As part of the Coastal Communities Creative Health (CCCH) project we have been involved in creative workshops to explore research questions; looking at how organizations can help our wellbeing, what barriers we might face accessing them and where the gaps in services are. One series of these workshops was with local young people, facilitated by artist Joe Booth (Aunty Social) we used sewing and embroidery techniques to express our responses to the research questions.

In the first couple of workshops we got used to the sewing machines playing around with test fabrics and designs whilst considering our first question around what community assets there are in Blackpool. Then in the final workshop we had a discussion and completed final pieces which expressed local community assets, the barriers to accessing them and gaps in community assets. We were also joined by Emma Guest from University of Liverpool who conducted research interviews and recorded our discussion. Watch this space for an exhibition.

Find out more about CCCH: https://coastalcch.bristol.ac.uk/

“As a participant to the CCCH workshops I learnt to appreciate the different community resources, overlooking the support systems we have right in front of us including Stanley park- which happens to be available to anyone. As well as the range of resources we looked at certain barriers ie. Money and how to overcome these gaps in the community. This experience was very eye-opening, and I am glad to have had the opportunity to attend as a participant!” – Workshop participant.

"Taking part in the CCCH Workshops was such a beneficial experience. Not only was I able to discover resources I had yet to discover from others, I was able to understand the obstacles and barriers from the ones I am already aware of, whilst discussing ways to overcome these. We were able to collaboratively discuss what Blackpool is lacking and what would be a great addition.

Not only this, but I was encouraged to make contributions to the conversation and to express myself verbally and through art forms such as embroidery. This experience was unique and amazing as I am walking away, with more life/art skills and with the knowledge that I was able to use my experiences and thoughts in a helpful beneficial way!"- Workshop participant

Coastal Communities Creative Health- Creative Workshops with local young people

Research With, Not On: Exploring Participatory Action Research

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