New Style Spring NewsletterWe’re really pleased to share the first edition of our brand new Real Arts Workshops newsletter with you. This Spring update includes highlights from our recent work across schools, healthcare settings and community projects, along with news about our new creative wellbeing workshops for organisations and teams. We've had a busy and exciting start to 2026, from collaborative projects with young people and NHS partners to our ongoing art and BSL sessions supporting recovery at West Park Hospital’s Neuro Rehabilitation Unit. We’re also introducing a developing strand of our work called EVOLVE which is focused on supporting staff wellbeing, inclusion and team connection through creative experiences. If you are planning activity around awareness days, staff development, community engagement or wellbeing programmes this year, we would love to explore how we might work together. Thank you for continuing to support Real Arts Workshops and enjoy reading the news, you can download a PDF with active links at the end of this post. Yours in art, the RAW team.       
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Spring Creativity in Action: RAW Delivers Two Successful Easter HAF Programmes Across Sandwell and Wolverhampton |
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 | We were thrilled to return to the beautiful Grade II listed Wednesbury Library, and would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the library staff for hosting us so warmly across the week. These sessions were funded by Sandwell Council and the Department for Education, with nutritious meals generously provided by 2 Much Passion CIC, who ensured every young person received delicious, healthy food each day. |
Day 1 – Pop Art Fruits & Deaf Awareness
The programme began with a focus on healthy lifestyle choices, exploring hydration, sleep, nutrition and physical activity. Young people then created bold Pop Art fruit canvases, linking creativity with food education in a fun and colourful way.
In the afternoon, our Deaf role model Gary delivered an inspiring Deaf awareness and British Sign Language session, sharing powerful stories about the history of access to sign language education and his own experience marching to Parliament. Participants learned fingerspelling and quickly began signing their own names to one another before enjoying BSL Bingo together.
Young people told us:
“It was good because I can understand sign language and I can tell my friends.”
“I enjoyed learning British Sign Language.”
“I enjoyed painting and I enjoyed the BSL lesson.”
Day 2 – Exploring Georges Seurat and Pointillism
Participants learned about Georges Seurat and the technique of Pointillism, before creating their own interpretations of local landmarks in that style, including:
- Wednesbury Library
- Smethwick Pumping Station
- The Tipton Slasher statue
- Elizabeth Farley Memorial
- Local football team logos
Young people shared:
“I was feeling excited and happy. I enjoyed doing the Pointillism.”
“Lunch was amazing and I could eat it all day.”
“I loved doing the Wolves dot today!”
Day 3 – Mental Health Awareness Through Creativity and BSL
Day three focused on positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.
In the morning Gary introduced BSL vocabulary linked to hobbies, emotions and activities, supporting communication confidence while reinforcing inclusion and accessibility.
In the morning Gary introduced BSL vocabulary linked to hobbies, emotions and activities, supporting communication confidence while reinforcing inclusion and accessibility.
Part 2 involved Creative wellbeing activities promoting Children’s Mental Health week activities.
Activities included:
Activities included:
- A “Things that make me happy” worksheet for the young people to reflect and fill in.
- A Personal 'little book of me' wellbeing mini-zines filled with ideas and techniques for managing mental health support and signposting for the young people to take home.
- A performance of singing and signing the song 'Three Little Birds' by Bob Marley. The atmosphere across the session was uplifting, thoughtful and supportive.
Day 4 – Hama Beads and Slate Coasters
Our final Sandwell session celebrated creativity through making and design.
Participants created:
Participants created:
- 3D Hama bead models
- Decorated slate coasters to take home and use
Wolverhampton Easter HAF at the ASAN Workspace (7th – 10th April 2026)
 | We were equally delighted to return to our regular Wolverhampton venue partner All Saints Action Network, delivering another successful four-day programme funded by City of Wolverhampton Council and the Department for Education. The HAF programme, introduced nationally in 2021, provides free school holiday provision including meals and enriching activities for children from low-income households—and we are proud to contribute to that mission locally. Across the week, young people explored a wide range of creative techniques while learning about healthy lifestyles and Deaf awareness. |
Day 1 - Clay Modelling & Healthy Living BSL
Participants sculpted fruit and vegetables in clay (and one particularly impressive snake!) while learning about nutrition and healthy choices.
Gary then introduced BSL signs connected to lifestyle, hobbies and interests alongside Deaf awareness discussions that always spark curiosity and thoughtful questions.
Day 2- Watercolour Daffodils & Graphite Banana Studies
Spring arrived in our studio through beautiful wet-in-wet daffodil watercolours, a technique that can be tricky even for adults—so we were especially proud of what the young artists achieved.
In the afternoon, participants developed observational drawing skills with graphite banana studies, exploring tone, light and shadow.
Creative skill-building like this strengthens confidence in ways that last far beyond the session itself.
Creative skill-building like this strengthens confidence in ways that last far beyond the session itself.
Day 3- Cardboard Sculpture & Wooden Birdhouses
One of the most requested materials in RAW sessions is always cardboard—and it didn’t disappoint!
Young people created imaginative cardboard sculptures, followed by beautifully decorated wooden birdhouses to take home.
Young people created imaginative cardboard sculptures, followed by beautifully decorated wooden birdhouses to take home.
Our afternoon session consisted of the young people decorating wooden birdhouses. They came up with some of the most 'Tweet-tastic' creative and detailed designs and loved every minute of this activity, once again, that creativity doesn’t need expensive materials, just imagination and encouragement.
Day 4 - World Creativity and Innovation Day Activities (Led by Jen)
Our final Wolverhampton session, led by our creative facilitator Jen, celebrated World Creativity and Innovation Day (21 April) a week early through the creation of galaxy jars and kinetic Agamographs, inspired by artist Yaacov Agam.
In the first part of the session the young people enjoyed a presentation about galaxy's and innovation, before 'taking off' to make their own spectacular light-up galaxy jars, using their creative imaginations. I'm sure you will agree that they truly are 'out of this world'!
In our afternoon session the young people had fun learning about AGAMOGRAPHS, kinetic artworks devised by Israeli artist Yaacov Agam. Their innovation, willingness and inventiveness of this session was an honour to witness.
Participants explored how creativity drives innovation across the world and how art connects to global progress—while making moving artworks that change depending on viewing angle.
A perfect celebration of curiosity, experimentation and imagination and a great way to end our week.
A perfect celebration of curiosity, experimentation and imagination and a great way to end our week.
Supporting Confidence, Inclusion and Wellbeing
Across both programmes, RAW aimed to support young people to:
Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, epilepsy, asthma, moderate learning needs and other health conditions.
RAW sessions are designed to be inclusive, supportive and accessible spaces where every young person can participate creatively at their own pace.
- reduce isolation
- develop confidence
- learn new creative skills
- improve mental wellbeing
- increase awareness of communication differences
- explore healthy lifestyles
- create original artwork
- build friendships
- have fun during the holidays
Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, epilepsy, asthma, moderate learning needs and other health conditions.
RAW sessions are designed to be inclusive, supportive and accessible spaces where every young person can participate creatively at their own pace.
Thank you to our staff and volunteers
Thanks to our Directors, staff, volunteers and sign language interpreters for all their hard work and dedication over this Easter HAF.
Meet the RAW Easter team!
Top L - R : Courtney, Alex, Gary & Tammy
Bottom L - R: Jen, Jemma, Leo & Taran
Some of the feedback from our HAF Survey
Thank You to Our Partners
We would like to thank:
Together, we created safe spaces where creativity could flourish across Sandwell and Wolverhampton, and where young people could leave feeling more confident, connected and inspired than when they arrived.
