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Read all about our current work, get in touch for more info and please share with a friend or colleague to help us spread the word.
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| Director's Blog
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I thought that the summer may have brought a less hectic, more harmonious schedule. However, having put time aside for funding bids, it has proved to be anything but.
I love an 'Expression of Interest': short, succinct, and over in an afternoon. Some of the other larger funders, however, have kept me chained to the office computer, making a mockery of downtime such as a bank holiday. Why such funders need to know the membership number of the professional body of the accountant from the firm who did our audited accounts is beyond me! Maybe its Kids Company syndrome, or maybe as the competition to gain money from trusts and foundations soars ever higher, details such as this can separate the financially savvy wheat from the chaff; or the conscientious from the blaggers; or most frighteningly, the organisations who can employ professional fundraisers and those that can't. It's hardly a level playing field in that instance.
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A good friend of Creativity Works, Dr Dan Ashton, Lecturer and MA Pathway Leader: Global Media Management, Winchester School of Art, is undertaking some very interesting research into the mechanics of arts funding: the terminology, detail, word counts, application forms and such like. Dan is following some of the participants from our Art of Fundraising co|Create workshop in July and using their fundraising journey as data. It will be immensely useful for us to see how impactful our workshop is, and how we may improve it for next year. I will be sure to update you on Dan's findings, and indeed we may collaborate with Winchester School of Art to disseminate some of his conclusions.
In more recent co|Create news, last month we held a very enjoyable and fertile networking event: Speed Networking. Following the principles of speed dating (which I googled, FYI), each participant had the opportunity to meet others in short, explosive bites of creative rendition. Many found this exercise alone an excellent chance to hone the articulation of their work and practice. Further time was set aside for participants to follow up on the sparks of synergy they had encountered with a view to possible collaborations. Creativity Works then awarded a modest seed fund of £100 to a fledgling partnership whose idea was perceived to have the most potential by all present. The collaborators who were awarded the seed funding were: Alice Ling, Catherine Boot, Caroline Garland & Oliver Langdon (the last two from Kilter Theatre). Their ideas centred round creating performance and exhibitions in people's own spaces and homes, especially those who are isolated and have accessibility challenges. I'm intrigued to see how this idea unfolds and I hope that their seed fund offers them a chance to meet and progress their cooperation.
The next of our Networking events will be held on Thursday December 7th, so do keep this in your diary. I can promise it's not as scary as real speed dating, not that I'd know, I've never done it, honestly...
Director, Creativity Works
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 The winners of the £100 to develop their idea - l-r Catherine Boot, Alice Ling, Oliver Langdon & Caroline Garland. We're looking forward to seeing what happens! |
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Community Matters Research Project
Creativity Works has been working with the South West Foundation and the University of Bath over the last year in a community research project called Community Matters. Our report, 'Being Creative' is just published and shares the findings of our research that explores the impact of arts-based peer-led support groups. The aim of our project was to collect evidence on the impact of creative peer-led support groups, to explore the main areas that influenced their impact and to find areas of improvement so that the quality of this service can be maintained and improved in the future.
The data was collected by the volunteers from the two groups that we collaborated with, Creative Perspectives which is a visual art group and Writing Space which is a writing group. The volunteers asked participants to create a piece of creative work and to then explore this in an interview, along with additional questions about their experiences of attending their specific peer-led group.
This data was then analysed by the wider team who coded each of the art works and interviews, and these findings were then put into themes and edited down to present the most salient findings.
The four themes that emerged from the research as having a significant bearing on the impact of the peer-led group experience are: The Importance of Creativity; Developing Social Connections; Creating a Valued Space and Place; and Promoting Self-Empowerment.
The process has empowered participants and volunteers to express their feelings regarding the process and involvement in peer-led groups and this evidence will be invaluable to Creativity Works in evidencing the impact of such groups to future funders, stakeholders and indeed, future participants.
We have produced a presentation, a short film and a project report, if you'd like more information please contact Philippa or Oliver at Creativity Works.
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Upcoming co|Create Events
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We run a highly regarded Training and Development Programme in Socially Engaged Arts for Artists at all stages of their careers and
have an exciting mix of events and training planned for the year.
