Creating Opportunity - Changing Lives
Creating Opportunity - Changing Lives
Soft Touch Arts Ltd is a not for profit company with a co-operative structure. 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.
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
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 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
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 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.
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
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 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’m passionate about informal learning. Since qualifying as an adult teacher, I have been involved in non-mainstream education for over 20 years, including: working with young people with Autism, Health Literacy, Emotional Literacy, Functional Skills and Family learning.
I have been with Soft Touch Arts since October 2018. I support young people to market & sell their creative output, by offering guidance & moral support, business ideas, and general marketing support. All this leads to building the confidence and self-esteem of those involved in the programme. I also liaise with local business to provide commissions to support young people to make a living from their passion. The project has been incredibly successful so far.
Outside of work I manage and promote Biff Bang Pow. I enjoy going to gigs, Dj-ing at events and spending time with my spaniels.
I joined Soft Touch Arts in 2019. I work in the Pop Up Cafe teaching young people how to cook and serve customers.
I have a degree in Criminology which provides me with an understanding of the psychology of people’s behaviour. I am currently studying for a diploma in Psychodynamic therapy to further my knowledge and understanding, enabling me to help people overcome past trauma and move towards a better future.
I take a holistic approach to mental wellbeing and I am interested in how the food we eat and our lifestyles affects our bodies and minds. I worked for 5 years as an artisan baker, have taught young children baking skills and have experience of the catering industry.
In my free time I enjoy gardening and I practice yoga daily.
I’m a Music Tutor at Soft Touch co-facilitating the girls group every Monday since January 2019.
My name’s Jenny Hibberd and my alias is Hibword for my love of words. I’m an artist, performer, writer, musician and workshop tutor. I have delivered myriad workshops through many charities/organisations, facilitating writing, music, theatre, arts/crafts and career development, for diverse, vulnerable groups e.g. young carers, LGBTQ+, refugee/asylum seekers, SEND and more.
I work on collaborative installation arts projects combining textiles, sculpture and digital technology. As Creative Director of House of Verse CIC for 5 years, I have hosted and managed many shows and projects across the midlands supporting hundreds of artists. I’ve performed solo sets as Hibword across the UK including spoken word poetry, live looping and music (singing, ukulele, percussion, beatboxing). I also perform in meditative, musical duo Mythm and comedy-gypsy band Slack Mammoth.
Registered charity no. 1147318 | Company registration no. 2063893 | VAT no. 748105140