The Connecting Families workshop took place in our new Arch 1 space. The morning began with a tour of the Arch with Matthew Pitts, creative programme manager. We looked at the new studio spaces that will provide additional space for our creative studio sessions and expanding programme of workshops including Art Breaks Saturdays. A creative workshop was available for young people attending with their parents/carers.
During the session we shared ‘The Mask,’ a film directed and written by Project Art Works’ participant Sharif Persaud. The film was recently selected for the Oska Bright Film Festival where it won ‘Best Story’. Lead Artist Rachel Hine described the long relationship we have built with Sharif; from first meeting him aged 7 to supporting his practice as an artist and filmmaker.
Watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIvOjhYS6jc
Rachel Hine also screened a short film documenting our summer Art Breaks sessions at St Mary’s Special School and College in Bexhill.
Later in the morning we shared plans for developing the Peer Support Network and families shared key issues and highlighted areas that they wanted to explore further. These included –
– Training opportunities
– Practical workshops
– Wellbeing sessions
– Opportunities for hosting events and at Arch 1 such as annual reviews and support worker team meetings.
– Online resources and videos
We will be launching the Peer Support Programme for 2018 on Wednesday 6th December – for more info or to book a place please contact Esther Springett, Community Network Coordinator at [email protected].