Imagining Different and Better Futures

I received an invite to attend a creative workshop in November at City Library in Bradford. This sounded like an interesting activity to get my creative skills into action and meet other Changing Realities participants. For me, this was a good opportunity to get away from the normal routine and talk to others while all working together toward the same cause.

The idea of the workshop was to have fun, chat and share experiences of surviving on a low income - which I know too well. We were also encouraged to imagine a better and different future. This was difficult for me especially with recent government plans and migration from Working Tax credit to Universal Credit.

I was delighted to meet Jean and everyone else face to face instead of over a computer screen. Jean prepared an Aladdin’s cave of amazing resources to help us dive into our Zine making. We all had a relaxing time, chatting, creating, sharing ideas and munching on plenty of snacks close by.

The session allowed me to express myself through my booklet and the messages I chose to display on each page. I felt this was a safe space and free way to express my thoughts, worries and hopes relating to living/surviving on a low income as well as the impact this has on me and my family.

At the end of the session, I shared my expressive booklet and how the session had allowed me to share a difficult topic in a calm and relaxed way. I would have struggled discussing this under a formal setting.

Jean, Ruth and Jim looked after us so well and made sure the session ended with a wonderful lunch!

On my train journey home, I reflected on how nice it was to be around other people all sharing similar experiences and challenges. I felt it was a lovely social activity that allowed me a break from work, kids and worries about money.



This workshop was Bradford based and Changing Realities hopes to extend these workshops to elsewhere in the future! I can’t suggest anything that could have been different, the Changing Realities Team always looks after us well and makes sure we come away with great experiences. Thank you for all that you do and the support.