Awards for All Skillshops - Final Report The Skillshops programme by Southsea Greenhouse Community Cooperative took place between January and Septemb

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Awards for All Skillshops - Final Report

The Skillshops programme by Southsea Greenhouse Community Cooperative took place between January and September 2016. The 40 planned workshops proved very successful and due to economies with venues and other costs, additional sessions were granted by Awards for All, so we were able to conduct 10 additional drop in sessions across August and September to further benefit the community and make the the best use of the Lottery funding.

Background and Objectives

▪ Craft and gardening workshop tasters, designed to inspire creativity, teaching new skills and increasing confidence amongst people who are unemployed, isolated, or coping with health issues
▪ Building and enhancing the community by reaching out to inspire new volunteers to continue to strengthen the existing community offer and continuing to encourage gardening for better health and well-being post Awards for All * Connecting people and reaching out to new potential volunteers
▪ Providing a safe learning environment where people can acquire new skills
▪ Expanding creativity and the potential for individuals and groups to achieve * Encouraging community groups to enjoy gardening activities

Methodology

50 workshops delivered over a seasonal life cycle, focused on increasing craft and gardening skills and building community. Examples of the varied skillshops programme include decoupage, working with clay, barista, interior design, mindfulness, growing veg in small spaces, sensory gardens, de-cluttering, and life coaching personal vision sessions. Southsea Greenhouse community is inter-generational, so an inclusive programme was a key principle in the project design. Family workshops promoted sociological activities, such as a treasure trail to help young people and volunteers identify their goals, explore their ideals, life skills and build a life plan. We celebrated the Skillshops with a summer BBQ in the community garden, bringing together participants and workshop leaders from across the programme.

Participant summary

101 people registered and attended skillshops although we were unable to achieve exit information for 11 participants. So, our outcome figures are based on 89 people over 40 skillshops and evaluation of all 50.

Demographics

Number achieved
Women
61
Men
28
Age 50+
45
With health issues
39
Living alone
18
With disabilities
36
Total participants
89
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We used postcode information to monitor reach across the city and are pleased to say we were able to reach groups and individuals across the north as well as the South of the city. Postcode reach from PO1 to PO16. This demonstrates that people were prepared to travel to take part in the programme.

Different approaches publicised our skillshops.
Outreach sessions with local groups.
Community broadcasts on local media ie Express FM; Radio Solent
Updates in our column in the local newspaper The Portsmouth News
Social media & Website www.southseagreenuk
Postcards/Posters
Shared links with local community groups
Electronic media ie Mad Mimi e-newsletters
Shaping Portsmouth a weekly circular that reaches 1,400 individuals/groups and businesses
Word of Mouth

Our summer family drop in Skillshops were all inclusive and open to all ages and abilities. Creativity was encouraged with use of recycled materials and an emphasis on caring for the environment and keeping the city green. We hope that despite the season changing we can continue to put on monthly taster workshops to keep locals interested in coming together and learning something new, or adopting one of our grow spaces or volunteering in the orchard.

We are very proud of what we have achieved with the Awards for All Funding and send thanks to the Lottery for their investment in our city and community.

Some of us got really carried away with how BIG our scarecrows could be...

The kids loved making scarecrows using old clothes and straw bales. We will repeat this activity when we celebrate our autumn festivities in the Half term holidays.

All our Skillshops brought together people who were isolated or looking for activites where they could make some friends. Our outreach with groups like the Dementia group and Catch 22 helped people to overcome their shyness and try something new. As part of our development we updated our website which is now www.southseagreen.uk

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