Path - Stories
Stories from Hounslow is a 12 week programme of artist led workshops focusing on 16- 24 – years old, young adults who are at risk of being involved with violence or anti-social behaviour and/ or those young adults who are likely to be excluded because of emotional or mental difficulties.
The intention of the workshops is to raise awareness, build confidence, and encourage new learning skills, engaging young adults at risk into a creative learning environment for 5 hours a week over a 12 week period. The anticipated number of group participants is 20.
The project draws its inspiration from an existing book that combines accessible language and images to tell a story about difficult aspects of life. The book entitled “It Shouldn’t Have Happened To Me” looks at the nature of trauma and crisis and how it relates to the participants' own personal stories. The sample book is made up of a montage of direct quotes and images from young people and adults with mental and emotional issues and can be used as a teaching tool. Utilizing one aspect of the book – one image or a series of words as a starting point, the aim is to engage young adults in looking at the their own relationship to health, community, risky behaviour and goal setting for the future. Working with the concept of “It shouldn’t have happened to me” the workshop programme will support participants through creatively understanding their stories through IMAGES, OBJECTS, anSOUNDS and WORDS.
Working through different art mediums the intention will be for participants to focus on one area of interest and expand upon it to create a piece of work that can be included in the participant’s own version of the sample book and an exhibition held at a community centre in Central Hounslow. All of the work will be uploaded onto a website on a weekly basis for review, feedback and support by the participants, their family and friends, culminating in the finished creation to be made into a book through the website www.blurb.com. The finished book will be available approximately 6-8-weeks after the workshop.
Management of the projects will be led by the Director and Project Manager of P.A.T.H. - Anna Walker, an artist and trained psychotherapist with over four years experience working with adults and young people with mental health issues and many years experience in project management in the private sector.
P.A.T.H. will be working with highly experienced facilitators Tony Cealy; theatre director, trainer and performer who has 16 years of experience running projects, courses, workshops and performances nationally & internationally with adults and young people at risk. Michael Rathbone, a musician with nine-years experience working with excluded young adults and children, delivering music workshops and studio-based work. The work will be evaluated by Richard Ings who has many years experience documenting and evaluating projects most recently for the Arts Council, Esmee Fairbairn. Each arts practitioner was specifically chosen for their valued track record and international renown. Tony Cealy who most recently delivered training programmes for Escape Artists, Southgate College, Lambeth College and Southgate etc… Michael Rathbone has led music workshops for Brent Music Service, Cedar Centre, Southwark Music Centre, and Victoria House in Croydon.
The book 'It Shoudn't Have Happened to Me' created by Anna Walker and artist Alf Lohr, has successfully undergone a rigorous external assessment and has been accepted for publication with UK Council Of Psychotherapy (UKCP) to be released and distributed in 2010, with other titles to follow.
Path - Workshops
Intergenerational Programme of Workshops – Hammersmith and Fulham
Organisation:
P.A.T.H. seeks to provide help and support for those who have become isolated due to crisis, tragedy, mental or emotional difficulties by encouraging health, wellness and inclusion through artistic practice and therapy. Our organisation was set up in April 2009 to develop a series of books with accessible images and language. A need was established very early on for a context in which to place the books, to generate interest and understanding of how the books can be used on a grassroots level, and provide sustainable resources within the community. With support from service users, professionals and community services, P.A.T.H. has begun to develop a workshop pilot programme based around the books, to be carried out throughout West London.
Project Description:
Direct involvement from workshop participants is an important aspect of the work we do. To create quality services that are sustainable. P.A.T.H. has chosen to work across all age groups to identify need, resources and a language to understand crisis and emotional and mental health issues that does not isolate or exclude. The first programme of workshops takes place January 2010 in Hounslow, “Stories from Hounslow, It Shoudn’t Have Happened to ME.” These workshops were created with keyworkers to help identify target groups and outcomes, and young adults, some with mental health issues. Participants will be young vulnerable adults aged 16-25 years-old.
The second series of workshops is an intergenerational project, “Stories from Hammersmith and Fulham, It Shouldn’t Have Happened to ME,” working with the elderly and young adults. The aim is to explore conflict between the generations, looking at diversity and cultural differences, find a common ground where both generations can meet to talk and support each other breaking down barriers, and building community.
P.A.T.H. has organised an informal focus group on Dec 1st 2009, @ Age Concern, 11 Farm Lane, Fulham, SW6 1PU, from 3pm – 5.30pm. The aim is to explore with representatives from both age groups, what is needed within the community on a project basis and as an ongoing service to support the vulnerable young and the elderly, and individuals with mental or emotional issues. With the information gathered at this focus group we aim to build a comprehensive series of workshops working with psychotherapists and arts practitioners, that leads to replicable and/or sustainable opportunities towards health and well being, within the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.
For further information please contact Anna Walker from P.A.T.H. on 020-87480016, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Leah Smith the service coordinator at Age Concern, 020-7381 5149, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; or Ember Hibbert, the Youth Development Manager for West London Network, 020-8741 9876, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .