Supporting ongoing creative activity in the heart of the community.
From Storytelling in Fordingbridge to accessible dance in New Milton and Cartooning on Waterside, we’re supporting local people to develop their creative skills, meet like-minded people and improve their wellbeing…. all on their doorstep!
Over the past year, we’ve been dedicated to nurturing the growth of new Creative Clubs across the New Forest. Creative Clubs are regular creative sessions that are initiated, organised and led by members of the community and facilitated by professional artists, makers and teachers, including dancers, illustrators, storytellers, writers and more.
We know it can take a lot of time, resources and effort to set up a new creative opportunity, so our support helps new clubs get off the ground by covering their set-up costs and offering reduced fees for participants, helping groups to get established and become self-sustaining in the future.
We’re currently working with the community on the development of even more Creative Clubs, but here’s a little taste of some of the clubs we’ve been supporting across the Forest so far….
Dancing On Wheels:
Jill and her son, who is disabled and uses a wheelchair, used to attend a wheelchair dance class in Southampton, which sadly came to an end several years ago. One day a lightbulb went off in Jill’s mind, who suddenly thought… ‘why can’t I set up a wheelchair dance class right here in New Milton?!” And so, Dancing on Wheels New Forest was born!
Sessions are held at the New Milton Memorial Centre every second Wednesday of the month and are led by experienced dance tutors who provide an accessible and inclusive space for wheelchair users and their companions to explore movement, rhythm, and music in a fun and joyful environment.
‘Music and wheelchair dancing in a space like the Memorial Centre is a wonderful opportunity!’
Click here to find out more about Dancing on Wheels.
Elevate – MS Dance:
Forest Arts Centre has teamed up with Scottish Dance to deliver Elevate, a dance program specially designed to support the physical, mental, and social well-being of individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These sessions are taught by trained MS Dance tutors, who offer a safe and creative environment for participants to enhance their overall well-being through movement and rhythm.
‘I have met new people and being able to move my body more is brilliant.’
Click here to find out more about Elevate – MS Dance
Storytelling Ambassadors:
Inspired by a wonderful outdoor storytelling picnic that was delivered by Avon Valley Community Matters in summer 2023, the Fordingbridge Storytelling Ambassadors programme celebrates the art of oral storytelling and supports volunteer storytellers to develop their storytelling skills and share their stories in the community.
The group recently launched with a series of masterclass sessions from international storyteller Danyah Miller and will continue to develop with regular story circle sessions, training opportunities and storytelling sessions the community.
Click here to find out more about the Fordingbridge Storytelling Ambassadors
Get in touch!
If you’re interested in learning more about our Creative Clubs or if you have an idea for a new club, please reach out to jemma.corbin@energiseme.org
Let’s continue fostering creativity, connection, and wellbeing within our community!
