Creative Community Resettlement

I think doing these sessions brings out the best in me and shows me what I can achieve

Creative Community Resettlement is a flexible, needs based creative project that meets people where they are to create work tailored to their needs and interests. For the past 2 years CCR has been working across Greater Manchester delivering small group or individual creative sessions to increase confidence, improve well being and explore the specific creative aims of our participants.

This year the project was generously supported by the Innox Foundation.

Since starting the project in Feb 2021 we have worked with over 350 participants in a variety of different settings, doing anything from film making, comedy, theatre or dance.

Case Study

In working with us ‘L’ initially felt unable to come into the same room as delivery, but was happy to chat to us outside the space and watch what was going on. By session 3 L started to come into the room and join in. L began some creative writing focused on her own identity and commented ‘I feel better after that, feel calmer’. Since this L has encouraged other women to join the creative drop in sessions. Recently L asked for more opportunities and will take part in more cultural activities and visit more venues.

person performing his own comedy set at The Frog and Bucket and regular theatre trips for participants to theatres such as HOME & Royal Exchange.

Over 90 % of respondents told us that they left their sessions feeling that their mood had improved as a result of taking part.

At the start of April 2022 CCR secured funding from The Pilgrim Trust for a 3 year young women’s strand of the project. The project included work within high schools, prisons, care-leaver groups, PRUs, and Women’s Aid to name a few. We took part in cultural trips, theatre workshops, 1-2-1 sessions, creating films and showcases!

There have been so many projects and outcomes of the programme, including a film directed and written by a young person engaged with Salford Youth Justice exploring issues that have impacted his own life; a young

Q was reluctant to take part on arrival at the first session. Staff involved with Q commented that on the drive to sessions Q was very quiet compared to on the drive home when he was much more open and able to express himself more. Through the sessions Q took part in designing and creating a podcast about the youth justice system and the challenges staff and young people can face in this system. He then went on to complete the Prince’s Trust business course after some planning and discussion in sessions with our project.

I loved every minute, it was so inspirational

91% of respondents said they would return to another session, 84% saying they would now find it easy or very easy to do so.

95% of respondents said they felt more creative.

88% said that they felt more confident.