SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2015 IN GOOD TIMES. EDITION 2
S2R Conference Overview– Creativity, Wellbeing and the Community
Developments at the Packhorse Gallery
Exhibitions at Create Space and Upcoming courses
New Friends of The Great Outdoors
One Minute Interview
NEW Carers Create Service
Ways to Wellbeing Service
On the 19th May 2015, S2R held a conference at The University of Huddersfield to highlight the role of creativity in positive mental health, supported by the independent Impact Report of the Packhorse Gallery. Unfortunately, we know all too well that mental ill-health affects many people, UK statistics show 1 in 4 adults are effected within their lifetimes. We have come a long way in Kirklees to endorse creative approaches to well-being and recovery, S2R has demonstrated that we can give people the choices and opportunities to design their own creative recovery pathways. The Gallery, alongside our Great Outdoors Eco- therapy project and the new “Create Space” unit: together link creativity, learning, skill sharing, resilience building, environmental training, volunteering and ultimately effective personal outcomes. The conference was a very positive experience, allowing us to evaluate the impact made by the Packhorse Gallery and appreciate how creativity, in its many diverse guises, has played such a significant role in the recovery and positive outcomes of people experiencing mental ill-health /emotional distress. We would like to thank the University of Huddersfield for hosting the conference and for all the behind the scenes organisation, refreshments and the catering. Also to Dr Sarah Holland, the Author of the Impact Report, and to the workshop facilitators from the Mental Health Museum, Creative Minds and from Support to Recovery. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers of S2R, who worked so hard to make the day a memorable one, and of course not forgetting the artists who have put the Packhorse Gallery on the map of creativity and made it such a local success story. We hope all who were in attendance found it a productive and thought provoking day.
Photographs taken at the S2R Conference, University of Huddersfield, 19th May 2015
Registered Charity No: 1122199
Limited Company No: 6418312
The Packhorse Gallery is Evolving! The Packhorse Gallery has run an annual membership system for a while now. Come September, this will all be changing, we will be introducing our new, exciting and fresh system that allows artists to hire out spaces inside the Gallery on a monthly basis. In addition to this, we will be handing over more creative freedom to the artists– within their hired space they will be curating and hanging their own artwork, enabling the artists personalities to not just show through the work but also through how they display it. This gives the Gallery team the opportunity to really promote the different artists exhibiting each month. The benefits of the new system are numerous for both the artists and the Gallery; we can’t wait until September when the new design Gallery launches! We strive to further develop the positive, artistic and cultural environment of the Gallery and we intend the new exhibition system to be a big step in the right direction. That means from September many new artists will have the opportunity to exhibit with us– but make sure you book your meeting with us soon– Christmas space bookings are looking busy already! If you are interesting in exhibiting with us please do not hesitate to contact the Gallery to book an artist meeting and discuss your exhibition options. Tel: 07553348701 Email: packhorse.gallery@gmail.com
CREATE SPACE UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS AT CREATE SPACE JUNE 2015 1st—29th June- ‘Fine Dining’ - Exhibition of quirky and inspiring sculptures by local inventor Wilf Lunn. JULY 2015 30th June—3rd August- Solo Exhibition of Paintings using unusual materials by emerging Artist– Jessica Smith. AUGUST 2015
Natural
Dyeing
Worksh
op
4th –31st August– Solo Exhibition by local illustrator and creative Chris Leaper.
CREATE SPACE HAS ALSO BEEN NOMINATED FOR THE EXAMINER COMMUNITY ARTS AWARD. If you are interested in holding an exhibition or event at Create Space– please contact the space Co-ordinator: Scarlette packhorse.gallery@gmail.com Page 2
UP AND COMING EVENTS CREATE SPACE ACTIVITY
DATE
TIME
DETAIL
COST
Drawing for Beginners
21st May - 25th June 2015 (Thursdays)
1 - 3pm
Learn and explore the basics of drawing.
£4.00 per session Adults Only. Please Book.
3rd June - 8th July 2015 (Wednesdays)
1 - 3pm
Embroidery, textiles art and applique.