We’re already looking forward to the next one.
- Department for Education
- Sandwell Council
- City of Wolverhampton Council
- Wednesbury Library
- All Saints Action Network
- 2 Much Passion CIC
- our Deaf role model Gary
- our staff, interpreters and volunteers
Together, we created safe spaces where creativity could flourish across Sandwell and Wolverhampton, and where young people could leave feeling more confident, connected and inspired than when they arrived.
We’re already looking forward to the next one.
Children’s Reimagined Mona Lisa Goes Viral
After Half-Term Art Project
A stunning collaborative artwork created by young people in Wolverhampton has captured hearts online, racking up hundreds of thousands of views and sparking calls for it to be publicly displayed.
The large-scale reimagining of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa was created by children and young people aged 7–16 during a February Half Term Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme run by Wolverhampton-based creative organisation Real Arts Workshops (RAW).
As part of the project, participants learned about Renaissance artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci before each being given a single square of the famous painting to recreate in their own unique style. Using coloured pencils, pastels, paint and collage, the young artists transformed their individual pieces into a vibrant, contemporary interpretation of the world’s most recognisable portrait.
The large-scale reimagining of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa was created by children and young people aged 7–16 during a February Half Term Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme run by Wolverhampton-based creative organisation Real Arts Workshops (RAW).
As part of the project, participants learned about Renaissance artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci before each being given a single square of the famous painting to recreate in their own unique style. Using coloured pencils, pastels, paint and collage, the young artists transformed their individual pieces into a vibrant, contemporary interpretation of the world’s most recognisable portrait.
 The current view and like count (28.2.26) |  The final composited artwork |
When the finished artwork was revealed, staff filmed the children’s reaction—capturing their gasps, laughter and amazement as the separate squares came together to form the complete image.
The video was shared on RAW’s Instagram page and quickly went viral, gaining over half a million views and almost 40,000 likes in just a few days. Have a look for yourself here: Our Viral Mona Lisa Reel
The video was shared on RAW’s Instagram page and quickly went viral, gaining over half a million views and almost 40,000 likes in just a few days. Have a look for yourself here: Our Viral Mona Lisa Reel
 Two of the young artists involved, pointing out their squares |  The individual squares during assembly |
 Detail |  Drawing in progress |
One of RAW’s Directors, Alex Vann, said:
“This project shows the power of creativity when young people are trusted to explore, express and collaborate. Seeing their pride when the final piece was revealed was incredible. The online response has been overwhelming, and it’s wonderful to see their work being celebrated so widely.”
Beyond its viral success, the project highlights the role of creative learning in supporting confidence, wellbeing and connection, particularly during school holidays.
The Mona Lisa project was part of a wider programme delivered at The Workspace, All Saints Action Network, that included pop art canvases, pointillist drawings of Wolverhampton landmarks, British Sign Language and Deaf Awareness workshops, and Children’s Mental Health Week activities.
RAW is now inviting local galleries, community venues and public spaces to consider exhibiting the artwork.
The Mona Lisa project was part of a wider programme delivered at The Workspace, All Saints Action Network, that included pop art canvases, pointillist drawings of Wolverhampton landmarks, British Sign Language and Deaf Awareness workshops, and Children’s Mental Health Week activities.
RAW is now inviting local galleries, community venues and public spaces to consider exhibiting the artwork.
“This isn’t just a picture,” added Vann. “It’s a story of teamwork, imagination and young voices. We’d love to see it hanging somewhere the whole community can enjoy.”
And with growing public interest, one playful question remains: Does Mona need a home?
Notes to Editors
Real Arts Workshops (RAW) is an independent arts and British Sign Language (BSL) workshop provider based in Wolverhampton, delivering creative programmes for individuals, education, healthcare and communities settings for participants of all ages and abilities.
Website: www.realartsworkshops.co.uk
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, introduced in 2021, provides free school holiday provision including healthy meals and enriching activities for children from low-income households.
For information about the HAF programme in Wolverhampton email: [email protected]
For media enquiries, interviews or exhibition opportunities, please contact: [email protected]
Real Arts Workshops (RAW) is an independent arts and British Sign Language (BSL) workshop provider based in Wolverhampton, delivering creative programmes for individuals, education, healthcare and communities settings for participants of all ages and abilities.
Website: www.realartsworkshops.co.uk
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, introduced in 2021, provides free school holiday provision including healthy meals and enriching activities for children from low-income households.
For information about the HAF programme in Wolverhampton email: [email protected]
For media enquiries, interviews or exhibition opportunities, please contact: [email protected]
Incredible creations by young people in Wolverhampton
We were deligted to be one of the funded projects delivering HAF Activities* over the Feb Half Term school holidays in Wolverhampton.
*The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, introduced in 2021, provides free school holiday provision including healthy meals and enriching activities for children from low-income households. Evidence shows that free holiday clubs such as the HAF scheme can have a positive impact on children and young people, and provide consistent and easily accessible enrichment activities.
We hired space at Workspace, ASAN (All Saints Action Network) for 5 dates (16th – 20th February 2026) and they also provided our catering and delivered a varied timetable of creative activities, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with plenty of plan B’s / and C’s for ‘fast finishers.’
RAW aimed to achieve the following outcomes, among others, for the young people we worked with in this scheme:
- reduce isolation,
- develop confidence,
- learn new things,
- have fun,
- improve mental health,
- eliminate boredom
- create new artworks that didn’t exist before
- improve self confidence
Some of the young people who attended had additional needs and health conditions, such as:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Nosebleeds
- Dyspraxia
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
- Moderate Learning Needs
- Epilepsy
- Heart condition
- Asthma
SELECTION OF IMAGES
Day 1: Pop Art Fruit and Healthy Lifestyles
On Day One of our scheme we encouraged young people to paint #popart canvases - with a healthy eating theme (one of the core elements of the HAF Programme).
We also delivered some education about #healthylifestyles - including positive mental health, to follow #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek which is driven by the Place2Be movement.
We also delivered some education about #healthylifestyles - including positive mental health, to follow #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek which is driven by the Place2Be movement.
Day 1: Deaf Awareness and BSL learning
The young people learnt about #deafawareness with our Deaf director Gary - as part of our Feb Half Term HAF Activities, funded by City of Wolverhampton Council and Department for Education.
Also some basic #BSL (British Sign Language) learning - including a young person, who has attended our sessions previously, being an ambassador for sign language and teaching the finger spelling alphabet. And, of course, our famous BSL Bingo - with a Healthy Eating theme.
Also some basic #BSL (British Sign Language) learning - including a young person, who has attended our sessions previously, being an ambassador for sign language and teaching the finger spelling alphabet. And, of course, our famous BSL Bingo - with a Healthy Eating theme.
Day 2: Leonardo da Vinci and Recreating his Mona Lisa
A Black Country version of Leonardo's Last Supper by Max Vann (father of our director Alex)
Day 2 of our Feb Half Term #HAF Activities was a focus on Leonardo da Vinci - a true #Renaissance artist, inventor and much more.
We looked at a few of his works including The Last Supper (see a Black Country version of that here, painted by Alex's father Max!), the Vitruvian Man and of course, the Mona Lisa.
Read more about the art of Max Vann here: https://www.alexvann.co.uk/the-art-of-max-vann.html
The young people then created their own version of the Mona Lisa in square sections which were pieced together at the end of the session. We think she looks great, what do you think?
