Soft Touch Arts Ltd is a not for profit company with a co-operative structure. Our company registration number is 2063893 and we are also VAT-registered (registration number 748 1051 40). Together our staff and board form a dedicated and highly skilled team. Our pooled experience enables us to support and involve people with different needs to get the most out of our creative projects.
We also employ a number of sessional and freelance staff who bring specialist arts and music skills and support our projects with extra capacity. We provide a number of opportunities for student placements and school work experience placements. We also have volunteers that help with specific projects, and we support young people to move from being project participants to taking on peer mentor and volunteer roles as they develop skills and confidence.
I've been with Soft Touch 1986, and am one of the founder members.
I am a founding member of Soft Touch - it has been my work for 30 years and is my life vocation.
I've been with Soft Touch for 20 years and I am currently responsible for strategic planning and strategic company development.
I joined Soft Touch in 2000 and have been a Director for 11 years.
I've been with Soft Touch for 12 years and became a Director 3 years ago.
I joined Soft Touch in January 2017 on a year long internship funded by The Rank Foundation.
I have been working for Soft Touch for 3 years on a permanent basis, and worked as a sessional worker before that.
I've worked full-time for Soft Touch Arts for 13 years, but have worked sessionally with them since 1987. As an Arts Worker I deliver face-to-face projects using a range of visual art forms
I began working with Soft Touch as a freelance Photoshop and web design worker in 1999 and became a part-time member of staff in 2007 sharing my work time with my web design business.
I have worked has worked for Soft Touch since 2002 in a variety of roles such as running the Creative Mentor programme and as project worker for our Big-Up New Parks Lottery-funded programme.
I've been with Soft Touch as a Project Administrator since October 2013.
I have been with Soft Touch as a sessional worker for 3-4 years now. I am a full time musician, producer, promoter, radio presenter and sound/sonic artist/singer..
I joined Soft Touch in 2015 as a Group Sessional Worker.
I started working for Soft Touch in 2013 as a part-time P.A. for the Directors.
I've been Treasurer on the Management Board of Soft Touch for 5 years.
I moved to Leicester to study in 1983 and quickly made friends with the people who were just setting up Soft Touch.
I've been a member of the Soft Touch management board for 17 years. I currently chair the board and work closely with the directors on strategic direction and management.
Soft Touch inspired me to follow a career in art. It's fantastic to share that feeling with the young people that I work with and build their confidence the same way mine was built.
I joined the Board as a Trustee in 2014 and
I'm honoured to be part of such a great charity.
I’ve been with Soft Touch 1986, and am one of the founder members. My range of responsibilities as Director include planning and delivering projects, Health and Safety and Safeguarding, training and staff development, and overview of the building and resources.
I have a BA in 3D design and before setting up Soft Touch Arts I worked with street theatre companies in Holland and Manchester. I helped set up a Super 8 Film Festival in Leicester in the 80’s. I’ve never had a ‘proper job! Just this one. I have been involved in many regional and national networks and at the moment am an assessor for the Arts council’s artistic and quality programme.
I played percussion with the Soft Touch Streetband during it’s 20 year existance. I also enjoy visual arts and street theatre.
Soft Touch is a way of life for me, I like sharing control of how things work, working with other artists, seeing new artists emerging and not being isolated.
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
I am a founding member of Soft Touch – it has been my work for 30 years and is my life vocation. My main responsibilities in the company are project development/ management and financial planning/oversight. I also work on projects, specializing in those using film and video. Issue-based work is my forte.
I have a BA Hons in Urban and Regional Planning, though I always preferred the action in the arts field! Before setting up Soft Touch I had some experience on youth and community projects. I’ve also worked in catering and as a DJ.
When not at work I enjoy travelling, being creative in my own way, listening and making music, and I’m a football fan.
I enjoy seeing Soft Touch make a difference for young people and for us there is always a new challenge – no day is the same.
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
I’ve been with Soft Touch for 20 years and I am currently responsible for strategic planning and strategic company development. My role involves making partnerships, developing new programmes and areas of work and making relationships with the public and private sector. My qualifications include an HND in Business Studies and a Certificate of Higher Education in Psychodynamic Counselling.
Before joining Soft Touch, I had my own fashion clothing business in Leicester’s Silver Arcade and worked for Leicester City Council as an arts administrator.
