About Photo 51 CIC

Photo 51 CIC is a London-based community interest company led by three partners with decades of combined experience across film production, youth work, music, digital learning and community development.

A woman studying an X-ray diffraction image on a screen in a darkened lab

Our story

Why we exist

We exist to make the overlooked visible. Through creative media, skills development and community-led programmes, we empower young people and communities to tell their own stories, build confidence and create lasting change.

Too many young people and communities are spoken about without being listened to. Too many talents are missed because they do not fit the usual routes into opportunity. Too many stories are flattened, ignored or told by people outside the community.

Photo 51 CIC was created to challenge that.

We use creativity as a practical tool. Film, music, podcasting and digital skills are not just outputs. They are ways to build confidence, develop voice, create pathways and help people see their own value.

Our founders

Led by lived experience and professional expertise

Photo 51 CIC is led by Christopher Smith, Nathan Anderson and Sheryll ‘Peaches’ Cadogan. Together, the founding team brings experience across film, music, creative youth work, digital learning, mentoring, community development and trauma-informed practice.

Christopher ‘Spesh’ Smith

Filmmaker | Digital Learning Specialist | Content Creator

Chris brings end-to-end film production, post-production and learning technology experience, and the capacity to deliver high quality media training at every level. Alongside his media work he has spent two decades in community football and youth mentoring across west and north west London.

MA Editing and Post-Production, London South Bank University
BA (Hons) Film Practice, First Class, London South Bank University
Give Back Award, Mayor of Brent, 2017

Nathan Anderson

Sound Engineer | Producer | Creative Youth Worker | Mentor

Nathan has spent over 20 years working with young people across East London, building a reputation for reaching those who do not engage easily. A professional sound engineer and music producer since 1997, he uses creativity as a genuine tool for change, with deep experience in SEND support, safeguarding and community partnerships.

City & Guilds Level 3 in Education and Training (Music Leader)
Level 3 Youth Work
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Photo 51 CIC

Sheryll ‘Peaches’ Cadogan

Youth & Community Practitioner | Mentor | Trauma-informed Support

Known as Peaches the Edutainer, she blends education and entertainment to support children, young people and families, with a specialist focus on those affected by adverse childhood experiences. Co-founder of Womanhood Academy and lead of StreetMothers, with nearly 25 years in youth engagement and community development.

Inspirational Woman of the Year, 2014 and 2015
BA (Hons) Drama, Applied Theatre and Education
Designated Safeguarding Lead, Photo 51 CIC

Our approach

Creative, grounded and community-first

Our work is shaped by lived experience, professional standards and a clear commitment to inclusion. We build programmes with communities, not for them. We design sessions that feel accessible, practical and relevant. We care about quality, but we care even more about whether people feel seen, safe and able to participate.

Young people in a lively group discussion

Governance

The details funders and partners ask for, in one place.

Legal form: Community interest company, limited by guarantee, with a statutory asset lock
Company number: 16605213, registered in England and Wales
Registered office: 5 Brayford Square, London E1 0SG
Directors: Christopher Smith, Nathan Anderson, Sheryll Cadogan
Safeguarding: Designated Safeguarding Lead: Sheryll ‘Peaches’ Cadogan. Deputy: Nathan Anderson.
Policies: Safeguarding, privacy, equal opportunities, complaints and values