Creative Confidence CIC
How has Flourish helped you?
I first heard about Flourish through Shelia at YES – she sent me a link and it went from there. They have helped by empowering me and really giving me confidence. Time to Grow was really good in that it harnesses your individual strengths and skills. I also got help with things like becoming a CIC – before because I had absolutely no idea what to do, and fear of the unknown was holding me back. I just didn’t know how to do it, so getting that knowledge made me realise that I could do it. It also helped me to sort out my governance documents and other boring stuff I don’t like doing!
Where has your journey taken you? Tell us about the highs and lows of your experience
It has gone so fast…! What seemed so overwhelming at the beginning when I was thinking ‘is this even possible?’… I now know it is! I knew I wanted to develop my skills but had no idea how, so getting all the right information, support and guidance was so important. Flourish have a genuine interest in you and what you are doing.
For highs… I loved running the performance poetry workshop at the end of Time to Grow – I ran a session where we co-created and performed a poem from scratch which encapsulated everything… the journey that all the Time to Grow ladies had been on getting their thoughts, opinions and feelings, and making sure everyone’s voice was heard.
Lows were when I got rejected twice from CIC regulator, because I hadn’t included enough information, I thought ‘is this ever going to happen?’ Also waiting for my bank account to open, it took about 10 weeks! That really stressed me out because I couldn’t apply for funding and was in limbo which drove me a bit insane.
I thrive off fear and I like being put on spot… When another Time to Grow participants asked me some really challenging questions her brutal honesty was really helpful. It was a bit like Dragon’s Den.. you have to believe in and know your business inside-out if you’re going to sell it to others.
How have things progressed since the programme?
I have been lucky enough to secure funding from the Hobins Trust to work with the children of refugee families from Afghanistan. I delivered workshops teaching English through Makaton signing and we put on a Christmas party in partnership with the North Manchester Children’s Centre.
Other projects include work in schools including working with children with additional needs using Makaton Sing and Sign and story-telling. I’m helping a young girl who is on the autistic spectrum get her Duke of Edinburgh using Makaton for her skill.
I’m also developing a programme with a couple of students in a North Manchester school to raise awareness about the LGBTQ+ community. I’ve facilitated it, but they’ve created the programme which includes performance poetry, role playing and game show hosting activities which they will deliver to the other students.
I’m also continuing to deliver Makaton Sing and Sign sessions and at one school the pupils are now teaching Makaton to their classmates.
I’m waiting to hear on a number of bids – a social prescribing project with Be Well, and another one working with Dimobi Children’s Disability Trust to deliver dance workshops with the children at the Queen’s Jubilee Parade and a third one in partnership with another T2G participant for a Year of The Child 2022 project creating 22 windows in Manchester celebrating children’s creativity.
How do you keep motivated?
I think I am naturally blessed with loads of serotonin in my brain…! I also exercise in the morning even if only 15 minutes, it really keeps me motivated. I also always have in my head ‘what are you waiting for? Just do it!’ I feel like I’m almost half-way through my life so I’d better get on with it, no-one else is going to do it for me.
I also love helping other people, it makes you feel better! And also, when things get difficult don’t beat yourself up!
What is your proudest achievement?
There was a group of 4 girls I had been working with, who were really quiet and introverted. One of them was struggling to even go into classes, and she’s now going back into class. One day she was helping me carry a board, and she said hi to one of the teachers – the teacher said that never in 4 years has she spoken to me. She said ‘I don’t know what it is that you are doing but whatever it is is amazing!’
Another of the boys – who was really struggling socially said thank you for helping me…. I’m putting my hand up now in class. It’s just the little things like that which make me proud.
Any tips to share with other people looking to start their own projects?
Just do it. Don’t’ let anything hold you back. It seems overwhelming at the beginning, but you only live once so you’ve got to go for it. Nothing ventured nothing gained!
What elements of T2G particularly useful?
I think it’s like a little sisterhood, everyone is really supportive of each other. I’ve got some really good contacts now – people who I am helping and they are helping me. There’s a wealth of information, but because of how it’s delivered, because of [Flourish’s] patience and perseverance, it’s easy to access. And things get repeated in case you miss them. Also the ‘normalness’ of it, it’s not stuffy, it’s really down to earth. I always feel good after a Time to Grow session, it gives me the fire in my belly to keep going!
Anything you’re now doing differently?
Yes, I’m, much more organised and more professional. I’m not cutting corners, I want it to be perfect and show people exactly what I can do! It’s really made me believe in myself and given me confidence
Has anything else changed for you?
I’m not afraid to network now… I’m meeting as many people as I can, and getting bookings from network meetings. It has really opened doors, I felt door were closed before but now they are opening wide!
You can find out more about Kitty’s work or get in touch via the Creative Confidence website or follow them on Facebook.