The reveal video of the recreation has gone viral on Instagram (more about that in a later post).
Watch the video here.
We looked at a few of his works including The Last Supper (see a Black Country version of that here, painted by Alex's father Max!), the Vitruvian Man and of course, the Mona Lisa.
Read more about the art of Max Vann here: https://www.alexvann.co.uk/the-art-of-max-vann.html
The young people then created their own version of the Mona Lisa in square sections which were pieced together at the end of the session. We think she looks great, what do you think?
The reveal video of the recreation has gone viral on Instagram (more about that in a later post).
Watch the video here.
Day 3: Georges Seurat and Pointillism
Some truly remarkable Pointillist marker drawings, in the style of Georges Seurat, by young people attending RAW's HAF session at All Saints Action Network Ltd
Some Wolverhampton landmarks as you've never seen them before and other subjects all made with tiny dots and a load of patience! This is a really mindful and relaxing activity to do.
Some Wolverhampton landmarks as you've never seen them before and other subjects all made with tiny dots and a load of patience! This is a really mindful and relaxing activity to do.
Day 4 : Hama Beads and Slate Coasters
On day 4 the young people used Hama fuse beads to create characters, creatures and objects and decorated their slate coasters with beautiful designs which were then varnished.
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Day 5: Mental Health Activities
On day 5 we focused on #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek and the young people participated in a range activities to help them think about their own self care and the steps they can take to safeguard their positive mental health.
This included making 'What Makes Me Happy' posters, watching a presentation by Jen which included some resources from Place2Be, learning #BSL signs related to the theme, and making their own 'zines (see the next post).
We rounded off the day by singing - and signing - the classic Bob Marley song 'Three Little Birds'...."Don't worry, about a thing...." with Alex on the guitar.
#GivingPeopleACreativeVoice #mentalhealth #HAFActivities #BobMarley
We rounded off the day by singing - and signing - the classic Bob Marley song 'Three Little Birds'...."Don't worry, about a thing...." with Alex on the guitar.
#GivingPeopleACreativeVoice #mentalhealth #HAFActivities #BobMarley
Children's Mental Health - Resources and Signposting
SAMARITANS
If you need urgent support but don't want to go to A&E you can call Samaritans. They're always open and there to listen.
Freephone 116 123.
CHILDLINE
Childline is a free, private and confidential service for anyone under 19 with any issue you are going through. You can talk to them about anything, whatever your worry, whenever you need help, anytime day or night.
www.childline.org.uk
Phone: 0800 1111
YOUNG MINDS
Young Minds is a mental health charity for children and young people. They give advice and information about mental health conditions and support for young people & parents and carers.
www.youngminds.org.uk
Text YM to 85258
KOOTH
A free, anonymous, online counselling and emotional well-being service for young people aged 11-18 (up to 25 for care leavers/SEND).
www.kooth.com
BASE 25
Base 25 provides a safe, drop-in space for under 25s in Wolverhampton city centre for emotional support and counseling. 29-31 Temple St, Wolverhampton WV2 4AN
01902 572040
[email protected]
If you need urgent support but don't want to go to A&E you can call Samaritans. They're always open and there to listen.
Freephone 116 123.
CHILDLINE
Childline is a free, private and confidential service for anyone under 19 with any issue you are going through. You can talk to them about anything, whatever your worry, whenever you need help, anytime day or night.
www.childline.org.uk
Phone: 0800 1111
YOUNG MINDS
Young Minds is a mental health charity for children and young people. They give advice and information about mental health conditions and support for young people & parents and carers.
www.youngminds.org.uk
Text YM to 85258
KOOTH
A free, anonymous, online counselling and emotional well-being service for young people aged 11-18 (up to 25 for care leavers/SEND).
www.kooth.com
BASE 25
Base 25 provides a safe, drop-in space for under 25s in Wolverhampton city centre for emotional support and counseling. 29-31 Temple St, Wolverhampton WV2 4AN
01902 572040
[email protected]
QUOTES FROM LEARNERS
- Doing the Mona Lisa collage was very fun, I liked using pastels
- I enjoyed doing Mona Lisa today.
- I enjoyed doing Mona Lisa, I loved the paper part and how it turned out.
- I enjoyed doing pop art, I enjoyed it because I learnt a new way to create art using a different art technique with colours.
- It was fun! I liked that it was challenging, and I like painting.
- On Monday I really enjoyed painting 4 different fruits and on Tuesday I enjoyed painting the 2 squares of Mona Lisa collage.
- I had a really fun experience.
- Pop art was nice. I liked painting it.
- Today I enjoyed doing the Pointillism artwork – it was fun
- I felt happy.
- It was fun. I liked that it was challenging and I like painting.
- I would like to do more Hama beads. I had a fun experience using Hama beads.
- I love this place.
- Today was definitely good
- I like doing the coasters.
- I think today was good because we did Hama beads and coaster today was definitely good.
- I felt calm and excited because I loved the session and made me feel enjoyable.
- I loved both the activities; I did like to do more of the beads.
- I like all today. It was fun
- It was amazing - so much fun.
- I enjoyed everything today. The Pointillism art was really fun and relaxing.
- This place is really nice and I don’t think the staff need to improve
- I love it here
- The teachers are very kind and so is the company too. I love the experience it is great to be a part of the lovely club keep up your good work and remember to always keep going towards your dreams and never give up god bless all of you community it is great to have positive club and this club is always positive and when I say it’s nice being in this club I mean the club is nice have a great day all of you guys, bye now guys
SURVEY RESPONSES
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THANK YOU!
THE RAW TEAM!
Thanks to our Directors, staff, volunteers and sign language interpreters for making this scheme one of our most impactful projects ever!
L-R: Jenaitre, Tammy, Gary, Alex, Jemma, Lisa, Courtney and Taran
Thanks to our Directors, staff, volunteers and sign language interpreters for making this scheme one of our most impactful projects ever!
L-R: Jenaitre, Tammy, Gary, Alex, Jemma, Lisa, Courtney and Taran
February Half Term HAF Art and BSL Activities
We are pleased to announce hat we have been funded by City of Wolverhampton Council and the DfE to provide a programme of February Half Term HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) Art & BSL (British Sign Language) activities.
These are FREE sessions for eligible* young people in Wolverhampton aged 7-16 (up to 25 with an EHCP).
All tuition, high quality resources and a hot/cold lunch are provided. *Eligible families will have received communication from CWC regarding this.
These sessions are delivered at:
The Workspace at All Saints Action Network (ASAN), All Saints Road, WV2 1EL
on 5 days: Monday 16th to Friday 20th February 2026 from 10am - 2.30pm each day.
BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN
Uses the button below to book /register interest:
All tuition, high quality resources and a hot/cold lunch are provided. *Eligible families will have received communication from CWC regarding this.
These sessions are delivered at:
The Workspace at All Saints Action Network (ASAN), All Saints Road, WV2 1EL
on 5 days: Monday 16th to Friday 20th February 2026 from 10am - 2.30pm each day.
BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN
Uses the button below to book /register interest:
Celebrating 2025 & Stepping into 2026
Celebrating an Epic 2025 at Real Arts Workshops
2025 was a year of growth, connection and pure creative joy for Real Arts Workshops from hospital art sessions to wizard-level pencil drawn snakes and community celebrations. Here’s a look back at what we achieved as we brought high-quality, inclusive art experiences to people of all ages and abilities across the Midlands and beyond.
