The Gloucester space helping young talented people thrive in the heart of the city

What does Gloucestershire have to offer its young residents? How can we entice them to stay in the county rather than relocating to larger cities like London, Birmingham or Bristol?

In Gloucester, there's a hub that fits the bill for those seeking freelance careers or looking to establish creative businesses. Based in Kings Square, Jolt is a space run by the Gloucester Culture Trust, offering a platform for young people to realise their dreams in the creative industry.

Jolt helps people with creativity, career support, work and provides studio space, fast Wi-Fi and an atmosphere that is friendly and full of positive vibes. The Culture Trust does its very best here to make the city the best place for creativity to thrive.

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To give one good example of how much talent there is here, how about the creation of the Costume of Gloucester that was showcased at the 2023 Gloucester Day parade? This is just one of many things happening at Jolt and Gloucestershire Live has spoken to people who use and run the space.

Jenna Thoresson, 26, is a freelance creative specialising in illustration. For Jenna, Jolt is the space she absolutely loves because it is perfectly designed with creatives in mind. "People is the main reason for being here," Jenna said. "You get to meet creative small businesses and people who really are passionate about what they do and have the same mindset. Jolt is very important to me and for retaining creative talent here in Gloucester."

Jenna adds that another great reason for being at Jolt is the space being "a place of knowledge". She adds: "Gloucester may not have an established creative scene compared to say Bristol but I feel at home here and we're creating a community that has never been in the city before."

As a creative director and professional freelance singer, Tia Callum, 24, feels this is the most important space for her in Gloucester - not just because Tia launched her business here but also because Jolt can do so much for the city.

"Every time you walk into Jolt you never know who you are going to meet and it is a versatile space. Jolt has allowed me to be myself and I'm also safe here," Tia said. "Bringing so much art, culture and young people all into one space is something to cherish."

Luke Lutman is Director at Phoenix Consultants, a team of highly qualified product designers, and is also President of the Gloucester Chamber of Commerce. He is at Jolt many days a week and says: "Jolt is definitely the place to be to meet like-minded people who are creative. This is the city's centre for arts and culture and without it young people's wellbeing may not be secure, a topic that we maybe don't give enough attention to."

James Garrod who is the Programme Manager at Jolt, has more than ten years of experience in helping people start businesses. He said: "The idea is that people come here and go through a journey," James said. "Gloucester has always had creative people but they have gone to other places to exercise their creativity. Here, I genuinely believe in the power of the creative industries as a force for change not just in culture but also the social and economic development of the city."

Jolt offers free drop-in co-working from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. To book a space or to find out more, visit its website