About Us
As a Christian charity, we believe that every child and young person is created in the image of God and has value and purpose. Each person is unique with their own skills, abilities and experiences. Sadly, the message young people so often receive is one of conformity and comparison, they can be left feeling that they aren’t enough as they are.
Our vision is that every child and young person would love their God-created uniqueness and be confident in their own voice and place in the world. Where young people are facing challenges we provide mentoring and workshops that enable them to explore who they are and what is right for them so that they can confidently pursue their chosen path in life.
About the Founders of Life & Soul
Life & Soul started because of the enormous heart that Nick and Em have for all people, especially the young and disadvantaged. Em, working as a detached youth worker, felt a hopelessness amongst some of the young people and wanted to do something to change this, to bring a sense of hope and the possibility of a positive future.
Life & Soul was born out of this and the work Nick was doing to provide a safe and positive space for young people to gather each month, to enjoy music, build relationships and encounter God.
Em continued with detached youth work and as things grew, over the years, Life & Soul provided support to young people through many different projects. At the heart of all the work has always been the desire to make a difference in every young life we meet with, one young person at a time.
Life & Soul Team
Sarah Finch
CEO and Connect volunteer
“I love that my work lays the foundations for so many amazing volunteers to work with young people, changing their lives for the better.”
Angie Solanky
Connect Co-ordinator
“I really value the mentoring programme in secondary schools and how we shine a light on all the young people’s skills, talents and strengths.”
Heather Phillips
LWL co-ordinator and Connect volunteer
“I love helping young people find their own solutions and answers and realising change is possible for them.”
Nick Cheesman
Graphic design
"I enjoy working for Life & Soul because even though I'm behind the scenes doing the publicity and graphics, it feels great knowing my work helps the team reach and support local young people."
Ali Tranter
Connect volunteer support
"It's an utter priviledge to be part of a team of such passionate, loving, wise people who want to see young people's lives changed in Tunbrigde Wells."
Sarah Taylor
LWL, Socials and Connect volunteer
“It is such a privilege working for a charity that does all they can to help make the lives of young people better and help them see their potential.”
Kate Green
Finance Officer
“I have had the privilege of helping and seeing financial provision through an increase to support the amazing work of the charity.”
Stephanie Strydon
Life Without Limits
“I love seeing young people grow in self-awareness and gather tools to help them in everyday life.”
Cheryl Harrison
LWL and Connect volunteer
“I love the look on a teenager’s face when they come up with their own solution and come back the next week after it worked.”
Susannah Freeman
Admin Support
"I love being able to support the work in schools by helping in the background and it is great to be part of a team who all work together so well, to support the mental health and well being of so many young people."
Helen Tadman
“I am really enjoying using my experience as a primary school teacher to support children on their journeys through life.”
Life and Soul Volunteers
Our mentoring volunteers are trained in the Solution-Focused approach. They go into one secondary school a week and meet 1:1 with two or three young people. They use our pack of resources to tailor a course of six to ten sessions helping the young person to set a goal and work towards it. All volunteers are supervised by us and attend regular update training and support sessions.
We have volunteers who work one afternoon a week in a primary school as part of a team of two, delivering our self-esteem and resilience courses to small groups of Year 5 and 6 pupils.
You Can Make A Difference!
