MEET THE Team
Alice Watson, Creative director
A former acrobat and aerial performer, Alice is a recognised specialist in developing programs in physical activity and expression, specifically with acrobatics, calisthenics and dance.
Alice co-founded and ran School of Larks, a contemporary circus school specialising in aerial acrobatics based in Gloucestershire for 10 years.
As Director of School of Larks, Alice developed and oversaw the delivery of a year-round contemporary circus education program, including the development of outreach programmes, yearly apprenticeship and teacher training programs and student and professional shows. Under Alice’s stewardship, School of Larks thrived, bringing culture and physical activity to areas with limited provision.
Alice completed a research MA in Dance Anthropology to gain expertise in ethnographic narrative-based research, and how sports and arts disciplines allow people to play out unmet psychological needs and break through physical, mental and social barriers.
Alice also graduated from Harvard Universityin 2023 with qualifications in Leadership and Organising Action: Leading Change.
Lewis Whitter
Driven by a deep concern for mental health, Lewis has been actively involved as a support worker and mentor since 2021. Guiding individuals through life's challenges brings Lewis a sense of fulfillment, and he is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Lewis also works for Increase the Peace (ITP)to deliver Impact workshops, aimed at educating young people about the consequences of knife crime.
While working within mentoring and support working Lewis started his own businesses, following his hobbies in 2020, as a photographer and videographer;LewiswhitterPhotography and YRMEDIAspecialising in a range of work for people and businesses.
As a young leader, Lewis is part of chispa an initiative which empowers youth through artistic expressions such as gymnastics, freestyle and flow, freerunning, and calisthenics. By allowing young people to lead and shape their surroundings, Lewis believes in fostering empowerment and creativity.
Tia Callum, Senior Support worker
A professional singer, songwriter, performer, and Creative Director of SSH (Sing, Share, Heal), Tia is passionate about tackling discrimination and promoting inclusion, addressing the causes of homelessness, and reducing mental health problems in young people.
She has also worked as a Community Ambassador for Voices of Gloucester and Operations Executive with the charity Hundred Heroines.
Chloe Munroe, Youth leader
Chloe is a film Studies graduate from the University of Worcester, she is passionate about arts and culture and the impact they can have on communities with a focus on mental health.
Alongside her work with Chispa, Chloe is currently volunteering for@hundredheroines where she leads tours of the gallery and contributes to the blog posts and film reviews.
She has worked at and contributed to many arts festivals including The Edinburgh fringe festival, Cheltenham festivals and has curated, programmed, been part of the selection panels and hosted Q&As for The Manchester International Women's Film festival and High Peak Independent film festival. Including programming an Iphone festival, showing her enthusiasm and ability to connect with more accessible forms of film making.
Chloe is determined to put Gloucester on the map as a vibrant and recognised cultural hub. She wants to bridge the gap between art and the diverse communities in Gloucester, contributing meaningfully to the cultural landscape.
Stephen Sodzi, Youth Advisor
Basketball player and content creator, Stephen is a community champion, involved in variety of Youth Social Action projects which encourage minority groups to engage in leadership roles, and help to tackle social stigmas in schools and institutions.
He has arranged countywide basketball tournaments and tours, with the aim of making the game more accessible to young, underprivileged, aspiring players.
He is also on the Gloucestershire Youth Crime prevention panel, alongside police chiefs, the NHS and key council leaders. Stephen is currently campaigning to build a brand new NBA level basketball court in Gloucester, to help unite people and increase interest in the sport.
Callum Docksey, Youth leader
Callum spends most of his time working on events such as festivals, concerts, conferences and weddings. His expertise is in studio production (hnd qualification), live sound and video editing. Aswell as this he has a background in organising and promoting events.
Callum is a skilled skater, he is the representative for Gloucester skatepark and is passionate about making a difference in the area. Callum has organised and put on several fundraisers and community events at the skatepark.
Callum would like to run a community led organisation at Gloucester skatepark that will work closely with Gloucester City Council to improve the area and the livelihoods of people in Gloucester, his goal is to create a skateshop/community hub which is run by the community. This hub will allow the community to run workshops, community projects and promote fundraising for the area. He also aims to make the hub as eco friendly as possible.
Travon Powell, Youth leader
Rapper, songwriter, spoken word artist, and social media specialist, Travon is a multifaceted artist and community advocate committed to affecting positive change.
This includes groundbreaking work with "The Music Works" on The Grime Supreme and Tomorrow’s Warriors projects and the Knife Angel Project, an initiative to combat urban knife crime.
Travon uses his creative talents to address pressing social issues and engage with diverse audiences, helping to improve and strengthen the local community and foster unity and purpose through the power of artistic expression.