December Highlights & A Heartfelt Thank You
This last month of the year has been sparkling with creativity, community and so much heart.
Our Christmas Creative Me pop up was a beautiful celebration of courage, imagination and connection. Michele Dennison has written a wonderful piece honouring the group and the magic we’ve created together, you’ll find her words below.
Creative Me 2025
A Celebration of Style and Self-Expression
What’s Creative Me about?
It’s our signature programme designed to help young artists and designers explore their identity, build practical skills, and dream big for the future. Through upcycling, fashion, and creative mentoring, we give them the tools to express their unique style while learning life skills that stick. Participants work on projects that lead to exciting showcases - think fashion, collaborative art, and upcycled designs.
From last year to now…
Last year, our first-ever pop-up a huge success. This year? Our young members took things to the next level! They didn’t just create the art, they designed, planned, and marketed the entire event themselves <include link to previous blog about the artists>. Talk about leadership and growth! Pre-sale tickets flew off the shelves, and we welcomed plenty of walk-in visitors too. The energy in the room was electric, and the staff at the Earl of Abingdon summed it up perfectly:
“We just love watching and seeing how the young people light up.”
Confidence on display
The group shared how much their confidence has grown, not just in creating art but in interacting with visitors and owning their space. They’re already sketching ideas for next year, aiming to make it even bigger and bolder. One member said it best:
“It’s great to be able to just be yourself with no judgment.”
Inspiring the next generation
These young creatives aren’t just building their own futures, they’re inspiring younger children to join in and explore their artistic side. And let’s not forget the parents, who have been phenomenal cheerleaders and an essential part of this journey. Your support means the world!
As Jess Farrell beautifully put it:
“It’s been such an honour to see your work and designs and creativity grow.”
Here’s to more creativity, confidence, and community in the year ahead. Watch this space - next year’s pop-up is going to be even more amazing!
Creative Climate Champions
One of the brightest sparks of this season has been the launch of Creative Climate Champions, generously funded by Vale of White Horse District Council.
We’ve begun delivering workshops at both Thameside and Caldecott, supporting young people to explore sustainability, identity and their role as future changemakers.
We’ve been:
• Re imagining everyday materials into new creations
• Mapping identities to help young people understand what they care about
• Creating visual pledges for the planet
• Using collage, fabric scraps and found textures to rethink waste
• Exploring how creativity can inspire kinder, braver futures
The energy has been bold, curious and full of promise.
Creativity at Didcot Community Hospital
Creativity has been roaring at Didcot Community Hospital. Ten patients are now fully engaged each week, and the joy and expression pouring out of those sessions is something I’ll carry with me into next year.
Bright Hearts, a Spark of Intergenerational Magic
Bright Hearts has officially launched and will begin delivering intergenerational creative sessions from February.
We also had a special early moment of magic when Jackie from CrystalJaks joined us as a special guest. Her presence brought a beautiful energy and added a layer of sparkle and connection that the group absolutely loved. More to come as this project unfolds.
Art Advent & Re Imagined Pieces
A small personal highlight: we’ve been doing a daily Art Advent, drawing each day leading up to Christmas. My dad joined in, which has been magical and such a treasured moment of connection.
And as a final creative note for the year every one of my re imagined pieces has now sold. Creating them has brought me so much joy, and I can’t wait to begin dreaming up new one of a kind pieces in the new year.
✨ Here’s to more creativity, more connection and more magic in 2026. ✨
As the season changes, we’re grateful for the connections, creativity, and courage that continue to grow through every project. October has truly been a month in full colour - and we can’t wait to see how these seeds continue to bloom.
✨ Here’s to more creativity, connection, and climate care as we step into the rest of the year.