Create Calm: Wellbeing Workshops

30 students max. Suitable for Years 7-9.

In this workshop, students will take part in some mindful drawing to create their own Me-zine/Fanzine. They will learn how to create a zine and will reflect on their favourite things they do in the day. They will make an 8-page autobiographical fanzine celebrating themselves, looking at some of their favourite things in a day and drawing them. This will help to focus on positive wellbeing and what they do during the day that makes them feel happy. The result will be a Me-Zine totally unique to them which they could extend the process by making one for their friends or family members. All materials are provided prior to the workshop: A4 card, coloured string/ribbon, felt tips/ coloured pencils/ crayons, glue stick and scissors. Any own old magazine, scrap paper, wrapping papers or newspapers can be used too.

30 students max. Suitable for Years 7-11.

In this workshop, participants will begin to create a piece of matchbox art, inspired by the contrast between their outer character and their inner self and feelings. Participants will consider how they believe themselves to be perceived on the outside in contrast to how they are on the inside. Students will be shown examples of matchbox art and assemblages by artists, extending their knowledge of assemblage art. All materials are provided prior to the workshop: paper, glue, coloured pens, coloured paper, stickers and craft matchboxes. Any old magazines can be added to create a montage effect. 

30 students max. Suitable for years 9-13, or FE equivalent levels.

During this workshop, students will be introduced to creative mindfulness and learn about the importance of taking care of their mental health and wellbeing. Listening to sounds and music, students will learn mindful listening and will be encouraged to relax, draw and doodle, and use different colours and patterns in response to the sounds - creating mindful marks. This activity is student-led. The workshop encourages students to focus on one task, allowing them to temporarily forget about other pressures. By the end of the workshop, students will have learnt a new mindfulness activity that they can practice in their own time. A selection of different coloured drawing materials will be provided for this workshop.

30 students max. Suitable for years 9-13, or FE equivalent levels.

During this workshop, students will be introduced to two different mindfulness techniques. They will learn about the importance of taking care of their mental health and wellbeing, and will take part in short mindfulness activities. This workshop encourages relaxation, reflection and observational techniques. Students will be guided through mindful breathing and mindful seeing techniques. By the end of the workshop, students will have learned two new mindfulness activities that they can practice in their own time, which can help students them to relax, slow down, reduce tension and stress. No materials are required for this workshop.

15-20 students max. Suitable for Years 9-13, or FE equivalent levels.

During this workshop, students will be introduced to the technique of mindfulness and weaving. Students will learn about the importance of taking care of their mental health and wellbeing. This tactile workshop encourages students to focus on learning a new technique and work towards creating a woven artwork. All materials for this workshop will be provided - coloured yarn and cardboard.

15-20 students max. Suitable for Years 9-13, or FE equivalent levels.

During this workshop, students will learn how to make a gratitude journal and reflect on things they are grateful for. Students will learn about the importance of taking care of their mental health and wellbeing, and will take part in a short mindfulness activity that they can use in their own time. This workshop celebrates handcraft activities and encourages students to take time to create something to make them feel better, which can be a constant source of positivity. All materials for this workshop will be provided – coloured papers, drawing materials and binding materials.

15-20 students max. Suitable for years 9-13, or FE equivalent levels.

During this workshop, students will have the opportunity to design and create positive postcards that they can keep for themselves or gift to others. Students will learn about the importance of taking care of their mental health and wellbeing, and will take part in a short mindfulness activity that they can use in their own time. The activity is student-led, with students creating their own unique designs based on a positive or happy memory. This workshop aims to support young people’s mental health by encouraging them to switch off and enjoy the process of creating, whilst allowing them to reflect and recognise positive things in their life, big or small. All materials for this workshop will be provided – blank postcards and a selection of drawing materials.

15-20 students max. Suitable for Years 9-13, or FE equivalent levels.

During this workshop, students will be introduced to mindfulness techniques, and will develop their tactile skills through working with clay. During the session, students will learn about the importance of taking care of their mental health and wellbeing. All materials for this workshop will be provided – quick-drying modelling clay, protective aprons/gloves and clay tools.

These workshops are available for years 7-13 & FE equivalent levels.

If you’re unsure whether your students or young people are eligible to take part in any of the activities offered as part of UCA’s outreach offer, please email outreach@uca.ac.uk and we will be happy to support you and answer any questions.