Wellbeing Creatures Project for Young People in Hampshire
One upside of the lockdown for me personally has been the opportunity to spend time getting to know some of my fellow creative people who live and work in Southampton and the surrounding areas.
One young woman who has blown my mind is Alice Clark. Alice is the driving force behind a mental health wellbeing project called Wellbeing Creatures and is based in Eastleigh, Hampshire.
Alice Clark – the driving force behind Wellbeing Creatures
Alice’s story inspired me so much I asked if she would be willing for me to do a short interview for my blog. Luckily for me she was happy to do so, and I am very happy to share the interview here.
What is Wellbeing Creatures?
Me: What is Wellbeing Creatures exactly, and how does it work?
Alice: Wellbeing Creatures facilitate tailored workshops for young people to inspire emotional literacy. We do this by using personified emotions accompanied by storyboards as visual aids.
The young people create their own creatures and storyboards.
We use discussion and prompt questions for young people to relate to their own lives.
Young people/parents/schools/social workers can select relevant creatures to suit indiivdual needs.
Participant’s Storyboard
What Ages do Wellbeing Creatures Work With?
Me: That sounds amazing, what ages do you work with?
Alice: The workshops are aimed at people from ages 4 up to 24 years. The workshops can be done either on a one to one basis, or in small or large groups.
They are aimed at young people who struggle with emotions, or simply could do with knowledge on how to deal with them (early intervention is always useful.)
What is the Inspiration for Wellbeing Creatures?
Me: Where did you get the inspiration to start these workshops?
Alice: My first inspiratio was the cuts to Sure Start, and the birth of my own son.
My second inspiration is my own struggle and journey, and wanting to prevent others going through the same thing.
My third inspiration is the sheer desire to help, be proactive and put my talents and knowledge to good use. Making me therefore feel good.
Me: How did you come up with the idea for Wellbeing Creatures?
Alice: I came up with the idea through my own first course at Solent Mind’s Eastleigh Wellbeing Centre. They asked me to think about what Hope smelt like, tasted like, looked like and felt like. So instead of thinking freshly cut grass, or my first cup of tea in the morning, I thought sweet, sugary, fluffy and light pink and cheerful. And my mind created my first Wellbeing Creature – ‘Hope.’
Hope
I shared this with my group and went on to create Hope’s Story on reflection of discussions we had had. Then I was hooked. I could see the potential of this in front of me, and began to craete more cretures and stories and seek support in creating my business.
Where Have Wellbeing Creature Courses Been Running?
Me: Where have you run Wellbeing Creature Courses so far?
Alice: So far we have run pilots at Parry Wood Preschool and Cherbourg Primary School, as well as with individuals in person and online (due to Covid-19.)
Participant’s Final Creation
Future Plans for Wellbeing Creatures
Me: That honestly is so inspirational Alice. Is there anything else you would like to tell me about Wellbeing Creatures?
Alice: Yes, we plan to launch in September and get our trade on. Although we’ve still got some free sessions available online,
Me: That honestly is so inspirational Alice. Is there anything else you would like to tell people about Wellbeing Creatures?
Alice: Yes, we plan to launch fully in September. Although we do still have some free sessions available online.
How Can People Find Out More About Wellbeing Creatures?
Me: Fantastic, how can people find out more?
Alice: You can find us on facebook at Wellbeing Creatures, google us, or email us direct at wellbeingcreatures@gmail.com
Thank you so much Alice, I wish you all the best for your fantastic business in the future
Please note all images used in this interview are copyright of aliceangelaclark/wellbeingcreatures2017
