2020 Hopes and Dreams—CLIMB Project, Children’s Society/Severn Arts. Pilot project working with an alternative provision in Worcestershire and a Pupil Referral Unit in Herefordshire, each having 5 sessions for the young people to explore their present and imagine how they want the future. Art journaling was a key component of the project, enabling the young people a private space to create and think. A flexible and co-creating approach was used, with an emphasis on reflective practise between artist, teacher and Children’s Society project workers, and had positive evaluations. The success of these have led to a wider project across Worcestershire launching in Autumn 2021.
"Mark has worked to deliver some really positive arts activities to groups of young people on the Climb service, both online and in person. His wonderful ideas, easy-going and approachable attitude really helped the groups to gel and young people to feel comfortable and engaged in the sessions. The way he designs his activities gives young people the opportunity to try lots of different artistic mediums, guide them to come up with their own ideas, and offer a platform to raise meaningful issues that are relevant to our direct work with them."
(The Climb service works to support young people who may be at risk of criminal exploitation across the West Mercia region. A part of our service encourages young people to access positive activities, helping to build their confidence, skills and expose them to safe networks in their local communities.) Rachel Smith, Activities and Engagement Coordinator, Climb / The Children’s Society
"Mark's passion for the power of creativity to build young people's potential, particularly vulnerable young people, shines through all the work he has done for us. His approach is supportive and encouraging, enquiring and curious, flexible and responsive. He always brings a wide range of visual arts opportunities and young people feel comfortable to open up and engage positively under his creative guidance." Debbie Birch, Project Manager, Severn Arts
Care Home Creative Consultation, Warwickshire, 2015. This commission through a health partnership between the County Council and Health Authority used creative approaches to consult residents and their families at three private care settings for those with dementia to see what lessons could be learned from their good practice and applied to council owned settings.
