A space for young people to cultivate their creativity, through exploring themes connected to textiles, dress and body culture. We thrive on diverse perspectives, valuing hands-on experimentation and shared learning.

We piloted Soft Club in 2022 with a flexible, participant-led approach with no fixed curriculum. Sessions were shaped by the group’s interests, exploring materials and techniques alongside introducing some new ideas they may not have encountered before.

One core ambition for the group was to design and sell handmade items. This culminated in a stall at the DIY Art Market, where the group managed everything from design to sales earning £300, which was reinvested into sewing machines and tools.

For many, Soft Club became more than just a creative space. Several participants, having started secondary school during the pandemic, were struggling socially. The club offered a much-needed environment for connection and self-expression.

“You offered something truly unique. A space where they could be themselves, feel at ease, and develop their creativity. Your guidance made a real difference.”

Parent of a participant

Founder

Adele Jeffs is a designer and educator with 15+ years’ experience in textiles, graphic design, education, and inclusive creative practice. She’s worked with Tate, Southbank Centre, and the Wellcome Trust, and spent over a decade co-designing projects with neurodivergent artists through her work with arts charity Heart n Soul.

adelejeffs.co.uk
www.salmagundi.xyz

Outcomes

🧠️ Emotional & Mental Well-Being
Opportunities for self-expression, stress relief, and confidence-building through creative practice.

👋️ Social Connection
A welcoming space to build friendships, feel a sense of belonging, and develop empathy through shared experiences.

🎨 Skills Development
Access to high-quality, hands-on creative experiences that build practical skills in design and craft. Explore how clothes and body image are shaped by history, culture, and society.

📣 Agency & Voice
Young people co-design the programme, gaining ownership, exploring ideas and advocating for issues they care about. Gaining communication skills through sharing work publicly.

🚀 Pathways & Opportunities
Exposure to creative careers, entrepreneurship, portfolio-building and leadership experiences that support future aspirations.

Soft Club 2025

We’re planning to relaunch in 2025 and are currently seeking partners to help shape and support the next phase.

We’re looking for...

A long-term venue (with some storage) for monthly Saturday sessions
Collaboration with existing youth groups to help co-design future activities
Access to textile equipment and/or space for a dye garden
Creative practitioners to lead workshops
Volunteers (especially students in design/art education)
Trustees with backgrounds in art, fashion, textiles, design, youth work, charities or education.
Fundraisers to support our funding bids