An innovative creative project which aims to help young people in Mansfield forge new pathways to a positive future is already having a significant impact less than two months into the program.
Mansfield District Council’s Cultural Services and Community Safety teams have joined forces in the Story of Change project.
Using storytelling, the spoken word, filmmaking, podcasting, and digital tools, it is helping young people explore their identities and express themselves in safe and supportive spaces.
It targets young people at risk of adverse outcomes in life or who are already struggling to stay in mainstream education or showing early signs of disengagement or behavioural challenges.
It has been developed by therapeutic creative practitioners Tina Nash and Michelle Walker, who have a track record of delivering impactful projects for local prisons, the Department for Work and Pensions and Inspire (link opens in new window).
Sian Booth, the council’s Cultural Services Manager, said: “They are both highly experienced practitioners who have worked extensively with marginalized groups, including young offenders.
“Their combined expertise in drama, creative expression, and therapeutic practices has been instrumental in shaping this impactful project.
“Since its launch, the project has already demonstrated a significant impact on participants, staff, and stakeholders. Young people involved have shown marked improvements in confidence, communication skills, and engagement with creative processes.
“The Story of Change project is more than just a creative outlet; it’s a pathway to a brighter future for young people who might otherwise feel left behind.
“We would love to expand the project to reach more young people, particularly those in inclusion units or alternative education provisions who face social, emotional, and mental health challenges.
“What we’re already seeing is this that through the arts, they are develop confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills, while also finding positive ways to channel their emotions. By investing in creativity, we create opportunities for young people to thrive, rather than be defined by their challenges.”
The project has been funded by £25,000 from the Nottinghamshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “This innovative project is opening doors for the next generation and showing them that anything is possible with the right support.
“Listening to our young people and understanding what gets the best out of them is key to shaping brighter futures and making Nottinghamshire a safer place for all.
“It’s great to hear that the project is already having a big impact, with young people growing in confidence and improving their communication skills along the way.”
Story of Change was initiated in December with a series of taster workshops leading to weekly sessions and activities until April.
Cllr Angie Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Health and Safer Communities, said: “The speed at which this fantastic project is moving, delivering positive results after just a few weeks, speaks volumes about its impact and relevance.
“It makes sense to help young people into pathways that will help them to overcome the challenges they may be facing in positive and long lasting ways. It is easier and more effective to nip problems in the bud.”
For a group Year 7 students from Meden School, these take place at Mansfield Palace Theatre. For young people being educated at EMVA, the East Midlands Vocational Academy, an alternative provision centre, the sessions happen on-site.
The activities at the Palace have included digital storytelling, improvisation exercises, reflective writing, a tour of the theatre, vlogging, recording ghost stories, and creating visual narratives. Structured creative work is balanced with unstructured play, such as ball games and drama exercises.
At EMVA the activities have included memory-based writing exercises, audio recording, the creation of beats and music using digital tools such as GarageBand and Adobe Audition. Some participants have started singing, producing their own tracks, and exploring sound editing.
Tina Nash said: “We began with taster workshops in December to give the young people a flavour of what they could expect from the project.
“It also allowed us to adapt the project to meet the sometimes complex needs of the young people involved. They often face significant barriers to participation, including behavioural challenges, low self-esteem, and social anxiety.
“We have had to tailor the project to ensure we meet those needs, by, for example, ensuring a calm and inclusive environment and strategies to help participants manage their energy and emotions. It is also important to ensure it’s fun!
“What we want is for these young people to discover new ways of looking at themselves and the world and where they fit in and to have more confidence and pride about their creative potential and possibilities that life could deliver for them with the right skills under their belt.”
Other aims include:
- Reduce the risk of adverse behaviours by fostering positive engagement.
- Develop practical skills in digital media, storytelling, and teamwork.
- Offer alternative ways to regulate emotions and address complex behaviours.
- Create pathways for future employment and personal development through the production of creative portfolios and video CVs.
Staff at both Meden School and EMVA have praised the project for its positive impact on participants, particularly in building their self-esteem and helping the young people involved find their voice. The participants themselves have also given positive initial feedback about the scheme.
Michelle Walker said: “The project has already demonstrated a significant impact on participants, staff, and stakeholders.
“Talents are emerging from the young people which the staff didn’t even know they had, like discovering one boy can play guitar, others can sing, most are also showing brilliant leadership skills.
“Those involved have shown marked improvements in confidence, communication skills, and engagement with creative processes and have gained pride in their work. They are even completing their homework with enthusiasm!”
For information about the project, email Sian Booth (link opens in email app).