Creativity and Connection at Young Women’s Outreach Project

North East artist Sofia Barton shares her experience of working with young women in Gateshead’s Young Women’s Outreach Project

‘It was an absolute joy to recently collaborate with the Young Women’s Outreach Project, commissioned by Gem Arts, to facilitate a series of relaxing art sessions. We transformed their cosy library room into a haven of creativity, a space where young girls could explore their inner worlds through art.

Our sessions centred around a calming exercise: creating personal symbology through painting. We used different materials, from nature-based stencils and vibrant watercolour pencils to soft pastels, inviting the girls to experiment with various drawing techniques. To make the atmosphere even more inviting, I brought along an assortment of cookies, while the wonderful staff at the Young Women’s Outreach Project ensured there was a constant supply of warm toast and comforting hot chocolates – truly going above and beyond to care for their attendees with a warm welcoming environment.

The workshops were designed to be inclusive, catering to neurodiverse attendees and ensuring everyone felt comfortable and supported. It was really heartwarming to see how relaxed and engaged the girls were. The safe and nurturing environment allowed them to open up, chatting freely about school, family, and their hopes for the future. I was also touched when they asked about my journey as an artist. I was very open about my own experiences and the barriers I overcame when I was younger to pursue my passion and become a multidisciplinary artist. It’s important to me to share that overcoming challenges is part of the creative path.

The dedication of the Young Women’s Outreach Project staff is truly inspiring. Their commitment to creating a safe and enriching space for these young women shines through in every detail. It was a privilege to be part of such a wonderful initiative, fostering creativity, connection, and open conversation. These wellbeing sessions were especially crucial, providing a much-needed opportunity to foster a better sense of mental health and allowing us to check in with lots of young people who otherwise struggle. It’s a testament to the power of art and supportive environments in nurturing resilience and well-being’

 

Read more about Sofia’s work here, and find out more about the incredible Young Women’s Outreach Project here.