creativeReach
September 2024 – April 2025
creativeReach is an Arts-on-Referral intervention for young people aged 16-26 from across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire region who face multiple barriers to education, employment or training. The programme supports them to rebuild their vision for their future.
Delivered by creativeShift working in partnership with John Wesley’s New Room, and made possible by the generosity of
The Nisbet Trust, the first creativeReach programme supported 19 young people over 6 months between September 2024 and April 2025.
What the participants say:
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Being part of creativeReach provides a warm and welcoming environment that has reignited my self-confidence in practicing arts. It's also inspiring to see what others create. The sessions always make my day better!
creativeReach has helped me feel less isolated, grow in confidence and find my voice again. Being the Lead Young Person has helped me grow as a person. I have uncovered strengths I didn’t realise I had, developed new skills and improved my confidence in group situations."
I benefitted from meeting new people and my mood and overall wellbeing has improved. I rate this 9/10! I’d like to explore more creativity and the Creative Youth Network, which sounds interesting.”
I feel like a different person… I enjoyed creativeReach and I liked that everyone had a different story and different hobbies. I enjoyed seeing what people created. I really enjoyed the relaxation/ mindfulness sessions in the chapel."
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Participants work
The participants made their own placards. Messages are positive and hopeful as well as being caring, strong or political
Working with textiles supported people to reflect on ‘softness’, inviting them to think about their needs and ways to feel ’well’
A participant shows his finish placard
A final session explores the ingredients needed to make a great Celebration Event, putting everyone’s skills together to form a delicious pie!