Our Team

 

 

• Penny Baker - Youth Work Manager

  

  Krunch South West is run by Penny Baker, a JNC qualified youth and community worker. Penny has worked in the local area for many years including youth clubs, prisons, and schools. She set up Krunch South West in 2013 and has been Captain of the ship ever since.

   

  What is your favourite thing about working for Krunch South West?

  My favourite thing about Krunch has to be seeing the positive impact we have had, and continue to have, on young people’s lives. I also enjoy working with such a creative, vibrant team who are passionate about youth work.

  How do you spend your spare time?

  Doing anything creative- drawing, painting, playing guitar to name but a few! I also spend much of my spare time with my grandchildren, going on walks, playing in parks and just enjoying being with them.

  What is the best advice you’ve ever heard?

  ‘Be kind to yourself.’ It’s simple but true, although not always easy to follow.

  And finally, how do you like your eggs?

  Poached and paired with some chili jam. But it has to be cooked just perfectly!

   

• Natalie Chisnell - Youth Work Coordinator

  

  Natalie has been with Krunch South West for seven years taking on a variety of job roles throughout that time. Currently, she is our Personal Development Coordinator working hard to ensure we can support as many young people in need as possible.

   

  What is your favourite thing about working for Krunch South West?

  My favourite thing about working for Krunch is the family atmosphere within the team and how this spreads out to the young people we work with. Seeing the young people having fun and having a safe place to be makes me very happy.

  How do you spend your spare time?

  I spend my spare time with my children and husband. We like to go to National Trust grounds on long walks with good coffee! I also love singing and enjoy Yoga and other exercise like swimming and walking.

  What is the best advice you’ve ever heard?

  The best advice I’ve heard actually comes from my mom, Penny, who is also the big boss at Krunch South West! “Everything happens for a reason” and “Be yourself.” I stand by both of these pieces of advice on a daily basis.

  And finally, how do you like your eggs?

  Nice and healthy, preferably poached, but most importantly with a runny yolk.

   

• Josh Williams - Youth Worker & Mentor

  

  Josh has been with Krunch South West since December 2020 and works as one of our Youth Workers as well as our resident spray paint artist.

   

  What is your favourite thing about working for Krunch South West?

  My favourite thing has to be the freedom in choice of activities we get to do for youth clubs. Being able to be somewhat random and decide what to do with the kids, I feel brings out the best in them and helps boost their confidence.

  How do you spend your spare time?

  On the computer, gaming or watching anime, I watch a lot of anime! Also spray painting.

  What is the best advice you’ve ever heard?

  ‘Being popular is all about having confidence in yourself.’ This can take some explaining but in order to feel like you fit in, you need to be happy with yourself first. No one cares that much as long as you are confident and self-assured in yourself.

  And finally, how do you like your eggs?

  Buckle in, I’m about to get specific. First, I scramble them, add some vegetables, and heavily season. I then wait until the egg is just about cooked and add a ton of cheese. Almost as much cheese as there is egg! Once the cheese has caramelised/almost burnt and the egg is overcooked, I then finally eat!

   

• Izzy Brown - Youth Worker & Mentor

  

  Izzy is a Youth Worker for Krunch South West and has also recently started working as a Mentor as well. She started as a volunteer but is now a member of the team.

   

  What is your favourite thing about working for Krunch South West?

  I really appreciate the diversity in the kids we work with. Being able to engage with such a range of young people means that one day is never quite the same as the next.

  How do you spend your spare time?

  I spend my spare time with family and friends, often I’m at the side of a rainy football pitch watching my nephew play.

  What is the best advice you’ve ever heard?

  ‘Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.’

  And finally, how do you like your eggs?

  In a sandwich. I love an egg sandwich.

   

• Mike Rogers - Youth Worker

  

  Mike has been a regular volunteer at Krunch SW for the past few years and now he has taken on a role as a youth worker.

   

  What is your favourite thing about working for Krunch South West?

  My favourite thing about Krunch is the wide range of opportunities that are give to you, such as trying new things like cooking.

  How do you spend your spare time?

  I spend my spare time listening to music, building models and keeping fit and healthy.

  What is the best advice you’ve ever heard?

  The best advice I’ve heard is ‘If someone ever tells you you can’t do something, go out of your way to prove them wrong.’

  And finally, how do you like your eggs?

  Fried all the way.

• Daisy Byrne - Youth Worker

  

  What is your favourite thing about working for Krunch South West? 

  My favourite thing about working for Krunch is being able to provide a space and a community for young people where they feel they belong. Being a positive impact on the youth of Thornbury is such a privilege, and I couldn’t do it without the support of the incredible team at Krunch.

  How do you spend your spare time?

  In my spare time I enjoy being with both friends and family, whether that’s going on a walk or just meeting up for a drink! I am passionate about looking after the environment so would never turn down a trip round the charity shops!

  What is the best advice you’ve ever heard? 

  ‘No one else knows what they’re doing either!’

  And finally, how do you like your eggs?

  Chocolate!

• Alex Kilbaine - Youth Worker

  What is your favourite thing about working for Krunch South West?

  My favourite thing about working at Krunch would be the family atmosphere amongst the team and making a big impact among the community and helping the next generation come out and find themselves.

  How do you spend your spare time?

  In my free time I like to play games my most played game every year is FIFA I am also a big football (Bristol rovers have been a season ticket holder since 2007) and f1 fan but I enjoy watching almost any sports.

  What is the best advice you’ve ever heard?

  ‘Be kind to everyone, they all have a past’, would probably have to be the best piece of advice I’ve had.

  And finally, how do you like your eggs?

  Easter but if we are not talking chocolate then gotta be scrambled on toast.

• Jo Culpin - Youth Worker

  

   

   

• Liz Ball - Administrator & Mentor

  

  Liz Ball is the part time administrator and Mentor for Krunch South West.

   

   

• Grace Ball - Marketing and Communications Assistant

  

  What is your favourite thing about working for Krunch South West?

  I love the opportunity to have a go at lots of things, whether it be Facebook posts, newspaper articles, or editing and filming videos.

  How do you spend your spare time?

  I have an Unlimited membership at my local cinema so I spend a lot of my spare time watching films.

  What is the best advice you’ve ever heard?

  ‘Doing your best is good enough.’

  And finally, how do you like your eggs?

  Mini!

• Rich Baker - Catering & Services Manager

  What is your favourite thing about working for Krunch South West?

  Being able to help people with whatever is needed. Food, a chat, prayer or advice.

  How do you spend your spare time?

  Spending time with my family and friends.

  What is the best advice you’ve ever heard?

  ‘Measure twice. Cut once.’

  And finally, how do you like your eggs?

  Boiled, poached or fried.

• Our Volunteers

  Emily Curtis

  Phoebe Jones