Changing Plans

Changing Plans

Blog by Helen Willmott, Programme Director, Made With Many.

It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that I firmly believe that creativity has a really important part to play in keeping us all well during this crisis. Creative activities can benefit our wellbeing and connect us to others whilst we are physically apart. Over the last few months we’ve been working on how we can support local people to continue to be creative during lockdown. This has included our new Made at Home video series and supporting other local groups with digital advice, resources and guidance. But now the restrictions are being eased, what will being creative look like over the next year?

I don’t have any answers. There’s unlikely to be any definite plans for events and activities in this ever-changing new world.  And whilst government guidelines are changing, we’re really aware that many people will be choosing to live their lives differently, staying at home to protect the health of themselves and their families. We also know that this virus has disproportionately affected specific sections of our community; low-paid workers, residents and staff of care homes and ethnic minorities to name a few.

So, in my view, the only way forward is to work with local people to develop flexible plans for our programme. Plans that can be changed with a moment’s notice, depending on the current risk level, and that give options for people to engage in different ways. This might be in person, attending a workshop or event at a local venue with appropriate measures in place.  But with many people unable to leave their homes, we’re committing to every activity we run having an ‘at home’ version, maybe an online activity or delivery of an activity pack to their home. And we’ll be working with partners to make sure that these activities reach those most affected by the virus.

We’re beginning with talking to local people about how they are feeling, what sort of activities they might feel comfortable coming to and what ideas they have for being creative.

If you live in either Corby or Wellingborough, and are interested in being part of those conversations please get in touch on info@madewithmany.org or leave a message on 01536 267895.

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