£4.00 per session Adults Only. Please Book.
12 - 2pm
(4 Session Course)
6th June, 20th June, 4th July, 11th July 2015 (Saturdays)
Using essential oils to benefit the mind, body and spirit.
£4.00 per session Adults Only. Please Book.
Fine Dining Art
13th June 2015
1 - 3pm
Workshop
(Saturday)
Taking inspiration from Wilf Lunn’s exhibition- making food sculptures.
£4.00 per session Adults Only. Please Book.
Eco Painting
23rd Jun, 30th Jun, 14th Jul, 21st Jul, 28th Jul, 4th Aug 2015 (Tuesdays)
1 - 3pm
Using natural materials to create interesting and ecological paintings.
No Charge Adults Only. Please Book.
Creative CV Masterclass
25th June 2015
10.30am – 12.30pm
Learn how to build your own creative CV.
£6.00 per session Adults Only. Please Book.
Get Creative Photography
26th Jun, 3rd July, 17th Jul, 24th Jul, 31st Jul, 7th Aug 2015 (Fridays)
1 - 3pm
Learn photography skills to capture your moments professionally.
No Charge Adults Only. Please Book.
2nd July 2015
10.30am – 12.30pm
Learn how to brand yourself as an artist.
£6.00 Adults Only. Please Book.
10.30am – 12.30pm
Learn how to put together a portfolio of your own art.
£6.00 Adults Only. Please Book.
10.30am – 12.30pm
Learn practical photography skills to boost your portfolio.
£6.00 Adults Only. Please Book.
1 - 3pm
Learn how to make creative cards for all occasions.
£4.00 per session Adults Only. Please Book.
1 - 3pm
Learn Bee Keeping Skills.
No Charge Adults Only. Please Book.
(6 Week Course) Textiles for Beginners (6 Week Course) Intro to Aromatherapy
(6 Week Course)
(6 Week Course) Branding Masterclass
(Thursday)
(Thursday) Portfolio Building Masterclass
16th July 2015
Promotional Photography Masterclass
30th July 2015
Get Creative Card Making
19th August -23rd September 2015
(6 Week Course)
(Wednesdays)
Bee Happy
1st September – 6th October
(6 Week Course)
(Thursday)
(Thursday)
(Tuesdays)
TO BOOK A PLACE ON ANY OF THE ABOVE COURSES PLEASE CONTACT THE PACKHORSE GALLERY ON Phone: 07553348701 Email: packhorse.gallery@gmail.com Or call in and speak to a member of staff, the first weeks fee should be paid at the time of booking to secure your place on the course. Page 5
UP AND COMING EVENTS REVENUE CHAMBERS ACTIVITY
DATE
TIME
DETAIL
COST
Relaxation Sessions
Every Thursday.
10.30am 12.30pm
Learn relaxation techniques.
£4.00 per session. Adults Only. Please Book.
Meditation and Mindfulness
8th July - 26th
10 – 12am
Meditation and mindfulness helps us live life with confidence and positivity.
£50.00 Waged/ £24.00 Unwaged. Adults Only. Please Book.
Carers Create Welcome Session
12th June 2015
11am - 12.30pm
If you care for another adult we offer fun and relaxing sessions for you.
Welcome Session Free of Charge.
August 2015
Following sessions £2.00.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Participants are responsible for making their own way to and from the venues.
ACTIVITY
DATE
TIME
DETAIL
COST
Horticulture Course
6th Jul, 13th Jul, 20th Jul, 27th Jul, 3th Aug, 10th Aug, 17th Aug, 24th Aug.
11 - 1pm
S2R Allotment
Every Monday and Wednesday
11am - 1pm
Birkby Allotment, Huddersfield
Free of Charge.
Growing Ashbrow
Every Tuesday
9.30am - 12pm
Ashbrow School, Huddersfield
Free of Charge.
Greenhead Park
Every Wednesday
10.30am - 1pm
Greenhead Park, Huddersfield
Free of Charge.
