Contributions
About
About us:
We’re a startup group in the Teesside area, looking to combat the prominent isolation, social barriers and illiteracy problems that the area faces.
We listened to the community and found there was a deep need for safe spaces for creativity that help minimise loneliness, breakdown barriers, build strong emotional networks and help raise aspirations and confidence in the community.
By using creative writing and the arts we establish safe spaces in the community where people can express themselves, problem solve, breakdown barriers and build networks - which encourages confidence and helps build aspirations.
After a successful pilot project (Our Voice 2026), in Stockton, where we invited members of the LGBTQI+ community to come to some workshops to work on some creative writing pieces - and then perform them at a private event - we are now developing a longer term community plan to deliver our creative model within the Hartlepool area.
Our Creative Model:
Participants will be invited to three workshops - each one centred around a different song - where they can explore their creativity freely in a safe environment. They will be encouraged to produce a piece of creative writing or artwork based on how the song makes them feel.
After the workshops, there will be weekly sessions for participants to hone their skills, improve their work and practice performing their peices.
Participants will then be invited to a private, formal event where they can perform their pieces in front of friends and family.
We found this model worked really well during our pilot project and that participants felt more confident in not just their writing abilities, but also in themselves after they attended the event. We had a psychologist compile together a report based on their feedback throughout the project and the results were really positive.
Our team:
Our core team is comprised of four members.
Rae Farmer - founder and advisor.
Rae is the founding member of created the original idea of Your Voice. They've spent the last 30 years supporting children. young people and adults experiencing change, conflict or crisis. Rae has managed and developed non-profits for many years. Rae's proudest achievement is learning from their negative life experiences and building resilience based organisations.
Rae's favourite colour is yellow and they adore penguins.
Lyndsey Gibson - Treasurer and Designer.
Lyndsey is the treasurer and designer for Your Voice Collective. She is thrilled to help create a safe, non-judgmental space for the LGBTQI+ community and allies to express themselves through creative writing and arts. She brings a passion for fostering inclusive environments where everyone feels empowered to be themselves. She is dedicated to ensuring our group provides a supportive haven in the most fun way possible and is looking forward to connecting with the community to build a vibrant, creative and confident community together.
Hope Clyburn - Chair Person
Hope was a participant in our pilot project. They found it to be extremely helpful and essential and provide a real insight into exactly why projects like this need to exist.
Nathan Honour - secretary
Nathan is a big believer in the importance of the arts and believes that it’s a vital tool to help combat some of the problems the area faces