Outside work, I like travelling to far-flung countries (especially Southeast Asia), playing the bass guitar, socialising, listening to music, gardening, and collecting and re-working vintage fabrics.
Soft Touch is a place that is pulsating with energy and creativity and I love making things happen with like-minded people who want to make a difference to young people’s lives.
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
I joined Soft Touch in 2000 and have been a Director for 11 years. I identify and write grant applications and develop long-term projects with partners to secure financial resources. I lead on evaluation, making sure that we have the systems in place to collect information in order to monitor the impact of our work. I am also the lead for HR.
My background is in community development. I have worked on benefit take-up campaigns and worked internationally with displaced people in Latin America. I have a BA in Archaeology and Medieval History, a degree-level diploma in Spanish and a level 3 qualification in Funding Advice.
In my spare time I enjoy walking and cycling to keep fit. I also enjoy travelling and I’m a member of a reading group.
No day is ever the same at Soft Touch. I enjoy the new challenges and new demands. It is a privilege to witness the real and lasting difference that our work makes to young people, particularly those who’ve struggled.
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
I’ve been with Soft Touch for 12 years and became a Director 3 years ago. My key responsibility is music production, setting up and running music projects, generating ideas and inspiring young people to participate. I build relationships with local and national music organisations to share ideas and find new opportunities or funding options. I also liaise with statutory organisations such as the Youth Offending Service, schools and youth service.
I qualified at National Diploma level (ONC) in music technology and sound engineering, and also have a BTec in photography. I previously worked as a freelance engineer and as a Youth Music project worker with Leicester Youth House.
When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my family, running, cycling and generally keeping fit. I also provide sound engineering and recording support for musicians and occasionally make music myself.
At Soft Touch, the work we do is really valued and it’s great to see the positive effects on young people. I like meeting people from different backgrounds and the challenge of making new things happen.
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
My responsibilities include promoting our work, plan and analyse events and building our online presence within the business community. I also write content on our website and maintain the social platforms to update young people, supporters and funders about upcoming news.
In my spare time I am in my true form as an artist – I produce beats, sing and paint.
I enjoy working for Soft Touch because it gives young people the opportunity to reflect on their creative dynamics. Considering we are in an age where creativity is expansive, our community can be a reliable source to provide space and equipment where it is safe to express imagination. When our participants fall, our environment and workers will make sure they bounce right back up again. I feel inspired every day. To be able to witness young people’s art flourish is the biggest bonus.
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
I have been working for Soft Touch for 3 years on a permanent basis, and worked as a sessional worker before that. My current role at Soft Touch is to manage and deliver our healthy relationships project and our healthy lifestyles project. I am also responsible for working with volunteers and delivering accredited courses to young people.
I have a BA Hons in Theatre, and before working at Soft Touch I was freelance for 9 years working as a drama worker for various projects across Scotland and England. I was also co-director for a theatre company in Edinburgh. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, working on my garden, walking my dog, going to gigs, and eating good food.
I like working at Soft Touch because every day is different, I get to work with so many people across Leicestershire and it’s great to see the impact we have on making a positive change in their lives. The rest of the staff are a good bunch to work with too!
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
I’ve worked full-time for Soft Touch Arts for 13 years, but have worked sessionally with them since 1987. As an Arts Worker I deliver face-to-face projects using a range of visual art forms, including 3D design, graffiti stencilling, photography, film, video and drama.
I have a BA in Fine Art from De Montfort University. I previously worked as a playworker (arts specialist) at St Andrews Play facility, and in a range of other roles. My own freelance work as an artist has always been important to maintain.
Outside work I am an amateur musician with Gummy Bears, I am a qualified pyro-technician, putting on community firework displays and fire sculptures. I also am a keen supporter of Leicester City Football Club.
With Soft Touch I enjoy working with like-minded people and sharing what I know with young people. Each project is fresh, with new people, new ideas and new challenges. What comes out is owned by everyone and is better because of that.
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
I qualified as a radar systems electronic technician with the Royal Air Force, set up and ran a commissioned music business for ten years and then evolved the businesses into a media business. There’s only so many days you can work alone at home though so I welcome the different environment of Number 50!
My media background helps my Soft Touch work and I’ve built websites for projects and use Photoshop quite often too. There’s always something happening in and out of the building and no two days are the same. The staff’s creative enthusiasm spreads to project participants and creates a learning environment that is quite different to formal education.
