When did you start working for Creativity Works?

I began working for Creativity Works on 18th December 2014 when I joined the Facilitation Training run by St Mungos and Creativity Works.

What is your professional background?

I graduated from a degree in Fine Art last year from the University of the West of England. Before the internship at Creativity Works I completed another internship with Shape Disability Arts in London where I helped with the Unlimited Festival at the Southbank Centre. Most of my working life before my degree was as a mental health support worker.

What does a typical day look like for (Your Name) at Creativity Works?

I help with two groups, Creativity in the Potting Shed in Radstock on a Wednesday morning and Breathing Space on a Friday afternoon in Keynsham. Thursdays are mainly supporting with admin and meetings. For example I have been involved with the Peer Mentoring Steering group, which is a partnership working project to look at how to develop a peer mentoring framework. Along side other work I am doing a research project to explore how arts groups can facilitate independence.

What do you enjoy most about working here?

I love working with groups and creating spaces where people can make. It is a real buzz when everyone is in the zone and engaged in the creative process.

What do you find most challenging?

I am very much an in the moment person so I struggle with planning my time and keeping a longer time perspective of projects.

What has been most surprising during your time so far at Creativity Works?

I have been amazed by my colleague’s ability to multitask and keep lots of balls in the air at once. I was also surprised how small the core team are considering the ambition of the organisation and all the projects we are involved with.

What has been your biggest professional or personal achievement to date?

I think it would be the Breathing Space group – supporting them to grow in numbers but also creatively. It’s really enjoyable to come and make work together. It’s a mixed group but everyone has something to contribute.