A big thank you to our funders, partners, supporters, attendees, volunteers, staff and freelancers who have all helped to contribute to a fantastic year and helped us to create a long lasting impact within the community.
Winter / Quarter 1: Kicking Off with Creativity and Connection
January
We started the year under the HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) banner crafting wooden models, optical illusion art inspired by Howard Lee, and sketching snakes (because 2025 was the Chinese Year of the Snake) — thanks to funding from the Department for Education, City of Wolverhampton Council, and a stellar team of volunteers.
Meanwhile, our creative journey with The Joy Project at Walsall Art Gallery took off, working with Funky Kids and Braidwood Trust School for the Deaf to empower young people through expressive art.
February
The Joy Project installation officially launched at Walsall Art Gallery — vibrant testimonies of joy and resilience on display for the community to enjoy.
We also designed and installed Memory Pots in tribute to students and staff at Hive College, Birmingham, and launched the fresh new Real Arts Workshops website — shiny, streamlined and ready for 2025!
March
Spring bloomed with creative purpose, we attended the Care, Create, Conserve celebration at Wolverhampton Archives, started weekly art sessions at West Park Hospital NRU (funded by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity), and shared fun content during Sign Language Week to spotlight inclusive communication.
Spring / Quarter 2: Growth, Colour & Community Spirit
April
Easter HAF was a hit with pop art card making and expressive projects. We loved seeing children signing and performing Alex’s original song “We Shine Together.”
Art and BSL sessions at West Park Hospital continued to flourish, building stronger bonds through creative expression.
May
We teamed up with Sandwell Children’s Disabled Children for imaginative Minecraft art and continued our impactful sessions at West Park.
June
June brought the first “Enjoy Art” Summer Art Festival at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, complete with snake modelling and community cheer.
Easter HAF was a hit with pop art card making and expressive projects. We loved seeing children signing and performing Alex’s original song “We Shine Together.”
Art and BSL sessions at West Park Hospital continued to flourish, building stronger bonds through creative expression.
May
We teamed up with Sandwell Children’s Disabled Children for imaginative Minecraft art and continued our impactful sessions at West Park.
June
June brought the first “Enjoy Art” Summer Art Festival at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, complete with snake modelling and community cheer.
Summer / Quarter 3: A Creative Explosion
July
The Power Within project with Cue Sports CIC invited children and adults alike to make art that celebrates inner strength.
The Joy Project wrapped up at Walsall Art Gallery with a vibrant closing event, and we delivered art and BSL sessions at MCC CIC in Walsall and collaborative Elizabeth Catlett and Tinga Tinga artwork with St Stephens C of E School — big, bold, joyful pieces.
We also delivered HAF schemes in Sandwell and Dudley for the first time, bringing creativity and inclusive fun to even more young people.
August
Our West Park Hospital art and BSL sessions gained continued support from DDC Engineering Ltd, lighting up minds and hands alike.
Back-to-back HAF sessions in Dudley kept young makers buzzing, and we brought the creative vibes to Same Difference Festival at West Park, Wolverhampton — celebrating youth and culture.
September
We celebrated the Hope Community Project’s 40th anniversary with a sculpture incorporating archival material — a beautiful blend of memory and creativity — and kept the West Park workshops inspiring every week.
The Power Within project with Cue Sports CIC invited children and adults alike to make art that celebrates inner strength.
The Joy Project wrapped up at Walsall Art Gallery with a vibrant closing event, and we delivered art and BSL sessions at MCC CIC in Walsall and collaborative Elizabeth Catlett and Tinga Tinga artwork with St Stephens C of E School — big, bold, joyful pieces.
We also delivered HAF schemes in Sandwell and Dudley for the first time, bringing creativity and inclusive fun to even more young people.
August
Our West Park Hospital art and BSL sessions gained continued support from DDC Engineering Ltd, lighting up minds and hands alike.
Back-to-back HAF sessions in Dudley kept young makers buzzing, and we brought the creative vibes to Same Difference Festival at West Park, Wolverhampton — celebrating youth and culture.
September
We celebrated the Hope Community Project’s 40th anniversary with a sculpture incorporating archival material — a beautiful blend of memory and creativity — and kept the West Park workshops inspiring every week.
Autumn / Quarter 4: Art, Community and Bold New Projects
October
Alex performed with Alan Warden for adults at Me Myself and I (a dementia carers’ support group). Kids lit up Compton Care with fireworks art and models.
We took RAW to the Highways Show at NEC Birmingham alongside DDC Engineering, featuring a book designed to encourage futures in engineering and design.
Celebrations continued at Hope Community’s 40th Anniversary, where art connected generations.
November
We launched the Adoption at Heart Digital Quilt — a breathtaking tapestry of 294 artworks made by individuals, schools, groups, and four local mayors exploring what “family” and “home” mean. The printed piece featured at St Peter’s Collegiate Church as part of Wolves Fringe Arts Fest — a true community mosaic. See the full digital version of the final quilt design here.
December
We closed out with graffiti workshops at BID Services Birmingham, joyful Christmas Pop Art at Compton Care, and HAF sessions across Dudley, Sandwell, and Wolverhampton — creative energy all the way into the winter break.
Alex performed with Alan Warden for adults at Me Myself and I (a dementia carers’ support group). Kids lit up Compton Care with fireworks art and models.
We took RAW to the Highways Show at NEC Birmingham alongside DDC Engineering, featuring a book designed to encourage futures in engineering and design.
Celebrations continued at Hope Community’s 40th Anniversary, where art connected generations.
November
We launched the Adoption at Heart Digital Quilt — a breathtaking tapestry of 294 artworks made by individuals, schools, groups, and four local mayors exploring what “family” and “home” mean. The printed piece featured at St Peter’s Collegiate Church as part of Wolves Fringe Arts Fest — a true community mosaic. See the full digital version of the final quilt design here.
December
We closed out with graffiti workshops at BID Services Birmingham, joyful Christmas Pop Art at Compton Care, and HAF sessions across Dudley, Sandwell, and Wolverhampton — creative energy all the way into the winter break.
What’s Coming in 2026: We’re Just Getting Started
We’re charging into 2026 with more of the heart-filled, boundary-breaking creativity that RAW is known for:
West Park Hospital NRU Art + BSL Sessions – Funding from DDC Engineering Ltd and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity continues, meaning 13 weeks of mixed creative activities and British Sign Language learning are on the calendar. Read more about the impact the project is having here: https://bit.ly/4h0Ov7s
Free February Half-Term HAF Activities (16th–20th Feb) – Awesome sessions for HAF-eligible young people in Wolverhampton at The Workspace ASAN. For more information and booking visit: https://eequ.org/book/23306
WCEP Partnership – RAW continues its proud membership of the Wolverhampton Cultural Education Partnership, ensuring young people get high-quality arts and cultural opportunities throughout the year. Visit https://wolverhamptoncep.org/
Pilot Project with Birmingham Women’s & Children’s NHS Trust – An exciting, blended Art + BSL programme for staff to boost patient experience and cultural awareness launches early this year.
Deaf Community Sessions at BID Services – art workshops with the youth club and a session for adults during Sign Language Week at BID services in Birmingham https://www.bid.org.uk/.
More HAF Fun All Year Round – We’re aiming for creative wonder at Easter, Summer, and Winter holiday programmes across more areas in 2026 — so keep your art smocks ready!