I also keep up to date with software services, Open Source and digital trends. I have recommended and now see everyone using the fantastic Teamup (http://www.teamup.com/), we make use of Handbrake, VLC, Thunderbird and more and I keep up to date via the ECF forum (http://fairsay.com/) amongst other sources.
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
I have worked has worked for Soft Touch since 2002 in a variety of roles such as running the Creative Mentor programme and as project worker for our Big-Up New Parks Lottery-funded programme. My background of working in the Youth Offending Service and in custodial settings is useful when working with some of the more challenging and chaotic young people. I support them to develop creative and personal skills which help them progress back into education and employment.
I have a degree in Fine Art and I’m working towards full qualified teacher status. I illustrate books and also work on some music projects. As well as walking and camping, playing the guitar is one of my pastimes.
At Soft Touch I enjoy working with like-minded people, sharing good humour and challenging each other. There are always new and exciting ideas.
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
I’ve been with Soft Touch as a Project Administrator since October 2013. My main role is maintaining the project database, but I also carry out a wide variety of administration tasks.
My hobbies include walking, gardening, reading, visiting historic buildings, and photography.
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
I joined Soft Touch in 2015 as a Group Sessional Worker. I have co-facilitated groups including Park Lodge, PArt-of and educational drama in schools. I am currently working on the long running STArt group.
My background is in Arts and Mental Health. I practice as a freelance Dramatherapist and Play Therapist for children, young people and adults. I specialise in Brain Injuries, Learning/Physical Disabilities, Selective Mutism and bereavement/loss and am registered with HCPC and a member of BADTh. I am also a Creative Supervisor for Mental Health professionals. I have a BA in Professional Theatre/Musical Theatre and an MA in Drama and Play Therapy. I am due to gain my Supervision Diploma in September 2016. I am also a trained Pianist, Saxophonist and Singer.
In my spare time I enjoy reading and have recently begun walking to keep fit. I have 5 cats, so no day is ever boring and I play Saxophone and sing in a local band.
I love working at Soft Touch and enjoy the new challenges and new demands. I regularly get to witness how the support of Soft Touch can provide the real and lasting difference to young people and just how important Soft Touch is in their lives.
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
I started working for Soft Touch in 2013 as a part-time P.A. for the Directors. My background is really varied – I got a degree in Hispanic Studies following which I lived abroad for three years and ran my own business. On my return I joined the civil service, where I worked on Traveller education policy and discovered my true calling was to the charitable sector! I have a postgraduate certificate in Development Management, as well as the Award in Education and Training and I am a qualified Global Educator.
Early in 2013, I moved from Northern Ireland to Leicester with my children and was fortunate to be offered the post at Soft Touch. I’m now managing the mentoring programme, assisting with business development and writing fundraising applications. It’s a really interesting role with lots of different aspects and I enjoy the variety of work.
Outside of work, I love camping, walking and cycling and practical things such as bike maintenance and gardening.
Soft Touch is a great place to work because you can be creative in your job role and everyone is valued equally, no matter their role
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
My range of responsibilities as Treasurer include providing support and advice to the Finance Director, assisting with the preparation of budgets and presenting financial information to the Management Board.
I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1983, spent 18 years in the retail motor trade as a financial director/controller and have been an accountancy lecturer since 2006.
I’m a Leicester City season ticket holder and occasional performance poet and stand-up comedian. I also enjoy hill-walking.
Joining the Soft Touch board was an easy decision. I have always had a huge respect for the work that they do and the passion that all the workers have for improving people’s lives and making a difference through the arts.
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
I moved to Leicester to study in 1983 and quickly made friends with the people who were just setting up Soft Touch. I spent 22 years as a journalist with the National Youth Agency in Leicester, launching editing a number of youth work magazines, also acting as press officer and an advisor on youth work training.
It was my knowledge of the youth work sector and experience in press and communications that led to me being invited to sit on the board.
I am now a self-employed writer and consultant, and recent work has included:
– working with higher education institutions on the development of their youth and community degree courses to enable them to carry the JNC professional qualification.
– securing a Heritage Lottery Fund grant and subsequently writing a 25 year history of the charity Leicestershire AIDS Support Services.
– writing The Leicestershire and Rutland Cookbook for Meze Publishing.
– a weekly restaurant column for the Leicester Mercury.
