The Executive Team
JOrd-ann, head of programme delivery
Jordann began her journey with Element in January 2021. Since leaving University she has been actively involved in youth work by supporting and engaging young people within her local Derby community. In 2019 she was awarded the Be Inspired Youth Awards by The Association Of Jamaica Nationals. Outside of work Jordann enjoys spending time on her own creative practice and listening to music.
hALIMA, cEO
Halima has nearly 20 years of experience in the youth sector, from starting her career as a youth worker to senior leadership roles across the private, public and voluntary sectors. Her experience includes youth social justice, sustainability, education and development of services that offer early intervention, recognition of youth sub cultures and also community participation and development. Halima has keen interests in the areas of research methods and evaluation for youth work.
ALEX, HEad of creative communities
Alex co-founded Element in 2016, after seeing both professionally and personally the hugely positive effects of engaging with creativity. She co-ran the organisation until July 2022, and now works part-time whilst completing her Art Psychotherapy training. Previous to Element, Alex worked in theatres, alternative provision centres, and GP practices. Although different spaces, all had support and participatory practices at their heart. Outside of work Alex enjoys trips to the theatre, reading, and spending plenty of time by the sea.
LYDIA, head of programme development
Born and raised in South-East London, Lydia has worked in the Youth and Arts sector since 2017. Starting out as a producer at Battersea Arts Centre, she has gone on to fulfil her love for facilitation and has worked on projects such as The Agency at Kiln, Grand Junction, SHADO Magazine, Football Beyond Borders, Youth Beyond Borders, and the Single Homeless Project. Lydia is interested in creativity as a tool for social and emotional change, and develops youth centred programmes that are relevant, bold and empowering. When she's not at Element, she enjoys training at her local gymnastics club and making food for her friends and family.
Our Board
Karisma desai
Karisma works as a Policy Officer at the Ministry of Justice. Prior to this she was Head of Programmes and Recruitment at education charity Future Frontiers. Karisma was a 2015 Year Here fellow, preceding Element's co-founders Alex and Elo. She volunteered at Element sessions throughout 2017, getting to know the young people and encouraging them to explore their creativity. Outside of work Karisma likes spending time with her dog, Noodle the poodle.
Ashleigh Marchant
Ashleigh participated in one of Element's early projects back in 2017. Since then she has completed a degree in criminology and sociology at St. Mary's University, and is now working for the emergency services as an Emergency Call Handler. Alongside work she plays football for Wimbledon and loves to travel as much as she can.
Azeem sulemanji
Azeem is a structured finance lawyer at Milbank LLP. As well as his legal expertise, Azeem brings his experience as a former mentor with the charity Debate Mate, coaching young people to improve critical thinking and public speaking skills through competitive debate. Outside of work, Azeem enjoys sitting on boards, particularly ones relating to cheese.
Elo ACLAND
Elo is the Co-Founder of Element. She began her career working for international charities including Amnesty International and International Citizen Service before moving into more locally focussed youth work. Elo has recently sailed onto an exciting new career challenge, and made the move from co-running Element to offering her expertise on the Element Board. Elo loves painting, playing piano and taking naps.
Special advisors
Hanna Kubbutat-Byrne
Hanna is the Head of Social Impact at Forward PMX Digital Marketing Agency, where she harnesses the skills of employees to assist the growth of early stage, London based non-profits. As well as this, Hanna is an experienced youth facilitator, most recently leading The Agency programme for Battersea Arts Centre. Outside of work, Hanna spends time on her own creative practice and has devised an original piece of theatre that was performed as part of the Going Places Festival, that she also curated, at Battersea Arts Centre.
How Element Began
Elo and Alex started Element in 2016, using insights from their professional and personal experience. When Elo was an Employment Support Adviser in a Leaving Care Team, she felt there was a gap in holistic, wellbeing focussed support. Many young people were lacking opportunities to develop their confidence and creativity. When Alex was working in a Pupil Referral Unit, she saw that students struggling to express difficult emotions would manifest this in complex behaviour. It was clear to us that an innovative and creative approach was needed to support young people's personal development and wellbeing.
Element fuses our core beliefs: that emotional wellbeing is the foundation from which to succeed in all other aspects of life; that success comes from clear purpose and motivation; and that creativity is the best way to get there.
“Emotional wellbeing should be our starting point. Without it, practical support is not enough for the most vulnerable young people.”
“Around 62% of Looked After Children and 72% of those in residential care have some level of emotional or mental health difficulty.”
Think young people where you work would benefit from Element?
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