Parents who feel lonely and isolated will have the chance to take part in a new project working with community artists across the city to improve their wellbeing after Wolverhampton Arts and Culture successfully secured £94,000 in funding.
The Creative Connections Wolverhampton project will start next month and run until December 2024. It is part of AIM Connected Communities, which is funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
Objects and artworks in the city’s galleries will be the inspiration for creative programmes to help parents who feel isolated connect with others in their communities, supported by community artists and community ambassadors.
The project will be held in the newly relaunched Family Hubs around the city, providing local opportunities for parents to take part in creative sessions alongside their children.
A community champion and community artist in each area will design the programme with the aim of tackling loneliness and helping people to build social connections.
The parents involved will also work with their community artists to display and celebrate what they create in their local Family Hub, which will be shared online.
Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins said:
‘Arts and culture should be for everyone and it has huge benefits for our wellbeing, which when we’re coping with the challenges of day-to-day life can be easily overlooked.
‘It’s not easy being a parent these days and it’s easy to see how people can feel isolated and lonely, but this project will bring people together in their own communities for creative activities that can enrich their lives. It will also help them feel connected and be able to socialise with others in a relaxed environment on their own doorstep.
‘We already know that parents feel welcomed and supported when they engage with arts and culture in the city, as they give great feedback about their experiences. I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure this funding and would encourage any parent to get involved.’
The eight Family Hubs have recently relaunched in Wolverhampton to become the central place in each area where families know they can go for support and social opportunities. Arts and Culture will work closely throughout with the council’s Children’s services to deliver the project.
To find out more and to get involved contact Penelope Thomas artsheritagelearning@wolverhampton.gov.uk
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