Meet The Team
Hear more about us
SJ Bolton-Locke
Pronouns: They/Them/She
Founder & Director
Hi, I'm so glad you’ve found your way to Identity Space. I invite you to explore what we offer and get to know us as a team, because everything we do here comes from the heart. I'm incredibly proud of Identity Space and the care, connection, and creativity we bring into our work. As someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community and who uses they/she pronouns, my journey to becoming my authentic self began later than I would have hoped, and it wasn’t always easy. Identity Space was born out of a genuine need. I looked around Gloucestershire and couldn’t find services that felt like what I needed, or a place where I truly felt seen. So I created the kind of support I had been searching for, somewhere welcoming, affirming, and rooted in lived experience. I know how isolating it can feel to be 'othered'. That’s why creating spaces where people feel valued and included is at the heart of everything we do. I don’t believe in fitting people into boxes, we offer a service that’s creative, flexible, and tailored to each person, because everyone deserves to be met as they are. It’s a joy to see possibilities open up for those who come through our doors. Every member of the Identity Space team brings their own unique story, lived experience, and neurodiversity. These are not just embraced, they’re celebrated. That’s what makes our support both authentic and deeply human. I truly hope you find something here that speaks to you. And if you’re looking for something specific or more personalised, please reach out, and I’ll do my very best to help you find what you need. Pronouns:They/She
Mobile 07554280532
Jules Tindale
Pronouns: She/They
Stroud Identity Space Counsellor, Creative Mentor
and a Safeguarding Officer (based at Stroud Venue)
Hi, I am a Therapeutic Counsellor and Creative Mentor here at Identity Space. My approach is authentic, affirming and adaptable, holding people’s freedom of expression in high regard. The variety of ways a person can access affirming support are important to me. I will always approach every person with respect for their unique experience in the world. I have a personal understanding of how essential inclusive and diverse spaces are, supporting people identifying as LGBTQIA+, and I feel passionate about empowering you to live in a way that feels meaningful. I have a background in mentoring and went on to train as a counsellor after discovering how beneficial talking openly can be. I also love to express myself using art, and I can bring creativity into someone's support if they want to give that a go! Pronouns:She/They
Myk Jones
Pronouns: He/They
Identity Space Project Lead, Senior Mentor
and Safeguarding Officer (based at Stroud Venue)
Hello, I have spent over 10 years supporting people in the Stroud District with their mental health. I have recently ran a district wide service that allowed young people to access support within 2 weeks but with this service coming to an end I wanted to continue making a difference, so I have decided to focus all my energy and passion on supporting LGBTQ+ people. I also really enjoy running LGBTQ+ events across the county, I have been doing this for the last 5 years and have a keen interest in supporting the LGBTQ+ community to stay connected . I even won the diversity in the community award for Stroud in 2023! As a mentor and trainee Psychologist, I'm registered with the BPS (British Psychological Society). In my spare time you can find me playing with my sausage dog Lulu, who has and is, holding down an important job as a therapeutic dog! She supports people just by being wonderful self! Apparently Lulu is pretty well known in Stroud, but don't tell her that! Pronouns: He/They
Tess Turner
Pronouns: She/her
Cheltenham & Gloucester Identity Space Assessor and Counsellor (based mainly in Cheltenham)
Hi, I am a Counsellor and Creative Mentor at Identity Space covering Gloucester and Cheltenham. I have joined the team with 12 years’ of experience working in education. I am passionate about providing safe spaces for young people and adults to be their authentic selves and to feel empowered to make their own choices. I really enjoy working creatively, with groups and on a 1:1 basis. It is important to me to offer spaces where people are encouraged to be their authentic selves. I have a special interest in all things creative and love exploring creative ways to support people to increase their confidence and be true to themselves. When I began my counselling training, I knew that I wanted to support my own community. Being part of Identity Space, I get to do this, and I also take part in welcoming people to the service. and support the start of someone using our service. Pronouns:She/Her
Lisa Davenport
Pronouns: She/Her
Cheltenham Identity Space Group Facilitator
Hi. I am currently a group mentor for Identity Space, and, I am also training to be an Emotional Therapeutic Counsellor. I have 25 years of experience working with children and young peoples services and their families, ranging from Early Help, to young adult carers to SEND. I have proudly been an active member of Identity Space for the last 2 years and have the privilege of facilitating the Cheltenham Trans Adult Support Group. We are a friendly, fun, supportive and affirming group, aged 18+, we have a vast age range of attendees from uni students to those in their 50’s. We are all at various points of our gender identity journey. You will be welcomed into a space that is as diverse and unique as you are. My therapeutic values are to welcome you fully, as you are. You are welcome to contribute in group as little or as much as you chose to. Some members at the group are part funded by Cheltenham GP surgeries and some are self-funded. For more information or just a friendly chat please contact me, I am happy to support you using our services.
Ben Clothier
Pronouns: They/Them
Cheltenham & Gloucester Identity Space
Volunteer Counsellor
More Info Coming
Lulu
Identity Space Emotional Therapy Dog
Lulu is our therapy dog. She is a miniature dachshund, she is 2 years old and has been supporting people for nearly 1 year. Lulu loves sitting on laps, playing and lots of walks. Lulu primarily works with Michael