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Creativity Works is looking forward to collaborating with 44AD Gallery, The Holburne Museum and Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust for our Autumn Show: 'How I Make It Work'
This year's theme is 'Wellbeing and Mental Health in day-to-day life and the workplace.' We hope to have an exciting variety of paintings, print, photography, 3D artworks and writing on display from south west artists who take part in Creative Perspectives, Fresh Art@, The Gardeners Lodge, Writing Space and Snap and Stroll art groups along with other individual artists.
Submission opens on 8th September 2017 and Closes on 25th September 2017.
Please include the following details:
· Size in centimetres
· Title of artwork
· Medium used
· Name
· Images under 2MB in size please
If you would like more information about the exhibition and how to submit please feel free to email either Philippa Forsey or Nat Burgess. Not all art work can be selected and we will let you know by Monday 2nd October 2017 if your artwork has been selected.
If your artwork is selected you will need to drop it to 44AD Gallery on Sunday the 8th between 12:00pm and 16:00pm. Please have your framed artwork ready to hang with cord or wire across the back.
The exhibition will be open from Tuesday 10th - Saturday 14th October 2017
at 44AD, 4 Abbey Street, Bath BA1 1NN
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Mental Health & Wellbeing Charter Talk
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Charter provides a clear set of principles to guide people who require mental health support on their wellbeing journey. Alongside the 'In Practice' document it promotes a shared approach between those using services, their families, friends, groups and professionals to support each person's unique mental health needs. This free talk is for artists and anyone interested in this area.
When: Thursday 5th October
Time: 11am - 1pm
Where: Future Hub, Bath City College.
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Creative Speed Networking
Following on from the success of our event in August, the next creative networking event will be:
Date: Thursday 07 December
Time: 18.00 - 20.00
Location: Bath (Venue tbc)
Cost: £5
Come and join us for a fun and friendly networking event where you will have the opportunity to meet Creativity Works staff and other artists from the area. This event will focus on collaboration and we will engage in a speed-dating type exercise where we hope you will have stimulating exchanges and find inspiring collaborators.
Join us for a drink, meet new people, be inspired and keep yourself up-to-date with the absorbing work of fellow artists and organisations.
Book your ticket today!
 
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B&NES Creative Wellbeing Courses
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Photography and Walking Project
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A super opportunity to take part in 4 free workshops at No. 1 Royal Crescent Museum and explore surrounding areas in Bath.
Learn new digital photography skills, link with 'A View of the Crescent' exhibition and learn how to curate your own exhibition with professional photographer Sally Collister and curator Katie Constantine.
Dates:
4th, 11th, 18th, 25th October, 1st November
Time: Wednesdays: 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Venue: No. 1 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LR and local area
To book: call Community Links: 01225 831411
For further details email: philippa@creativityworks.org.uk / 01761 438852
Bring your own camera or mobile phone. Some equipment available if required.
This project is supported by Creativity Works, and the Virgin Care Community Links mental health team.
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Creative Lettering Project *STILL PLACES AVAILABLE*
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Have fun exploring your creativity in a friendly, supportive group. This project will explore letters of the alphabet in a variety of artforms including collage, illustrations, textiles, 3D and more with artist Caroline Wheeldon.
Even though this project started on the 18th September for 12 weeks. Last session 4th December. There are still some places still available.
When: Mondays 10.45am - 1pm
Where: St. John's Hall, Old School House, St. John's Court, South Parade, Bath.
This project is suitable for anyone experiencing mental health challenges, homelessness or long term unemployment.
To book a place contact Denise or Matt: 01225 438362 or 438363
This is a partnership project between Genesis Trust Lifeskills project, Bath City College and Creativity Works.
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Sing it Out - Community Singing Project
Sing It Out is a new community choir for anyone in B&NES who would like to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Singing as part of a group can have a range of health benefits and give a strong sense of belonging.
Singing is also a great way to bring people together and have fun. The rehearsals will be a chance to sing new and familiar songs in different styles along with Christmas songs that we will choose together. There will also be warm-up and breathing exercises. Music skills are not required, we can all sing!!
The songs will be learnt by listening so there is no need to read music. ;-)
Times:
1-2.30pm
Dates: Thursdays 26th Oct, 2nd Nov, 9th Nov, 16th Nov, 30th Nov, 7th Dec, 14th Dec, 21st Dec.
