Common Ground Creative Sessions

By Maisaa (Newtown Community Builder)

Both sessions were very positive, creative, and brought people together in meaningful ways.

The clay session was particularly engaging because of the tactile experience of working with the material. Participants enjoyed touching and shaping the clay, thinking about what they wanted to create, and then seeing a finished piece emerge from their hands. It was a very calming and creative process, and many participants expressed pride in what they had made. The sense of achievement from creating something tangible seemed to really lift the atmosphere in the room.

The collage session was equally vibrant and social. As people worked on their pieces, conversations developed naturally. Participants shared stories, exchanged ideas, and supported each other creatively. One particularly powerful moment came when two women attending the session realised that they actually live very close to each other. They had been neighbours for around five years but had never met before. Meeting during the session created an immediate connection, which was especially meaningful as one of them had previously shared that she sometimes felt quite lonely in her neighbourhood. Seeing that connection form during the activity was very encouraging.

Across both sessions, the atmosphere was collectively happy, relaxed, and creative. Participants moved between quiet concentration and lively conversation, and the room felt very positive throughout the day. People left feeling proud of what they had created and appreciative of the opportunity to spend time with others in a welcoming space.

It was also valuable for me to listen to participants’ experiences, understand their interests, and connect them with other groups and opportunities happening in the community. Sessions like this clearly play an important role not only in creativity and wellbeing, but also in helping people build relationships and feel more connected to where they live.

The impact on participants’ wellbeing and sense of community was very clear throughout the day.

I wanted to share a further update following the second day of the Common Ground craft sessions. This built on the first sessions and continued to highlight the value of open, creative, and welcoming community spaces.

The day included two sessions, beginning with a cardboard art activity led by Pete, encouraging participants to create expressive forms. This prompted deeper emotional engagement for some. One participant became emotional while reflecting on her work, took time to talk through her feelings, and later returned feeling grounded and proud, sharing she had discovered a new creative side of herself.

The session also showed how trust encourages continued engagement. One returning participant actively sought ways to connect further into the community. During the session, she shared a practical issue, and another participant offered support using his handyman skills, reflecting the strength of community-led support and connection.

Creativity throughout was diverse, with participants showing pride in their work. Children engaged alongside parents, contributing to an inclusive and lively atmosphere. The session was also culturally rich, with shared music and even singing, creating a strong sense of comfort and belonging. One family shared that, despite challenges at home, the session helped them feel relaxed and enjoy meaningful time together.

The environment remained welcoming, allowing both quiet participation and social connection. The day ended with a shared meal provided by Magic Carpet, offering further opportunity for informal connection.

Overall, the session demonstrated a clear need for safe, trusted, and non-pressured spaces that support creativity, wellbeing, connection and community resilience, particularly for those experiencing isolation.