Meet the team

Every conversation, workshop and mentoring session is made possible by a team dedicated to supporting children and young people.

  • Alex Ewing

    Alex Ewing

    DIRECTOR

    Alex has lived in Salisbury since 2014, when he moved to take on the role of Director at The Bridge. He has over 20 years’ experience in youth work, with a background spanning church youth ministry, school based work, the Diocese of Manchester, academy trust governance, and charity leadership. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Youth and Community Work and is passionate about seeing young people thrive! 

    Alex is married to the amazing Becky and has two wonderful daughters. He loves sport, music, a good (mostly terrible) pun, and runs a weekly youth club for young people with learning disabilities.

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    Graham Nagel-Smith

    OPERATIONS LEAD

    After more than 30 years in education first as a Science Teacher and then as a Headteacher of a rural village Primary School near Salisbury, I started working part-time at The Bridge in mid 2025.  I am mostly office based looking after the operational side of keeping the work of The Bridge Project running smoothly, but I also do some Chaplaincy work in a local school.

    I am married to Elizabeth and we have four grown up sons, two of which are still at home with our dog.  Away from work I'm likely to be walking the dog, looking after our grandson, out for adventures in our campervan or chasing a ball with a stick on the hockey pitch.

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    Sarah Alford

    LEAD CHAPLIN

    After studying English Literature at Kingston University, I spent a number of years with Thales e-Transactions, working in contracts and later as Demand Management Team Leader. I left in 2007 to raise my two children and became closely involved with their pre-school, first as Chair of the Committee and later as Office Coordinator.

    In 2017, I joined The Bridge as a Primary Schools Worker. In 2022, our work developed into chaplaincy, and in September 2026 I had the privilege of becoming Lead Chaplain, supporting and leading our team of chaplains. Alongside this role, I completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Chaplaincy at Birmingham Newman University.

    I am passionate about the work of The Bridge and feel privileged to serve our schools, which do such important and dedicated work in supporting their children.

    I am married to Giles and have two wonderful daughters, as well as our dog, Lottie. I also have two lovely grandchildren through my stepson, who are regular visitors to our home. Outside of work, I enjoy running, reading and spending time with my family.

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    Georg Knights

    THIRD SPACE LEAD

    Georg was born and raised in Salisbury. She trained and worked as a Midwife for 20 years before being called by God to work for The Bridge. Georg has been involved in youth and children's work as a volunteer for over 15 years, she originally joined The Bridge Project as a school Chaplain for both primary and secondary schools but now is our Third Space Youth Lead. She is currently completing her studies in Theology, Mission and Ministry in Youthwork with Durham University. Georg’s passion is seeing young people flourish and grow in God’s kingdom.

    Georg is married to Chris and has three children and a grandson. She loves spending her spare time with her family and two dogs, she is a keen reader, loves a good period drama and exploring her creative side through crafts.

  • Chelsea Sowden

    FINANCE LEAD

    Chelsea began her career in administration and finance in 2012 and later worked for the Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education from 2022. After spending some time living in Wales and then returning to Wiltshire, she joined The Bridge in 2024.

    What she loves most about The Bridge is the strong sense of community there is always someone to talk to, no matter what, and it truly feels like one big family.

    She is  married to Sam, who currently serves in the British Army, and they have a daughter, Dani aged 9. In her spare time, she enjoys baking delicious treats, which she often brings into the office to share with colleagues.

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    Nicky Williams

    FUNDRAISING & COMMUNICATIONS LEAD

    Nicky moved to the New Forest over nine years ago after a 20-year career in the food industry, working with both household brands and food start-ups. Following an invitation from her local church, she helped establish a community hub and pay-it-forward café while studying theology.

    At The Bridge Project, Nicola leads fundraising and communications, building partnerships and sharing stories that inspire others to invest in chaplaincy. She is passionate about helping people discover their value and seeing communities flourish.

    Nicky is married to Martin and they have two teenage sons. Outside work you'll find her playing netball or pickleball, exploring in the family campervan, or bringing people together over good food and conversation.

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    Louise Pearce

    EVENTS LEAD & SCHOOL CHAPLAIN

    Louise has been part of The Bridge for 15 years, joining the team after moving to Salisbury with her husband and three children. During that time, she has seen The Bridge grow from a small team into a charity serving 23 local schools.

    After leading our Primary Team for eight years and helping pioneer our 2022 chaplaincy pilot, Louise now leads our events and corporate partnerships, while continuing to serve as chaplain at Wilton Primary School twice a week. She is passionate about building relationships across Salisbury that help more children and young people experience God's love.

    Outside of work, Louise enjoys spending time with her husband Austin and her three grown-up children, walking her energetic boxer puppy and birdwatching in the local countryside.

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    Katie Olivierre

    SCHOOL CHAPLAIN

    Katie has served as a Bridge Chaplain since 2024, working across both primary and secondary schools. She considers it a real privilege to hold such a unique role, offering a listening ear, support, and encouragement to students, staff, and parents.