Venue: All Saints Centre, Weston High Street, Bath, BA1 4BX
To Book please contact: The Wellbeing College on 01225 831820
There will be a taster session on Tuesday 10th of October at 44AD Gallery, Bath at 12.45 - 1.15pm
A opportunity to try out the 'Sing It Out' choir, and enjoy singing together in a group. All welcome, no experience necessary and it
's completely free!
If you are interested or would like more information, please don't hesitate to get in touch:
Judit (music psychotherapist) -
07526 179129
B&NES Therapies Team - 01225 371 414 or talk to your care co-ordinator.
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Textiles: Get Creative Crafts for Wellbeing
Boost confidence, experiment, share and learn creative textile techniques in a small supportive peer-led group. Get Creative Crafts for Wellbeing is a group that meets weekly to socialise, create and develop projects.
Come and share ideas and develop your skills. No previous experience is necessary. Suitable for B&NES residents who would like to support their wellbeing through creativity.
When: Tuesdays (ongoing group) Start 2pm - 4pm
Where: Odd Down Community Centre,
Odins Rd, Bath BA2 2TL
Cost: £2 per session
To book: Call or email: 01225 831411 email:
BATHNES.mhsls@virgincare.co.uk
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Creative Writing: Writing Space
Keen to welcome new members, Writing Space is a creative peer-led support group for anyone who has some experience of writing and would like to meet with others in a friendly informal group to develop and share ideas. You don't have to be a published writer! This group is fun and welcoming to all and is suitable for anyone that would like to develop their writing skills.
If you interested in joining this group please book a place with Philippa at Creativity Works: philippa@creativityworks.org.uk 01761 438852
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My Time My Space Project
Supportive creative workshops for mothers with low mood, anxiety and postnatal depression.
The project aims to promote mental health and wellbeing where women can gain support from others in a socially inclusive setting with a professionally run children's group for babies and toddlers. The project will be facilitated by artist Kerry Russell.
The next project will run in Radstock on Mondays 9.45am - 11.45am for 12 weeks.
Dates: starting 30th October and then 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th Nov, 4th, 11th Dec 2017, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th Jan, 5th Feb 2018
For further details about this project contact your local B&NES health visitor or Children's Centre.
My Time My Space provides a safe space environment where women can express themselves creatively and gives opportunities to develop local community and peer support.
This innovative partnership project supported by Creativity Works, B&NES Children's Centres, Virgin Care Health Visiting Team and Bath City College Community Learning team will be delivering postnatal projects across Bath & North East Somerset over the next year.
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How I Make it Work: 10th - 14th October, Bath
Exhibition and free workshops as part of World Mental Health day
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This exciting exhibition of paintings, prints, photography, 3D artworks and writing are created by local artists. The 'How I Make It Work' exhibition responds to the theme of mental health and wellbeing in day-to-day life and in the workplace.
When:10 - 14 October
Where: 44AD Gallery, 4 Abbey Street, Bath BA1 1NN
Times: Open daily 12.30 - 5.30pm
See workshop listings below
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Free workshops as part of How I Make it Work
These Creative Workshops are being held at
44AD Gallery, 4 Abbey Street, Bath BA1 1NN
Come and join us and for Free creative workshops inspired by the 5 ways to wellbeing (Connect, Keep Learning, Be Active, Give and Take Notice). This stimulating programme includes singing, drama, visual arts, writing and movement.
Tuesday 10th
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Brunch and talk about Mental Health in the Workplace
Time: 9.30am - 12.30
Learn how to spot signs of ill mental health, appropriate communication, implement wellbeing support. Donation £5 on the door.
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Sing It Out - Singing with Judit Solero
Time: 12.45 - 1.30pm
No Booking required
see article above for more details on this project.
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Wednesday 11th
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Story making and walking - Making It Up As You Go Along
with Oliver Langdon, Kilter Theatre
Time: 10am - noon
Create stories by walking, noticing, making connections & pealing back the veneer of ordinariness that obscures the extraordinary within
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Thursday 12th
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Painting and Textiles - Collaborative batik banner with Barbara Disney
Time: 10am - noon
Using vibrant coloured dyes and hot wax we will explore the ancient art of batik to create a textile piece. Looking at pattern and design from around the world the group will create a piece for public display. All welcome, no experience needed.
