Why are we here?
Beyond the Narrative was born out of lived experience.
Our founder, Javel Watt, grew up navigating trauma, exclusion, and systems that too often failed to see potential. His journey from childhood instability, through gangs, incarceration, and violence, to transformation, leadership, and reform is at the heart of BTN. Javel sees potential in others and himself.
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What started as one person’s vision to turn pain into purpose has grown into a collective movement. BTN was created to challenge the stories society places on people, showing instead that every experience can be a foundation for growth, innovation, and impact.
We came from the community. We came from resilience. We came from the determination to prove that you are not broken, you are becoming.​​​​
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We don’t just tell stories. We rewrite the narrative.
Meet the Team
We are innovators, reformers, and community-builders. Beyond The Narrative is led by lived experience, using creativity to challenge systems and open new possibilities. Meet the people behind our work.
Christopher Marston is a presenter, producer, and entrepreneur with a background spanning broadcasting, enterprise, and leadership. As Project Manager for High on Health at Beyond The Narrative Ltd. He brings together his skills systems thinking, and strategy to create projects that inspire growth and resilience. With experience presenting for National Prison Radio and producing content for BBC Radio 4, Christopher combines communication with a deep commitment to innovation, ensuring lived experience is embedded into meaningful change.
Chris Marston
Project Manager
Jason Barnfather is a lived-experience consultant, facilitator, and criminal justice advocate whose journey spans both the care and justice systems. He uses his story not as testimony but as strategy, bringing insight, authenticity, and empowerment into workshops, programmes, and public speaking. As a collaborator with Beyond The Narrative Ltd. Jason specialises in conflict resolution, facilitation, and mentoring, helping individuals and institutions navigate transformation. His focus is on ensuring lived experience is respected, embedded, and positioned as a driver of systemic change.
Jason Barnfather
Facilitation Lead
Javel Watt is a leader, storyteller, and systems-change strategist whose journey is deeply shaped by profound adversity, personal transformation, and a commitment to elevating the voices of lived experience. Javel channels his own life’s complexity into creating strategic programmes, systemic interventions, and narrative frameworks that centre those most often marginalised. His approach is rooted in resilience, authenticity, and the belief that lived experience is not just valuable but essential for systems change.
Javel Watt
Founder
Vrishin Khetia is Systems Lead at Beyond the Narrative, driving digital transformation and technical innovation across software development, CRM integration, and AI research. With experience in government, private enterprise, and as Director of Blackvault Systems Ltd, he has delivered impactful projects from bespoke web apps for UK Parliament to advanced automation and data solutions. Skilled in project management, programming, and agile delivery, Vrishin combines technical expertise with values of respect, humility, and purpose, aiming to create large-scale, meaningful impact.
Vrishin Khetia
Systems Lead
Bob Mugisha is a dynamic leader, bridge-builder, and strategic facilitator whose work intersects lived experience, programme delivery, and systemic influence. As an associate or collaborator with Beyond The Narrative Ltd. Bob brings both passion and operational strength to transforming narrative, elevating youth voices, and translating vision into impact. His leadership approach combines empathy, accountability, and co-creation, ensuring that lived experience is embedded not as tokenism but as a driver of lasting systemic change.
Bob Mugisha
Strategic Development Lead
Aaron Anthony is a dedicated Youth Justice Worker with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people, and families. He has delivered workshops in primary and secondary schools across Newham, designed to build confidence and self-esteem, while also managing caseloads that provide essential one-to-one support. With expertise in conflict resolution, problem-solving, and responsive care, Aaron is known for his professionalism under pressure and ability to foster constructive relationships through attentive communication.
Aaron Anthony
Youth Engagement Lead
JOIN OUR TEAM
Our team is growing, and we’re looking for people who share our passion for change. Whether you want to volunteer your skills, collaborate on projects, or support our mission in other ways, there’s a place for you at Beyond The Narrative.