    With training in child development and care, Katie brings over 30 years of experience working with children and families. She also served as Children and Families Pastor at St Francis Church for 15 years, helping to nurture and support families within the local community.

    A lifelong Salisbury resident, Katie is married to the incredible Jamie and is the proud mum to Seb, Sophie and Nell. She loves family life, seaside holidays, reading, walking, mushroom hunting, and watching inspiring sports films. She also has a special passion for all things Wisconsin—especially the Green Bay Packers!

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    Daniel Knight

    SCHOOL CHAPLAIN

    Daniel became involved with the Bridge in 2016, as part of his placement in the second year of his theology degree with Moorlands College.  He graduated with a BA in Applied Theology and Youth & Community Work in 2017 and started working for The Bridge in September of that year. He is currently the Chaplain at Amesbury Archer Primary School and St Nicholas C of E school in Porton. Daniel also works as part of the leadership team at Durrington Community Church. 

    Daniel is married to the wonderful Deborah and they have three amazing sons, as well as five chickens. He enjoys cooking, reading, swimming and photography. He is a big fan of Doctor Who but don't let that put you off. His cheese scones are legendary and he once appeared in a film with Michael Caine, but not a lot of people know that.

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    Elliott Plowman

    SCHOOL CHAPLAIN

    Elliott is born and bred in Wiltshire and following a 25 year corporate career encompassing a variety of senior roles he joined The Bridge in 2024 as Deputy Director. Following a period of operational stability and development, Elliott to the step of faith into Chaplaincy at Appleford School in Sept 2025. 

    He brings 15 years of voluntary & professional youth work experience alongside a wealth of knowledge and skills in supporting young people with additional needs. 

    He is passionate about all aspects of ‘the great outdoors’ and actively utilises this in his ministry as a Chaplain

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    Sian Harley

    SCHOOL CHAPLAIN

    With 21 years of experience as a class teacher in primary education, Sian has dedicated her career to nurturing young learners and leading Religious Education.

    Throughout her journey, Sian has spearheaded various initiatives designed to inspire spiritual and emotional growth and promoting well-being. Sian loved leading a team supporting refugee and asylum seeker mothers and their children. Volunteering on the prayer team and kids team at her local Church bring her joy.

    Sian is excited to be part of an amazing team of chaplains, walking alongside others to support and uplift communities.

    When she is not attempting to beat her personal best at a parkrun, you can find Sian discovering a new coffee spot, relishing the simple joys of nature with sandy toes and her mischievous dog by her side. A lover of the sea and slightly addicted to beach saunas, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her husband, Tim, and their two adventurous sons.

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    Heidi Boother

    SCHOOL CHAPLAIN

    Heidi lives in Devizes having moved there just over 25 years ago from just outside Brighton . She’s been involved in youth & children’s work most of her life starting teaching the 3-5 year olds in her church at 14 years old , which in time led to her being a full time youth worker at her church in Ardingly for 5 years,  before getting married to Richard and moving to Devizes . 

    She runs a Youth group for 5-11 year olds on Friday evenings for her church& volunteers at a youth lounge in Devizes each Thursday after school for senior school children to drop in too.

    She started working for the Bridge  through the Safer Streets Project, engaging with young people 2 afternoons a week after school around Devizes. This  led to her joining the Bridge in Oct 2024 as School chaplain to Southbroom St.James academy & Trinity Academy in Devizes & Shrewton Primary.

    She has 2 grown up daughters Rosie & Polly & love spending time with friends & family, gardening & baking. 

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    Anne Roberts

    MENTORING CO-ORDINATOR

    Anne has lived in the Salisbury area since 2009. She worked in healthcare for 8 years, before moving into research and completing her PhD in music perception for cochlear implant users. Anne has 3 children, all with differing needs, and this has shaped her life and driven her passion for championing children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

    Anne has worked in schools to advocate for children and young people with SEND and encouraging and facilitating inclusion and supporting young voices to feel heard and to experience felt safety.

    Anne has recently started working for The Bridge and is looking after the volunteer mentors, who go into primary schools to mentor years 5 and 6 as they transition to secondary school. Anne brings to the role her passion for SEND inclusion, her love of problem solving, of people, and of having fun.

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    Philly Tree

    RESOURCES CO-ORDINATOR

    Philly originally worked for The Bridge in 2010 before moving to live in Perth, Western Australia in 2012 where she managed the local church playgroup whilst acquiring a diploma in divinity.  Keen to develop her pastoral skills further she worked for five years as a school chaplain for YouthCARE, (WA's largest chaplaincy provider) in a number of primary schools, where she facilitated social emotional learning programmes,  introduced wellness weeks, and ran workshops for whole classes, small groups and offered 1:1 support.  

    Philly returned to the UK in 2023 to be closer to family.  She has 3 adult daughters and a large black dog Roobarb, and when she is not walking the dog you will find her gardening..!  She loved The Bridge so much that she rejoined the team in January 2026 as resources manager, and is enjoying being part of its next exciting chapter.