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Friday 13th
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Writing and art making - How I make it work: imagination & invention with David Davies
Time: 10am - noon
Connect to creativity and inspiration using writing and found objects.
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Saturday 14th
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Moving Stories with Catherine Brown
10am - noon
Our bodies have a story to tell. This workshop will open a dialogue with our inner landscapes and the stories of our bodies. With movement, meditation and art work.
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To book on any of the workshops (other than the singing workshop) please contact The Wellbeing College
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We have two upcoming opportunities that might just be what you are looking for...
- Helping plan and curate the 'How I make It Work' exhibition and events in Bath as part of World Mental Health day/week 9th - 14th October (See full details above)
- Singing project, Bath. Do you love to sing? We are looking for people to join a new community choir starting in October run buy Judit a singer and a music therapist. Judit brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to this new project and we would love more support for this new venture. (See full details above)
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The peer lead groups second anthology was well received and we've a lovely review to share with you written by Writing Space members Liz, Dee & Justin.
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On Tuesday 22nd August, people gathered at St. James Wine Vaults for the launch of the new anthology and readings of poetry and prose from members of Writing Space, one of our peer lead groups.
"The sun was shining through the windows and it was a warm evening. There was lots of food and drink available and people were talking and Imogen, one of the members, was busy selling the anthologies with a pile on her desk. You could feel the anticipation in the room and people were eager to listen to the readings.
The atmosphere was warm and people were sitting with family and friends around tables concentrating on the readers facing them as they read their pieces from the Anthology," said Liz
"The evening started off with an explanation and information about the writing space group to everyone present,"
added Dee
"The readers were very clear even though they were understandably nervous. I thought how brave they were as I am sure everyone in the audience thought too. Joshua read my poem "Thinking and Doing". It was interesting to hear someone else read my poem and I put my head down wanting to just listen. Joshua really did it justice and I was very glad he read it as it is such a hugely personal poem for me. You can also hear it differently when someone else reads your work. Gillian, one of the Writing space volunteers, and I remarked on this afterwards.
I enjoyed listening to the work read by the group members and seeing and hearing the reactions from the other people as an observer. Justin's stories were funny and made everyone laugh as he read them to us. Tom read his own work and some new work which I hadn't heard before. He read my Dinka poem about My Black Cat and he was smiling which was great. Again, it was really interesting to hear my work read by someone else. A lady asked me afterwards about this poem and said she was inspired to write a Dinka poem so that was lovely.
"Hearing the readers read their own and other's work makes it come alive and you notice new things in the work that you hadn't before. It was also lovely to see Gillian again and to see her get our thanks for being such a great inspiration and teacher.
Sarah (our volunteer) did a great introduction, telling everyone about how Writing Space started and facilitated the evening brilliantly.
Thanks to Gillian "
for all her work putting the Anthology together and arranging the printing for us." Dee
Everyone's style is completely different and that's something you really appreciate." Liz
"It was a lovely evening and a success, and I'm happy to have been a part of it and grateful for Writing Space and the experience," commented Justin.
"I personally felt very proud to be a member of this really special writing space group." Dee
Copies of the anthology are available to buy - see the link below.
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Buy your own copy of the Writing Space Anthology!
An opportunity to support Writing Space
Copies of the Writing Space Anthology are now
available
to buy via our website, with all profits going to support the continued running of the group.
The anthology is an A5 soft cover booklet with 18 original works written by Writing Space members.
Each copy is £3.50 and includes P&P to any UK address (if international postage - please contact us)
Please allow 14 days for delivery. If you would like to buy more than 5 copies, please contact us directly to combine p&p costs.
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Would
you like to join Writing Space?
Keen to welcome new members, Writing Space is a creative peer-led support group for anyone who has some experience of writing and would like to meet with others in a friendly informal group to develop and share ideas. You don't have to be a published writer! This group is fun and welcoming to all and is suitable for anyone that would like to develop their writing skills.
If you interested in joining this group please book a place with Philippa at Creativity Works: philippa@creativityworks.org.uk 01761 438852
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Snap & Stroll Civic Reception
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The Radstock and Bath Snap & Stroll photography groups celebrated the opening of a joint exhibition at the Guildhall with a Civic Reception hosted by the Chair of the Council, Cherry Beath. Participants found new sources of inspiration in their local areas, improved their skills and enjoyed meeting new people in small and supportive groups. The project has been a great way to share ideas, explore the local environment and see new talents develop.