Bradley Nurseries
Every Thursday
10am - 12pm
Bradley Nurseries, Leeds Road, Huddersfield
Free of Charge.
Dewsbury Country Park
Every second Tuesday of the Month
10.30am 2.30pm
Dewsbury Country Park, Dewsbury
Free of Charge.
Free of Charge. Birkby Allotment, Huddersfield
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE PROJECTS OR SERVICES THAT S2R PROVIDE THEN PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US: Support to Recovery, Revenue Chambers, St. Peter’s Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1DL Tel: 01484 539531 Email: contact@s2r.org.uk To see a month by month list of all our sessions, please visit the Events page of our Website: www.s2r.org.uk Page 6
The Great Outdoors Project has some new Friends! Friends of The Great Outdoors offer free sessions to improve your well-being through outdoor activities. FRIENDS NEAR YOU: Birkby Community Allotment - setting for The TGO Horticulture Course , Community Allotment and Women’s Centre Allotment. Dewsbury Country Park - working with Simon Pedley, Kirklees Countryside Officer, to carry out habitat management on Dewsbury’s Local Nature Reserve. Golcar Growers - a food cooperative with their own garden , they welcome the local community to be involved and meet on a Sunday afternoon. The Friends of Greenhead Park - are a welcoming group interested in promoting well-being in the park and meet every Wednesday afternoon. The Friends of Highfield Community Orchard - a community space for gardening volunteers. To get involved with any of these friends contact Sam at S2R on Tel: 01484 539 531 Mobile: 07985025260 Email: sumaya@s2r.org.uk
Just One Minute... Q. Diana, what first brought your attention to, and made you want to volunteer with S2R? A. Because I am an artist, I saw the gallery and immediately became interested. After having a good look around, I had a very positive conversation with a member of staff about how I could get involved and become a volunteer in order to promote mental health and well-being in conjunction with my passion for art. Q. Can you describe what difference volunteering has made to you? A. Before volunteering I had low self-esteem and confidence because of a personal situation and how it affected me. Since volunteering I have grown, not only as an artist, but in confidence, self-believe and communicating my passion to others. Q. What would you say to anyone thinking of volunteering with S2R? A. If you want to benefit from helping others and learn from others, volunteer! Q. What difference do you think you have made to other peoples wellbeing? A. People are inspired by others who give their free time to promote mental health and creativity. I hope that I have inspired a lot of people over the past years. Q. How has being an artist at the Packhorse Gallery affected you? A. The gallery has taught me to believe in myself, not only as an artist but an individual. I now believe in my own capabilities and confidence, to go for my goals without the fear of being judged..
Meet Diana, she has volunteered for the Packhorse Gallery since November 2012. Diana kindly offered to be our 1 Minute interviewee for this edition!
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Support to Recovery presents its new Carers Create Service. This service is for individuals who care for another adult on a regular basis and may feel they are isolated and want to get out more. Carers Create offers the opportunity for carers to come together, relax, share skills and knowledge as well as support each other. Carers Create will provide a welcoming, supportive and fun environment as well as be able to teach new skills and offer exciting days out and workshops.
The first welcome session will be on 12th June 2015, 11am- 12.30pm, at Revenue Chambers. Contact S2R for more information.
Ways to Well-being S2R now has a newly developed Ways to Well-being programme which aims to help people who are experiencing mild to moderate stress, anxiety or depression. The programme begins with a welcome session followed by 5 facilitator-led group sessions that look at a range of topics including self-awareness, the 5 ways to well-being, positive balance and how to improve self-esteem. Groups usually consist of 6 to 10 people attending and will not exceed more than 10 on any one course. After these 5 sessions people can choose to join a follow-up self-help group that will meet weekly and aims to continue supporting people to make positive changes in order to improve and maintain their well-being. Our first Ways to Well-being course recently finished and received positive feedback from everyone who attended. The course facilitators are currently reviewing the course feedback with a view to running a second course in June 2015. Anyone interested in joining the Ways to Wellbeing programme please call the S2R office on 01484 539 531 and ask to speak with Sophie or Lou for further information and course dates. Page 4