Alex on the Move – Our co-director continues his trustee journey with Zebra Access CIO, championing access, inclusion, and communication for Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Find more information about the charity here: www.zebra-access.com
Thank You for Being Part of the Story
2025 was jam-packed with colour, connection, play, and SO much community spirit. From kids experimenting with clay to adults finding expression through art and sign language and our incredible volunteers, you made this year unforgettable.
Let’s make 2026 even bigger, bolder, and more beautiful.
Ready?
Please do get in touch with any queries / feedback on any of the articles or if you think we’d be a good match with your organisation to deliver uplifting and engaging art/BSL projects.
| RAW WINTER_ROUND_UP_25_26.pdf |
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Amazing Winter Creativity across 3 local authorities
Evidence shows that free holiday clubs such as the HAF scheme can have a positive impact on children and young people, and provide consistent and easily accessible enrichment activities.
We were delighted to be awarded funding from 3 separate West Midlands local authorities to deliver meaningful sessions during the Christmas school holidays.
RAW aimed to achieve the following outcomes, among others, for the young people we worked with in this scheme:
We were delighted to be awarded funding from 3 separate West Midlands local authorities to deliver meaningful sessions during the Christmas school holidays.
RAW aimed to achieve the following outcomes, among others, for the young people we worked with in this scheme:
- reduce isolation,
- develop confidence,
- learn new things,
- have fun,
- improve mental health,
- eliminate boredom
- create new artworks that didn’t exist before
- improve self confidence
WOLVERHAMPTON WINTER HAF SCHEME
 | Our Wolverhampton HAF scheme ran for 4 days in total: 3 dates Mon 22nd - Wed 24th Dec 2025 at The Workspace, All Saints Action Network WV2 1EL and 1 date on 2nd January 2026 at Bob Jones Community Hub. We worked with 24 young people most days. Families booked on through the EEQU booking system, and HAF eligibility was a benefits related free school meal and we worked with 7-16 year olds, or an EHCP (Education Health Care Plan), and we worked with young people 7-25. |
Our team is compassionate, and patient and all the young people were able to create some artworks(s) and learn some BSL.
We commissioned an art therapist to lead a Vision Boards and Calendar making session where young people were able to visualise their aspirations for the coming year.
We invited parents to attend a British Sign Language tuition workshop at our final session at Bob Jones Community Hub. Some parents did attend and took part in the session and some of their feedback is shown below. We also held a ‘pop-up’ art gallery displaying some artwork made by young people in our previous HAF sessions over the past couple of years.
We commissioned an art therapist to lead a Vision Boards and Calendar making session where young people were able to visualise their aspirations for the coming year.
We invited parents to attend a British Sign Language tuition workshop at our final session at Bob Jones Community Hub. Some parents did attend and took part in the session and some of their feedback is shown below. We also held a ‘pop-up’ art gallery displaying some artwork made by young people in our previous HAF sessions over the past couple of years.
Selection of Photos - Wolverhampton
Feedback from learners and parents / carers - Wolverhampton
22.12.25
- Very fun my favourite was the Christmas cards. I recommend this activity.
- I felt good and I had fun.
- I liked it! I kind of think that we should do more of this stuff
- I like decorating the small pots and painting on the mini canvas.
- Very nice
- I liked the pots the most.
- I enjoyed the canvas painting and enjoyed all the other activities
- My favourite thing was designing tiny pots.
- I think it was nice and the bells were good
- I really had a jolly experience doing the canvas
- I like doing the mini pots and I would be better if they had stars. Everything else was good.
23.12.25
- I enjoyed all the activities today; it was really fun.
- I liked when we made a calendar of the year.
- It was very fun today.
- I really liked doing the activities and I would like to do more.
- Favourite so far! I loved the freedom we had to decorate it all.
- My favourite activity was the calendar.
- My day had fun and making the vision board.
- I enjoyed everything activities because they were really fun.
- I liked doing the vision board. I also like to do the calendar.
- I enjoyed doing my vision board and I like to do something like this again with stickers.
24.12.25
- Today I liked drawing the bird (robin)
- I loved the activity today. They were really fun.
- I had fun with sign language.
- I enjoyed learning different sign language and motions I also liked the BSL bingo.
- I liked doing the BSL and enjoyed sign language I also liked doing the drawing the bird.
- I liked drawing my robin bird and doing sign language. Next time I want to do more drawing.
- I enjoyed today.
- I enjoyed drawing robin bird and very nice.
- I like coming here, I liked doing my activity, I liked the food and I liked the staff and volunteers.
- It was fun and the thing that I love the most was doing sign language
- I enjoyed the BSL bingo and the bird drawing we did.
- I liked doing robin drawing, he looks fluffy but it was hard to draw.
- I liked drawing robin. It was really hard to do.
2.1.26
- We did a firework paper drawing using Posca pens and a horse drawing in the morning and BSL and I enjoyed today.
- The kids enjoy it. Really wonderful. So informing and educational. Food was ok. Thank you. (PARENT)
- I don’t like the food or the drawing, but I really enjoyed the BSL and the BSL games and Bingo.
- I really enjoyed coming and want to learn more.
- I enjoyed it so much, it doesn’t need changing.
- It needs to improve on more activities otherwise everything was very nice.
- I like learning new language and art.
- I felt amazing. I loved the food and the activities. Nothing bad happened.
- PARENT: I really enjoy your BSL session which is very informative. My children really enjoyed as my daughter really wants to learn BSL. Thank you.
- Best day ever so much fun
- I liked all the activities and the fireworks
- I loved to learn sign language.
DUDLEY WINTER HAF SCHEME
 | Our Dudley HAF scheme ran for 3 days : Mon 29th - Wed 31st Dec at Green Park Community Centre, Dudley DY2 7LG We worked with 15 young people most days. Families booked on through the Booking Lab system, and HAF eligibility was a benefits related free school meal and we worked with 7-16 year olds. |
We had use of the classroom at Green Park Community Centre, DY2 7LG.
At lunchtimes we were able to use the small playground and neighbouring football courts to allow the children to get some fresh air and exercise.
Some of the young people who attended had additional needs and health conditions , eg
At lunchtimes we were able to use the small playground and neighbouring football courts to allow the children to get some fresh air and exercise.
Some of the young people who attended had additional needs and health conditions , eg
- Autism
- Neuro Diverse
- ADHD
- Dyspraxia
- Genetic condition NF1
- Attachment/developmental trauma
- Behavioural linked to attachment/trauma ADHD
- Sensory-neural deafness - cochlear implants
Selection of Photos - Dudley
Recipe and food packs from Black Country Food Bank
We were able to distribute some amazing recipe and ingredients packs provided by Black Country Food Bank. They went down very well with families who had already made the chicken curry and spaghetti Bolognese!
Feedback from learners and parents/carers - Dudley
29.12.25
- Loved playing outside and art.
- Today was fun.
- The BSL was fun although I thought it would be boring. The Art/Acrylic Posca was something fun and new to learn and the fruit beginning was an interesting way to spark creativity.
- I liked the scratchy thing (scratch art card for fireworks)
- I felt really happy; my favourite thing was drawing the fireworks.
- I like when we learned own names (in BSL) and I love it.
- Today was the best I enjoyed making pictures with the fruit. I most enjoyed going and playing on the mini park and learning sign language.
- I love today. The teachers are helpful and funny. I like learning and listening with sign language.
- I enjoyed the firework piece in the art section and all of the BSL bit because I find sign language very interesting.
30.12.25
- I loved it.
- I loved everything today.
31.12.25PARENT A
- I enjoyed doing the clay and making the models. I also enjoyed recapping on my BSL.
