LOCWS International were invited to host 2 new programmes of workshops in partnership with the North West Communities First cluster and LIFT, between February-May 2015.
The workshops took place on Thursday mornings with families at Portmead and Blaenymaes Flying Start centres, for families with children who are under 4 years of age. Portmead Flying Start initially approached us: ‘to run an art and crafts group for the parents, because they enjoy learning and making things’ – Jennyfer Hicks, centre manager.
LIFT workers; Juliet Rees and Natalie King from the Communities First Community Regeneration Unit supported the participants to sign up and get involved with the free weekly sessions. The workshops created the opportunity for the LIFT workers to develop essential relationships with their clients, many of whom have continued to further training and employment.
During the 10 sessions, the workshop participants created hand-painted house plaques, colourful flower pots, unique lamp shades, macrame jewelry and glass lanterns. These outcomes required various creative techniques and everyone was encouraged to inject their personal touches into their work.
Participants gained additional skills including improved personal confidence, and a sense of achievement, from this opportunity to try something different and to meet new people.
Thanks to Debbie Jones and the Swansea Creative Learning Partnership for initiating this partnership.