When not working I can generally be found watching Leicester City FC, searching for butterflies or competing in television quiz shows.
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
I’ve been a member of the Soft Touch management board for 17 years. I currently chair the board and work closely with the directors on strategic direction and management. However my work doesn’t stop there.
Over the last few years I have been an ambassador for Soft Touch Arts in the wider business world of Leicester and Leicestershire, networking and promoting our work widely.
Together with Christina Wigmore I have helped others benefit from the Soft Touch model. We developed bespoke training packages for other charities and implemented these locally and in Hong Kong.
I like to roll my sleeves up and get involved. It helps to connect with how Soft Touch works, so whether it’s collaborative artwork, laying tables, weeding or making bunting it feels good to be doing.
My background is in education and community development. After a career in teaching, youth work and community education. I went on to work in local and central government and retired from a national role, in Safer Custody Group with the Prison Service. The Soft Touch work with the young men from HMP Glen Parva has been a particular personal joy to share.
Until 2013 I was a non-executive board member of NHS Leicester City. As well as my teaching experience, I bring expertise of governance, policy, strategic planning, organisational development and partnership working. I have a BA in Fine Art.
Apart from Soft Touch, I like to travel, be creative, have fun with my grandkids and play samba. I love Soft Touch Arts for its uniqueness, sense of family and the creative bravery it inspires.
I first joined Soft Touch as a participant in 2013 and have worked for them since mid 2014, first as an Arts Worker on an internship and then becoming a sessional worker. I deliver projects in settings from schools to prisons and from prisons to the streets with Soft Touch’s Music Studio Van. I specialise in visual arts; street art, collage, photography, painting, sculpture, crafts, etc.
As well as working with Soft Touch, I do art-based freelance work for a number of organisations including schools and youth clubs and I sell my original art and prints on the side. I am also currently studying a Foundation Degree in Art and Design part-time at De Montfort University.
Most of my spare time is taken up keeping on top of emails, designing a website and knocking off items from my list of odd jobs and responsibilities that never seems to get any shorter. I like to fill in the gaps with a healthy dose of gaming, cooking, exploring and photography.
Soft Touch inspired me to follow a career in art. It’s fantastic to share that feeling with the young people that I work with and build their confidence the same way mine was built.
The ‘crew’ are always helpful and ideas bounce off of each other. What I’ve liked about Soft Touch from point of entry is the resourcefulness, the ability to have an idea and then make it happen.
Want a Frozen-themed winter backdrop? Paint it. Want to make a giant zombie with a manoeuvrable head and arms? Build it. Want to send Lewis abroad all expenses paid? …Well, I’d enjoy it…
0116 255 2592
info@soft-touch.org.uk
I joined the Board as a Trustee in 2014 and
I’m honoured to be part of such a great charity.
I’ve been aware of Soft Touch for years,
both through community work and also with my family
enjoying sculpture making at Belgrave Hall and
other Soft Touch public arts activities.
Soft Touch has an amazing history in Leicester having touched so many lives and having such a unique approach to working with young people and developing artistic talents. The new building is also fantastic!
I bring to the Board a background in working with social and community enterprises for many years and experience in business planning and financial management, governance, volunteering, asset development and community work.
My day job is as a Development Manager for Locality, the national network for community enterprises and community development trusts.
I’m passionate about communities and about voluntary social action.
Outside of work I’m a mum of two , a volunteer in scouting and a committed green and nature lover. I’m a terrible artist but I love to see and experience the arts and I love all kinds of live music.
I started working for Soft Touch in 2009 on a freelance basis working on street sessions and on fashion projects within the traveller community. In 2010 I became a permanent member of staff. I have worked and continue to work in a variety of fantastic projects including running healthy eating projects and drama based healthy relationship projects. I also work with volunteers and help young people gain their Arts Award qualification.
I studied in Devon at Dartington College of Arts and have a BA Hons in Theatre. In 2002 I started delivering drama workshops in schools, youth theatres, and with organisations that worked with disadvantaged young people. I continued to do this work when I moved to Edinburgh and started up an award winning theatre company with three others creating devised performances that toured Scotland and parts of Europe.
I love working in a creative and vibrant environment, everyday at Soft Touch is different. I get to work with so many people across Leicestershire and it’s great to see the impact we can have on making a positive change in peoples lives.
Registered charity no. 1147318 | Company registration no. 2063893 | VAT no. 748105140