- I liked the part where I designed the bag.
- I LOVED today. I loved making clay. I loved the food. I loved sign language and drawing.
- My favourite thing was the BSL, clay and design bag.
- I enjoyed the clay and the bag today.
- I like the food and making bag.
- I liked the food it filled me up and really nice. I liked doing the clay and I like making bags.
- I liked today because we made stuff out as clay and designed a bag and the lunch was lovely.
- I enjoyed designing my own bag. I also enjoyed the lunch.
- I enjoyed making my own bag and the lunch.
- I liked today because we made stuff out of clay.
- Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. I’ve really enjoyed myself and enjoyed doing different types of art. The food was great.
- Everyone is nice.
-
My 3 daughters, absolutely loved every second of the Dudley HAF sessions they attended. They all love learning BSL and find it fascinating. They love art and one is particularly passionate about art and is always either creating something from clay or drawing . They are already looking forward to Easter sessions!
Thank you for the dedication and hard work from all the team x
PARENT B
My daughter said the activities were great with lovely staff helping. She would prefer to be with children her own age suggesting there is a teenage group.
SANDWELL WINTER HAF SCHEME
 | Our Sandwell Winter HAF scheme ran for 3 days : Mon 29th - Wed 31st Dec in the upstairs room at the beautiful Carnegie Wednesbury Library, Walsall Street Wednesbury WS10 9EH We worked with 15 young people most days. Families booked on through the e-Vouchers system, and HAF eligibility was a benefits related free school meal and we worked with 7-16 year olds, and EHCP upto age 19 (we worked with children aged 7 and up). |
We had use of the upstairs room at Wednesbury Library and were well looked after by the staff there. An access lift was available for those that needed it.
At lunchtimes we were able to use the small memorial garden opposite the library to allow the children to get some fresh air and exercise.
Some of the young people had additional needs , eg
At lunchtimes we were able to use the small memorial garden opposite the library to allow the children to get some fresh air and exercise.
Some of the young people had additional needs , eg
- Autism
- ADHD
- Neurological disorder affecting mobilty and cognition
- Speech and language difficulties
Selection of Photos - Sandwell
Feedback from learners and parents/carers - Sandwell
29.12.25
- I loved it and got to learn things
- I learnt more about sign language and foods in BSL
- I felt good about this activity it was more interesting than I expected and extremely fun. I would probably come back here again.
30.12.25
- I made things with clay
- I really enjoyed the clay making as it allowed me to express my artism
- Very, very, very, very, very good!
- I found the clay art fun and would like to do that again
- I enjoyed clay sculpting and designing a picture
- It was very nice and good
- AMAZING!
- Super fun but maybe let people use coloured clay
- I enjoyed that we had lots of fun things, and I think I want to do it again
- I liked when we made bags
31.12.25
- I enjoyed it very much!
- I did graffiti!
- I liked the chicken burger and Jenga!
- I like when we did the (watercolour) picture it was so fun, I loved it
- I enjoyed graffiti and the staff/hosts are very kind
THANK YOU!
We are enormously grateful to the Department for Education for funding our (and many others across the region) Winter HAF scheme 2025-6.
We can see the real benefit these type of activities have for families particularly in the school holidays.
Thanks also to the local councils for choosing our scheme to be funded, we know there are numerous programmes and applications and it would be impossible to fund them all.
Thanks to all our venues for their commitment and support and caterers: ASANdwich in Wolverhampton, Jenny's Kitchen in Dudley and 2MUCH Passion CIC in Sandwell. The young people LOVE the food you have provided with so much love.
Thanks to all staff, volunteers, freelancers, interpreters and our own families who allow us the time to prepare, research, test, develop, plan, budget and all the other things that go on behind the scenes.
We can see the real benefit these type of activities have for families particularly in the school holidays.
Thanks also to the local councils for choosing our scheme to be funded, we know there are numerous programmes and applications and it would be impossible to fund them all.
Thanks to all our venues for their commitment and support and caterers: ASANdwich in Wolverhampton, Jenny's Kitchen in Dudley and 2MUCH Passion CIC in Sandwell. The young people LOVE the food you have provided with so much love.
Thanks to all staff, volunteers, freelancers, interpreters and our own families who allow us the time to prepare, research, test, develop, plan, budget and all the other things that go on behind the scenes.
 |  |  |
October News Round Up
Welcome to our latest newsletter showcasing some of our Summer projects in 2025.
We hope you enjoy reading it, your organisation or group might even feature!
The PDF below version has live links, and if your reader supports these you will be able to find out more information about a particular article, such as blogs about our West Park Hospital project funded by DDC Engineering and our Summer HAF schemes.
The PDF below version has live links, and if your reader supports these you will be able to find out more information about a particular article, such as blogs about our West Park Hospital project funded by DDC Engineering and our Summer HAF schemes.
| RAW_NEWS_OCTOBER_2025.pdf |
Delivering summer HAF Schemes across the region
Over summer 2025 we delivered HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) schemes in not one but 3 local authorities: Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton.
The HAF programme was rolled out by the government in 2021 and provides free holiday provision including healthy food and enriching activities for low-income households.
Evidence shows that free holiday clubs can have a positive impact on children and young people. It also encourages children to eat healthily over the school holidays, remain active, take part in activities that support resilience, character and wellbeing and fosters a sense of achievement.
This fits in with RAW’s own ethos, that ‘art is good for everyone’ and our purpose which is ‘to engage people in meaningful creative experiences that enable them to build their confidence, meet new people, develop skills and break down barriers’
Evidence shows that free holiday clubs can have a positive impact on children and young people. It also encourages children to eat healthily over the school holidays, remain active, take part in activities that support resilience, character and wellbeing and fosters a sense of achievement.
This fits in with RAW’s own ethos, that ‘art is good for everyone’ and our purpose which is ‘to engage people in meaningful creative experiences that enable them to build their confidence, meet new people, develop skills and break down barriers’
RAW aimed to achieve the following outcomes, among others, for the young people we worked with in this scheme:
- reduce isolation,
- develop confidence,
- learn new things,
- have fun,
- improve mental health,
- eliminate boredom
- create new artworks that didn’t exist before
- improve self confidence
We have been a HAF provider to City of Wolverhampton Council for many years and it’s been our aim to develop this offer into other authorities and so we chose 2 neighbouring areas, Dudley and Sandwell this summer, a week of activities in each.
SANDWELL HAF – Wednesbury Library 28.7.25 – 1.8.25
What a brilliant first time delivering our first Sandwell Summer HAF project at the beautiful Wednesbury Library, a Carnegie Library.
The young people did loads of creative projects such as charcoal drawings, Escher tessellations, clay pots, mask making and Steve from Minecraft cartoons.
We included some education about healthy lifestyles, including Arcimboldo style portraits with real fruit (which they then ate!); drawings of fruit and vegetable faces, and the children wrote affirmations on tags and placed them on large cardboard fruits, and some British Sign Language fruit and veg vocab. They had chance for some physical activity at lunchtimes in the neighbouring memorial garden.
The young people did loads of creative projects such as charcoal drawings, Escher tessellations, clay pots, mask making and Steve from Minecraft cartoons.
We included some education about healthy lifestyles, including Arcimboldo style portraits with real fruit (which they then ate!); drawings of fruit and vegetable faces, and the children wrote affirmations on tags and placed them on large cardboard fruits, and some British Sign Language fruit and veg vocab. They had chance for some physical activity at lunchtimes in the neighbouring memorial garden.
