Learning from the Creative Literacy project

Creative Literacy artwork by one of Catching Lives' clients

Thanks to funding from The Lawson Trust, we’ve delivered a series of creative workshops themed around literacy.

The programme brought together creative writing sessions, as well as artists working across a range of disciplines including text-based printmaking, origami using book pages, stitch and word-based cyanotype. This variety ensured there was something to appeal to everyone and encouraged accessible, hands-on engagement with creative literacy.

The project included a collaborative artwork created with artist Thurle Wright (@thurle.wright), which was later exhibited as part of the Canterbury Festival. Taking part in a shared creative process gave everyone involved a strong sense of pride and collective achievement.

Collaborative artwork created with Thurle Wright

Sessions took place both at our day centre and at Rock Paper Scissors, a professional art studio in Canterbury city centre. Off-site sessions helped people who had recently been housed to explore the local community, helping to reduce anxiety and build confidence around accessing creative activities in professional environments.

Miriam Ellis, Arts & Activities Coordinator at Catching Lives, said: “It was particularly encouraging to observe that participants with little or no confidence in reading and writing didn’t respond negatively to reading and selecting words for their artwork. This showed that using words creatively can help break down barriers to learning. For participants whose first language is not English, the workshops also increased confidence in using English and supported positive connections within our wider community. Several people have since gone on to work with our volunteer Karen, an English teacher who delivers one-to-one classes at the day centre, as well as signing up for additional classes elsewhere.”

Creative writing sessions have also been successful. Facilitated by Bethany, the group has provided a welcoming and supportive space where participants feel comfortable sharing their work without fear or embarrassment. Many participants have shown real creativity, and the opportunity to express their thoughts through writing has helped people to feel more positive and supported.

Creative Literacy attendees said:

“I enjoyed this more than I thought I would, it allowed me to express myself and share ideas”

“I thought the creative writing workshop yesterday was a very worthwhile and enjoyable experience. For a short time it took me out of the place I find myself and made me forget the crap I have to deal with. I was in the places I imagined in my writing. The session host [Bethany] was excellent.”

Catching Lives thanks The Lawson Trust for funding this work.