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    Roy Whyte

    CHAPLAIN SUPERVISOR

    Roy has built up vast experience in the caring professions over the last 40 years; from working in the voluntary sector with adults with learning disabilities; Adult Social Care; teaching in a primary school for thirteen years; qualifying as a face to face and online counsellor for adults, children and young people; and qualifying as acounselling supervisor. Roy joined The Bridge in 2025 supporting the chaplains in their vital work with children and young people.

    Roy lives in Bournemouth with his wife Alison and cat Hector. Roy has a passion for all things buses and coaches and writing. He has had many articles published in the monthly “Buses” magazine from Key Publishing.

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    Freya Kimnell

    INTERN

Meet the Trustees

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    Derek Holloway

    Derek is the new Chair of the Bridge youth project and is on the Leadership team at Salisbury Baptist Church. He brings his experience as an RE teacher and leader in maintained schools in Essex and South Wiltshire. He has worked as an RE adviser for the Salisbury Diocese and Dorset LEA. Until he retired, he was working as the School Character and SIAMS Development Manager for the Church of England Education Office. He is still active in the RE community sitting as trustee on several RE bodies including The All-Saints Educational Trust and Christian Education. He sees involvement with the Bridge as a positive way of using this experience.

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    David Wraight

    David had over thirty years’ experience in Primary education, including headship of two local schools. He then acted as Pastor to a local independent church for eight years before retirement. He has been involved with the Bridge in a number of roles since its inception and remains enthusiastic to see its mission to being Christian faith, hope and love to young people fulfilled through chaplaincy and other means.

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    Christine Starmer

    Christine joined the Bridge Youth Project Board of Trustees in 2020 bringing 25 years of charity finance experience including five years as CEO of a charity with, at its peak, an income in excess of a million. With two granddaughters currently attending school in Salisbury she is committed to, and considers it a privilege to support the work of the charity in helping young people to grow in wellbeing, spirituality and hope for the future.

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    Wes Thorpe

    Wes brings a wealth of experience in both primary and secondary educational leadership, safeguarding and local church leadership. He has worked in pastoral care roles for a number of years and has a passion to see young people flourish and be supported to fulfil their potential.  As a trustee, Wes supports The Bridge through his knowledge of the educational landscape and a range of governance experience, helping to keep the board strategic in focus to remain faithful to our mission to empower children and young people through Faith, Hope & Love.

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    Jane Kelly

    Jane has 30 year’s experience teaching in a wide range of schools and now works as  RE and Children’s Spirituality lead for Winchester and Portsmouth Dioceses. She supports The Bridge with her knowledge of church schools and current issues in education. Jane also hosts monthly prayer meetings to support The Bridge and its work.

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    Bill Graham

    As a trustee he brings both experience of running charities and governance, and also local Salisbury passion.  After a long career in the Army, he then ran a small charity for nine years until his retirement from paid employment.  He has lived in Salisbury for nearly 30 years, is married with three children, all of whom went to local schools in Salisbury.  He is keen to ensure that the Charity 'does what it says on the tin' in serving children and young people with love and integrity to the best of its ability.

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    Don Morgan

    Don had a professional career in the public and private sectors, latterly as Planning & Development Director with an international property development company. He has had roles in various local Baptist and Anglican churches in Leicestershire, Hertfordshire and more recently in Wiltshire where he is currently involved at St Marks, Salisbury and the Chalk Valley. Don has been a Bridge Trustee for c.7 years, most of that time as secretary. He sees his role as that of a critical friend of the charity, helping to promote its objective of serving young people, while drawing on his Christian and broader life experience and background.

 

Our Patron
Rt Hon John Glen MP for Salisbury

John was elected as MP for Salisbury and South Wilts at the 2010 General Election and became Parliamentary Private Secretary to Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in September 2012. On 6th July 2022, John resigned from Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Government, having finalised four and a half years' work on a post-Brexit framework for financial services. John was appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury in October 2022 by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and attended Cabinet.

John became the Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office in the November 2023 reshuffle, and continued in this role until the General Election in July 2024. During this time he delivered the infected blood compensation scheme.

John is passionate about education, young people and is a committed Christian; so we are delighted to have John on board as the Bridge Youth Project's first ever patron. John continues to offer much support for the Bridge, in lots of different ways and we are grateful to work together for the good of young people across Wiltshire and beyond. 

 

Meet our volunteers

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    Di Webb

    VOLUNTEER

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    Michael Neve

    MENTORING VOLUNTEER

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    Mark Newman

    MENTORING VOLUNTEER

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    Chaplaincy in schools

    Through mentoring, clubs, workshops, prayer spaces, collective worship and individual support, our chaplains help young people grow in wellbeing, spirituality and hope.

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    The Third Space

    Working alongside local churches and community partners, The Third Space is where young people can belong, build friendships and explore faith.