Thanks to all our staff and volunteers for their help, and of course Sandwell Holiday Activities and Department for Education for funding the sessions and many more across the borough. Thanks also to 2 Much Passion CIC for providing delicious hot food this week.
SELECTION OF PHOTOS
QUOTES FROM LEARNERS
28.7.25
- I like activities we did and that you included education.
- Very fun time colouring and eating fruit and dinner.
- I liked the Minecraft drawing – especially how I can draw a Minecraft poster. Staff were friendly and nice I had lots of fun. Probably the best club I’ve been to this holiday.
- I liked the [Minecraft] Steve step by step drawing. It made it easy to follow the process.
29.7.25
- BSL Bingo, Signing, Clay making and colouring. Food was great, great communication, signing games more of them please. Lovely morning
- Really fun clay [pot making]
- Playing with clay was fun.
- I enjoyed doing the clay models and the wood models. I enjoyed lunch and I really enjoyed learning some more Sign Language.
30.7.25
- Today we did drawing and it was fun. I did finger spelling with Gary, it was good. The food was lovely then we made plate drawings.
- I loved today, especially plate making to making patterns on paper.
- Everything was perfect.
- It was fun today and lunch too.
- I like everything today
31.7.25
- I enjoyed it and had fun. I liked charcoal, its good, and making a tile - very colourful. I liked the food.
- I liked doing the art with charcoal and I liked the food.
- I liked lunch very much and I enjoyed with tiles and charcoal.
- I felt happy and I liked drawing on the tiles.
- I liked the tiles and charcoal.
- I loved today’s activity painting on tiles and drawing with chalk. It’s been very fun.
- It was very good today, I like all of the staff.
1.9.25
- In the morning we made homemade pencil cases, and masks in the afternoon. I enjoyed it and I made a new friends.
- liked the pencil case and mask. I love the food too. Staff are friendly + helpful. I’d like to come again in future.
- I felt happy and I liked doing the mask and pencil case.
- I liked making my mask and pencil case. I learnt some Sign Language as well and played ‘sign down the line’. I really, really, really loved lunch.
- [Mum] Great time for A today. He loved the mask decorating and pencil case. Ideas for future activities: sand art, T-shirt printing & mug decorating.
QUOTES FROM PARENTS
My son had a brilliant time, he even asked for another day he could go, the staff was amazing, wished they had more dates, really hope next school holidays there more dates.
ET
My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the activities with RAW and said the staff was great. She looks forward to doing sessions with them in the future.
KR
To all at R.A.W,
[W] attended your arts workshop and had a lot of fun! She came home with a lovely mask and pencil case she had created and said the people were friendly and helped her.
She would love to do another workshop with you in the future as she loves drawing. Having someone there using BSL was great too and the postcard of the alphabet is something I hope to teach the children over the summer break also!
Thank you for looking after W and hope to see you soon!
LW
DUDLEY HAF – Green Park Community Centre 4.8.25 – 8.8.25
We had use of the classroom at Green Park Community Centre, DY2 7LG.
At lunchtimes we were able to use the small playground and neighbouring football courts to allow the children to get some fresh air and exercise.
Many of the young people who attended had additional needs and health conditions.
Thanks to Dudley HAF and Department for Education for funding these sessions.
At lunchtimes we were able to use the small playground and neighbouring football courts to allow the children to get some fresh air and exercise.
Many of the young people who attended had additional needs and health conditions.
Thanks to Dudley HAF and Department for Education for funding these sessions.
SELECTION OF PHOTOS
 |  |
 |   |
QUOTES FROM LEARNERS
Today the activity I have enjoyed the most is using your imagination to create pictures with fruit
I like how we made things and how you get to play outside and have fun and I learned sign language and how to finger spell my own name.
I liked the clay sculpting and learning a new language.
I felt happy today because I like drawing. I liked my lunch. I have fun. I made a friend.
I would like to come again because I love art and what I’ve done today.
The things that I liked the most was going outside to play because I had fun and started to make new friends and the food was really good.
I love the food and the art – it was the best day ever.
We really enjoyed it. The activities were really good.
Great fun, I enjoyed doing charcoal I liked going to outside at lunchtime. The food was lovely. I’d like to come again in future
I absolutely loved our day I had fun using charcoal and it inspired me to use it in the future. I loved the tile and I think next time could try papier maché
I liked today activity because it made more confident with my drawing by exploring art equipment. Liked doing the tiles because it was fun to colour.
I enjoyed it a lot it was easy and enjoyable and its for a long time but feels like a short time.
I enjoyed the pencil case because you could take it to school and take it with you. I really liked it here too.
It was fun, I loved it.
I felt great.
I felt very happy, relaxed and tired after today. I loved everything we did today. I would love if next time we did some painting.
This is the best club I’ve ever been to.
QUOTES FROM PARENTS
“M attended the workshop and really enjoyed it. Thank you so much.”
“My son said it was really fun using different types of art and learning a bit of sign language.”
“C has been to many ART activities through HAF but I must say this was very impressive.
It has revealed her creative mind and talent and the material use in the activity is of good quality.”
“I wish there was a possibility there for her and other children to be picked up and given a chance to develop their talent.”
“She proudly displays her work in her bedroom wall and can’t wait to joint the next opportunity. Will be happy to pass her HAF details to be booked for all future activity you will organise.”
“The sign posting materials are of good use too.”
“Thank you very much, for your time and dedication.”
“Fantastic! My girls said the session was amazing and are gutted they can’t do it again.”
WOLVERHAMPTON HAF SCHEME – 11.8.25 – 22.8.25
We hired the hall at Workspace, ASAN (All Saints Action Network) WV2 1EL.
At lunchtimes we were able to use the football courts over the road (weather permitting) to allow the children to get some fresh air and exercise.
We also commissioned 3 external professionals to lead sessions as part of our offer: a Qigong teacher who led a gentle martial art to encourage mindful movement; a garment customising expert and an art therapist who led a motivating carnival making session.
We were fully subscribed for this project, having delivered for several years in Wolverhampton we have built up a good reputation for engaging with young people and get a lot of repeat bookings, alongside some new participants.
At lunchtimes we were able to use the football courts over the road (weather permitting) to allow the children to get some fresh air and exercise.
We also commissioned 3 external professionals to lead sessions as part of our offer: a Qigong teacher who led a gentle martial art to encourage mindful movement; a garment customising expert and an art therapist who led a motivating carnival making session.
We were fully subscribed for this project, having delivered for several years in Wolverhampton we have built up a good reputation for engaging with young people and get a lot of repeat bookings, alongside some new participants.
Selection of Photos
QUOTES FROM LEARNERS
From ‘Thought of the Day’ slips:
11.8.25
I like today especially making fruit faces. It was a very fun day today.
I enjoyed learning how to shade in the apple.
I felt good about this activity
I loved the BSL and the crossword and the staff
I really liked when we made animals as a fruits. I would like to do making masks and other creative stuff (we did masks in a later session)
I liked everything and I would like to do more activities and crafts to do with drawing (we did drawing in subsequent sessions)
Very nice activities. Need cardboard and clay please! (we did both activities on subsequent days)
I like doing the fruit animals and in the future, I would like to some painting. (we did painting in a later session)
I am very happy and had so much fun. I like coming here
I felt happy because I learnt BSL and I like doing the pencil drawing of an apple
It was decent doing BSL. The most fun part knowing how to use BSL, it was really helpful. I liked today.
