1.
(2022)
Soft Club was a weekly creative space for teenagers aged 12-18 to explore textiles, dress, and body culture in an open and supportive environment. Rather than following a fixed curriculum, the club was shaped by the participants themselves, with activities built around their interests. We explored designers, techniques, and ideas that excited them while also introducing new concepts to broaden their perspectives.
One of the group's key ambitions was to design and create items to sell, leading us to take part in the DIY Art Market in September 2022. The young people took full ownership of the process—from designing and making the products to running the stall on the day. Their hard work and enthusiasm paid off, as they successfully earned £300, which we reinvested in essential equipment like sewing machines to further develop their skills.
For many participants, the club became more than just a creative outlet. Several had begun secondary school during the disruptions of 2020-2021 and shared feelings of isolation, struggling to make friends and socialize beyond the classroom. Soft Club provided a much-needed space where they could learn, create, and connect with others in a relaxed and encouraging setting.
A parent of one participant reflected on the impact of the club:
Through Soft Club, we saw firsthand the power of creativity in building confidence, independence, and community. It was a space where young people could express themselves freely, gain hands-on experience, and take pride in what they created—both individually and as a group.
(2022)
Soft Club was a weekly creative space for teenagers aged 12-18 to explore textiles, dress, and body culture in an open and supportive environment. Rather than following a fixed curriculum, the club was shaped by the participants themselves, with activities built around their interests. We explored designers, techniques, and ideas that excited them while also introducing new concepts to broaden their perspectives.
One of the group's key ambitions was to design and create items to sell, leading us to take part in the DIY Art Market in September 2022. The young people took full ownership of the process—from designing and making the products to running the stall on the day. Their hard work and enthusiasm paid off, as they successfully earned £300, which we reinvested in essential equipment like sewing machines to further develop their skills.
For many participants, the club became more than just a creative outlet. Several had begun secondary school during the disruptions of 2020-2021 and shared feelings of isolation, struggling to make friends and socialize beyond the classroom. Soft Club provided a much-needed space where they could learn, create, and connect with others in a relaxed and encouraging setting.
A parent of one participant reflected on the impact of the club:
"It felt like you were offering something truly unique for them. You provided a space where they could be themselves, develop their creativity, and feel at ease. Your creative and inventive guidance made a real difference, and I know it’s not something just anyone could do—especially with teenagers! Thank you for fostering such a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere."
Through Soft Club, we saw firsthand the power of creativity in building confidence, independence, and community. It was a space where young people could express themselves freely, gain hands-on experience, and take pride in what they created—both individually and as a group.