Creativity Works socially engaged artist and photographer, Sally Collister has worked with the group sharing digital photography techniques and editing skills over 8 weeks. On the last two sessions curator, Katie Constantine, shared skills in how to display artwork for an exhibition.
Creativity Works and Bath College worked together to provide support for the budding photographers.
The exhibition is available to view at the Guildhall outside the Chairman's office
Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm until 26th November
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Creativity Works Upcoming Exhibitions
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Last chance to see the FreshArt@ Exhibition
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FreshArt@ Exhibition
South Corridor, RUH, Bath
New artwork has been created for the walls of Swallows Therapy Rooms, Paulton Hospital by participants on the creative wellbeing programme and inspired by workshops within the Holburne Museum, No 1 Royal Crescent and the American Museum supported by AWP, Creativity Works and
Virgin Care.
Venue:
Bath Royal United Hospital, South Corridor, Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG
Opening times:
All Day
Dates:
Tuesday 30th May - 30th September.
Entrance:
Free
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Creative Perspectives Exhibition
2nd October - January 2018 Royal United Hospital, Central Corridor
Creative Perspectives art group are proud to be exhibiting their work at the Royal United Hospital, Bath. Come along and support them and Art at the Heart and take the opportunity to buy an original piece of artwork by local artists.
Creative Perspectives is a peer led visual arts creative group in Bath. Successful fundraising through Quartet Community Foundation and a partnership with Creativity Works and Bath Museums initially enabled the group to plan for 6 weeks of creative activity during the summer period 2015.
By September 2015 the team had grown to 12 people who were all keen to continue to keep the group going. The group has been meeting weekly at Bath Artist's Studios for over a year now; a fantastic venue to meet and create amongst an already vibrant and talented artistic community. All members help plan further sessions, creative activities,
fundrais
ing and new ideas are always welcome.
Recently members from the group took part in a research project in conjunction with Creativity Works and Bath University to evidence the value of creativity and its contribution to wellbeing.
Creative Perspectives offers an opportunity to meet others, learn and share creative ideas, gain confidence in a safe and friendly environment and contribute to the planning and continuation of Creative Perspectives. The group is planned and run by members for its members with occasional facilitation by visiting artists. It is suitable for those who would like to support their wellbeing through creativity. This is not a drop-in group but if you are interested in becoming a member and contributing to its continuation please contact: Philippa@creativityworks.org.uk - 01761 438852
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Did you join in our Summer Wellbeing Challenge?
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Did you take part in our Summer Wellbeing Challenge in August? We'd love to hear from you about your experiance and what you discovered during the month. Please email
morwhenna@creativityworks.org.uk with your thoughts and discoveries!
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Other News, Useful Websites, Articles & Events
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Jobs at No.1 Royal Crescent
& The Museum of Bath Architecture:
No.1 Royal Crescent:
- Museum Manager
- Assistant Learning and Engagement Officer
- Assistant Museum Administrator
- Assistant Curator
- Conservation Housekeeper
Museum of Bath Architecture:
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Mummy's got bi-polar animation
Bipolar disorder affects thousands of people in the UK, and many of them are parents. Sophie and Katie's Mummy is one of them. Discover some of the highs and lows of having a Mummy with Bipolar from a child's perspective, in this gentle and thought provoking story of family life, suitable for children of all ages.
Author of Mummy's Got Bipolar, Sonia Mainstone-Cotton is a
Wellbeing, Early years and participation
Trainer/ Consultant at
Brighter Futures and a Nurture Outreach Consultant.
Copies of the book are available through her website
http://soniamainstone-cotton.com
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| Simply click through Give as You Live every time you shop online to raise money for Creativity Works |
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Thank you for reading our newsletter. If you would like to follow our updates in between newsletters remember that you can also follow us on
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Pinterest!
With Best Wishes,
The Creativity Works Team
For more information:
Supported by Bath & North East Somerset Council and Arts Council England |
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Registered Charity No. 1075812 Company No. 3768255 Creativity Works for Everyone is a company limited by guarantee registered in England
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