12.8.25
I really like the activities today and when we designed the bag
13.8.25
I like the bag because I like drawing and like the pencil case because I haven’t done that before
I liked creating the bag the best because there were various options to use and materials as well as colours, and because it turned out good.
Today I loved doing art and designing my stuff and I really loved it.
Fun, I liked making drawstring draw bags. I would like cardboard (we did this in a later session)
I really enjoyed making the wooden pencil case 😊
I liked everything we did today. I really liked making my pencil case
19.8.25
I felt satisfied with today activities because the staff friendly and very helpful. I most enjoyed BSL because I’ve always been curious about it but never had a chance to actively learn it from someone else. I have no other comment other than the other kids very friendly.
I enjoyed making the hats and playing BSL games and sign language.
I enjoyed this afternoon’s session. The BSL was really fun and we played BSL Bingo and BSL finger spelling from memory. I think we should do this more often.
I really loved today. It was so fun! I loved the finger spelling and designing the caps. I loved it so much. Thank you!
I enjoyed both BSL and designing the hats today. I also enjoyed the canvas painting and graffiti art yesterday.
I loved doing the blossom tree painting using masking tape and today I loved BSL bingo.
I liked designing my baseball cap. I loved the food at lunchtime.
20.8.25
It was good and fun making the bridges and decorating them
I like the lunch
I loved the teamwork and how it made everyone do everything!
It was fun making a bridge
I enjoyed creating a [cardboard] tower because we got to use a lot of activity and teamwork.
I liked making the bridge and making it stable, strong and colourful.
I liked the teamwork. I got to talk to new people. It was the first time I made something big.
Jotform Survey Responses:
I loved it. Will be come back in the future.
I really liked it thank you❤️
I had a great time😁
I really liked it a lot
I love it here
It was great. Best thing I have ever decided to do
QUOTES FROM PARENTS
“Our child has SEND, is autistic and has a complex presentation which can vary widely from day to day and even minute to minute. Real Arts Workshops have gone above and beyond in making reasonable adjustments to enable his participation in every holiday season for the past few years, and in managing any incidents appropriately when they do happen. This is the only HAF provider we have used in the last year, and we are most grateful for the opportunities RAW have afforded us.”
“My little one enjoyed attending Real Arts Workshops.
She likes crafting, colouring in groups and also learned few signs in BSL and how to cross the road safely. She is definitely looking forward to joining again on the next school break
All the best, Thank you.”
“As always, there was plenty of providers to choose from over the summer holidays. I was sure that my children would ask me if I could sign them up for VR and gaming sessions, but no!
They both asked me if they could go to RAW (again), because they have really enjoyed the previous sessions (during Easter Holidays, Christmas and last year over the summer holidays).
I can’t tell how happy am I that my boys (age 11 and 13) have chosen to spend their time doing arts and crafts over spending time “with technology “.
A whole TEAM of RAW deserves a big THANK YOU and WELL DONE for being very friendly, helpful, creative and for making their sessions so interesting that children want to go back there.
Thank you all. “
We are running a Winter HAF scheme in Wolverhampton on Monday 22nd - Wednesday 24th December 2025 at All Saints Action Network (ASAN) and on Friday 2nd January 2026 at Bob Jones Community Centre.
We are also considering other areas and will post here as soon as applications for families are open.
We are also considering other areas and will post here as soon as applications for families are open.
Reflecting on a Powerful Creative Journey
at West Park Hospital NRU
From May to July 2025, Real Arts Workshops (RAW) were honoured to deliver a series of art and BSL workshops at the Neuro Rehabilitation Unit (NRU) at West Park Hospital in Wolverhampton. What started as an 8-week journey has blossomed into something truly special and we’re thrilled to announce that more sessions are on the horizon!
Thanks to generous funding from DDC Engineering Solutions and support from Your RWTC, the registered charity of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, our creative sessions brought colour, connection, and confidence to patients during their rehabilitation.
As we reflect on what has been a deeply rewarding project, we also look ahead with excitement, knowing that this is only the beginning as DDC has committed to fund further sessions until the end of 2025.
Thanks to generous funding from DDC Engineering Solutions and support from Your RWTC, the registered charity of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, our creative sessions brought colour, connection, and confidence to patients during their rehabilitation.
As we reflect on what has been a deeply rewarding project, we also look ahead with excitement, knowing that this is only the beginning as DDC has committed to fund further sessions until the end of 2025.
Creativity, Confidence, and Connection
Each week from 6th May to 1st July 2025, we delivered hands-on art activities and British Sign Language (BSL) lessons, guided by RAW artists Alex Vann and Gary O’Dowd.
From mindful drawing techniques to language learning and rich discussions about historical art, every session became a platform for expression, joy, and community.
A Room Full of Compassion and Creativity
While the sessions focused on art and language, what really stood out was the emotional depth and peer support in the room. Many participants were navigating life after brain injury, and the workshops offered more than just creative skills they provided a lifeline of connection.
We are incredibly grateful to DDC Engineering for recognising the impact of these workshops and choosing to continue to fund the sessions at West Park Hospital. The partnership journey so far has shown us just how powerful creative expression and inclusive communication can be in rehabilitation at the same time as the company investing in a social project.
If you own a business you could consider funding a project like this and show your customers a commitment to policies on social responsibility , diversity and inclusion.
We are incredibly grateful to DDC Engineering for recognising the impact of these workshops and choosing to continue to fund the sessions at West Park Hospital. The partnership journey so far has shown us just how powerful creative expression and inclusive communication can be in rehabilitation at the same time as the company investing in a social project.
If you own a business you could consider funding a project like this and show your customers a commitment to policies on social responsibility , diversity and inclusion.
Our Co-Director Gary reflected:
“Being greeted in BSL each week was a joy. The patients embraced learning a new language with so much energy—it really showed how art and language together can boost brain function, confidence, and connection.”
| These sessions first began through our Care, Create, Conserve project in 2024, and it's great that the legacy of that project continues to grow. As we move into the next phase, we do so with gratitude, excitement, and a deep commitment to giving people a creative voice. |  |
Our Co-Director Alex said:
“The creativity that emerged was remarkable; not just in the artwork, but in the conversations, the friendships, and the renewed sense of purpose.”
Showcasing the participants' work:
On top of the social aspect of the project and the benefits to the participants and the company funding the project, some really beautiful pieces of art were created which people could take home to share with loved ones.
Autumn trees using masking tape technique
Mindful Biro doodling session
 |  |
Pencil sketches of Dudley Castle (complete with a fascinating history shared by Alex!)
Acrylic Claude Monet-inspired paintings on canvas
 |  |
Blue ink plate designs in the Willow style
BSL learning sessions
MC Escher tessellations session
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Modelling Greek clay pots
Designing terracotta pots
‘WHAT THESE SESSIONS MEAN TO ME’
We regularly survey our participants for their feedback on our sessions.
This is what they had to say about the DDC / Your RWTC sessions:
This is what they had to say about the DDC / Your RWTC sessions:
Follow us on social media for updates and more snapshots from this inspiring project as it develops over the remaining months of 2025.
#GivingPeopleACreativeVoice #ArtAndRehab #NeuroRehabilitation #BSLInclusion #DDCfunded #WestParkHospital
#GivingPeopleACreativeVoice #ArtAndRehab #NeuroRehabilitation #BSLInclusion #DDCfunded #WestParkHospital
Author
Real Arts Workshops is an independent arts company based in the Black Country, providing bespoke workshops for various organisations and groups.
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