CREATIVITY IN THE COMMUNITY
About The Project:
Late last year, we were delighted to hear that the National Lottery- Awards for All – were going to fund the art activities that we had started as part of the Birmingham City Council “Creative City” project. To add to our delight, the Barchester Foundation also gave us a small grant which ensured that these twice weekly artistic activities continued with no break – which would have been the case if we had no further of funding. This was both at Chatham Place Assisted Living Scheme and in the Northfield Art Forum (NAF) Shop in Grosvenor Shopping Centre, Northfield. A wide range of people took part – both younger people with learning disabilities and older people who, without these sessions to come along to, would have been left at home feeling lonely and isolated. Just a look at the photos will show how much everyone enjoyed meeting up, “getting creative” and having a great time. As we have said previously, the benefits of people of different ages and abilities getting together is definitely that they feel part of their community, feel less isolated and have a really good time. And they have created some great artwork as well! We are so very grateful for this funding support which has allowed us to develop the groups and give lots more people opportunities to create and feel part of their local community. We will continue to seek funding to carry on these so important sessions for local people including those with Autism Spectrum Disability (ASD), learning disabilities, dementia, for carers and for so many others. Here is some of the feedback from these activities over the past year:
S – adult with learning difficulties & ASD aged 52 “She is really happy going to art class, enjoys the music, laughter and having a cup of tea and has made new friends. She loves taking home proudly the things she’s made.”
L- aged 78- widower Loneliness led him to reach out into the community to help support the group and the participants but in turn he has gained himself too. He really looks forward to the group, the nice atmosphere, enjoys watching the positive effects the participants experience. He says that it’s lovely to see everyone enjoying the arts and having a sing along. He misses the group when it’s not on and he is the perfect example of ‘there is more happiness in giving than receiving’.
M- 53 – female“Art and pottery classes are fun and inclusive and mindful. It’s a great way to socialise and relax with a wide variety of people who wouldn’t necessarily have come together within the community. Proud moments are little wins like mastering new techniques and has enabled me to explore and push though and challenge my own ability. It has helped with my mental health and wellbeing and stress levels. The mix of music, art and conversations and looking forward to funny interactions surrounded by positivity thanks to Bev leading the group. I love that I can switch off and take time out for me. “
C- 72 -widower “A way to escape the world into a world of excitement and creativity and has helped my mental health immensely . My highlight was making an amazing ceramic gift for my son . I have something to look forward to every week and I feel I’m emotionally prospering
A-72- female – retired and struggles with mental health “Pottery is my happy place and has replaced my happy pills. Really look forward to it every week. I’m proud when I push myself to make something difficult and it turns out just as I wanted it to. It has calmed me down, and something I look forward to after the chaos caused by lockdown. Will definitely help with mental health problems and focus my mind into something new and exciting “.
J- 51- male “Pottery has allowed me to mix with people again and reconnect and communicate about my addictions and seek help from kind people. It has helped with my anxiety and confidence and those that look after us are great support and full of happiness and kindness “.
J- in her 40s – struggles with mental health and isolation and confidence “This class has been a real lifeline – it caters to a variety of people and needs and is good for all abilities . I can challenge myself and everyone has been really helpful and friendly. Bev works so hard to create a lovely class atmosphere which means it’s a nice place to be . Stand out moments for me have been seeing lovely work from others, being able to produce work and develop my own skills and confidence. Meeting different people who now feel like a new family which is lovely and I have felt so much better myself – it’s calming and therapeutic as I have anxiety and clinical depression so it really helps with this. I really need this class at this moment in time and I hope they find funding to continue as it’s so much more of a lifeline than I could have hoped for”
J-83 – widower “My late wife came every week to art class until she passed away last year. I bought her to art class and it allowed me a couple of hours off from caring but I could still keep an eye on her and be on hand . She loved painting particularly trees and took so much care of her work The passing away of my wife left a great void and loneliness – however I have been able to continue to attend enabling me to remember her and the friendship and support I’ve received have enabled me to cope with her loss. It has been wonderful to have that support and I can’t thank Bev and Elle enough “