• Something which people love about Gatis , is that participants are able to give to the project and volunteer in a way which they feel valued for . They feel welcome , comfortable and as a result , they want to give back to the space that has made them feel so at home and integral .
• There are a lot of people that love Reggae in Whitmore Reans .
• Many participants commented that NAC does not offer events that interest them and that it is too expensive to think about going .
• When asked about a postcode discount card , participants seemed receptive . drawing . Tess made work alongside clients and had some great conversations . Tess wanted to get to know them , learn about their lives and personal stories , what had helped them , what mattered to them .
NAC Families Photo walks at the Library worked well – to find out which shops they used , which services , where the liked to go and why . b .
Kupid Val-Essoné – African Caribbean Community Initiative
Activities and Participants Sharing memories and stories , turning these into lyrics and poems to create a digital map . There were 2-4 workshops per day over a 7-day period . 16 Participants .
Key outcomes
• Participants expressed that if use of the space and facilities was more affordable they feel the community would use it more .
• Participants did not always know what was happening at NAC . Some spoke about a time where there was a safe place in the community for young people and elderly people to gather , have a drink and a dance once a week , this could be valuable in building relationships between generations .
c .
Tess Radcliffe – The Good Shepherd and NAC Families
Activities and Participants Photo walks , photography , drawing , textiles , plasticine modelling and film with families and individuals . 64 participants .
Good Shepherd Families Art activities for early years in the dining hall : drawing , bird mobiles , paper bag masks , community kitchen banner making for which Tess obtained funding from engage visual arts for a Let ’ s Create Art 2022 bursary . Enabled the purchase of art materials and to put together art starter packs to give away for free to families . Tess wanted to find out , in an organic and natural way , from the parents what their needs were . Running creative activities whilst families waited for food was successful . Tess learned from parents how concerned they were for their children ’ s development and learning .
Good Shepherd Dining Hall conversations and activities Tess had conversations over food , served drinks , cleaned tables , took photographs , shared images , doodled and took notes with clients , clients showed her their art skills and photographs of their drawings and artworks too . This was effective as Tess got to know regulars over time , made friendships , learned more about their personal stories and what they wanted in Whitmore Reans .
Good Shepherd Art Club Photo walks , filmed interviews , recorded conversations , documentary photographs , demonstrating photography and sharing use of my camera , organic conversations facilitated through making and
Key outcomes What people want and need :
• Food – basic human rights ( decent quality and affordable food , hot drinks , warmth , a safe home ).
• Community & Belonging – having a community centre to go to with activities , and shared food , includes friendship , camaraderie , warmth , support , kindness , & laughter . Knowing what ’ s available and where on which days and times .
• Art – so many adults are secret artists ; attending craft classes etc , and want to learn serious art skills .
• Access to nature , wildlife and the outdoors ; walking , fishing , etc ., West Park ( and the canals to some extent ) are very important to people in Whitmore Reans .
• Peace of mind , relaxation , calmness , de-stressing . A way to manage stress and worries . Knowing where to get help .
• Access to education and training so people can find fulfilling volunteering and work opportunities – basic English , reading , writing , ICT , arts , coaching , mentoring , teaching , counselling .
• Children need support with talking and communicating well and in developing motor skills through making and drawing etc ., and creative problem solving skills .
• Parents need support with supporting their children as they want to and aspire to do .
• People want to feel good about themselves , not looked down on , and to feel good about their appearance and self-confident .
• People want to have hope for the future , and to retain their sense of dignity .
d .
Vimal Korpal – Refugee and Migrant Centre and Wolverhampton City of Sanctuary
Activities and Participants Walking tour designed by recording video and audio with local people to create a map . 20 participants .
a ) to collect stories from people who have refugee or asylum status , to gather their experience of living in the Whitmore Reans and Wolverhampton area , along with knowing what things they enjoy , what things would make their life easier now , their favourite food and what could help make their stay in the area enjoyable .
b ) to collect stories from shopkeepers in the Whitmore Reans Area , get permission from them for a walking tour , create a safe space for people to visit these spaces and to tell the owners story as well as some of the refugee or asylum seekers stories too .
Information from 9 key participants was incorporated into a walking tour lead by Vimal .