At The Horsebridge we provide a large variety of arts based activities and central to our work is ensuring that no-one feels excluded from participating in the arts. We achieve this in many ways some of which we share far and wide, like free school holiday activities, but we also work with other organisations to provide access that supports an individual directly ... like Josie.
We were contacted by the team at our local medical centre about Josie who had complex medical issues and had found it difficult to leave her home for many months. As she was interested in art we were approached about any opportunities here. After a couple of phone calls Josie came in for a chat and a cup of tea and brought along some of her work – which was wonderful. She took some materials to be able to make some work for one of our projects and agreed to try one of our creative volunteer sessions.
Now Josie is a regular volunteer here, helping make goods for our shop and seasonal decorations for the centre. We were also able to provide a free place on one of our Studio Session creative courses where Josie excelled and she hopes to join another course soon.
We have now been able to help several patients at the surgery by providing free and subsidised places on our Studio Sessions. Quite often people come early to meet us and the tutor and make sure they feel comfortable but otherwise they are just another member of the class. The work produced by our supported participants is beautiful and it is such a privilege to be able to support someone to find their creativity again and see them become part of the Horsebridge community.
We know that Studio Sessions are out of reach financially for many in our community but we are committed to ensuring we can offer free or subsidised places where we can. The Horsebridge is not a funded organisation, receives no guaranteed annual grant or payment for the services it provides all year and has to earn all of the income to support its activities.
If you can support us by becoming a Friend or donating it would mean so much to us and those we support.
