Alex is the Co-Founder of Element a social enterprise running creative arts projects for children in care, care leavers and excluded students. Partnering with Local Authorities and educational intervention services, Element work with ten young people at a time, exploring how spoken word, visual art, craft and drama can be used to promote emotional wellbeing and stability. The group build up to a final exhibition to showcase the pieces that they have produced.

 Having previously worked in theatre production and then a Pupil Referral Unit for children expelled from school, Alex saw first hand the transformative effects that the arts can have, at the same time as their often limited reach through not accessing the young people who need this the most. Alex set up Element with her Co-Founder Elo, who had experience working with care leavers as an employment coach. They design projects that look at key areas of emotional health and wellbeing for their target groups, ensuring that the content reflects what is most needed, what is most underserved in statutory care, and what is most enjoyable for their participants.

Outcomes for children in care, care leavers, and excluded students should be no different to outcomes for any other young people. Alex is passionate about making this a reality, and celebrating the young people she works with as individuals brimming with creativity, resilience, and potential.

Award Date: July 2017