Through Loss into Light: Creativity, Connection and Support in Walsall
Creative activity can offer people valuable space to pause, reflect and connect, particularly during difficult periods in their lives. Walsall Bereavement Support Service recently piloted its ‘Through Loss into Light’ craft sessions with support from Creative Black Country via the Creative Communities strand. The workshops provided a relaxed and welcoming environment where participants could spend time creating, talking and reflecting without pressure or judgement.
The feedback was captured through Creative Black Country’s evaluation process, led by Impact Lead Kat Pearson, whose role is to carry out evaluation and monitoring across CBC projects and explore how the findings can be presented and used.
Walsall Bereavement Support Service said:
“The Creative Black Country Evaluation forms tell us that the workshops exceeded expectations based on the impact feedback from participants.”
Participants shared their experiences of the sessions:
“Nice, informal and non-judgmental group setting with no expectations. I enjoyed the atmosphere.”
“Thank you for the opportunity to pause and reflect.”
“Really enjoyed safe space to chat and craft.”
“As a generally non-creative/arty person, I really enjoyed it! Ruth was great. I felt calm and supported from start to finish.”
“A lovely experience - Thank you.”
“Ruth was a brilliant creative, the relaxation at the start of the session was really helpful.”
The sessions were led by creative practitioner Ruth, whose supportive approach helped participants feel comfortable, calm and able to take part, including those who would not usually consider themselves creative. The project has also created a longer-term opportunity for Walsall Bereavement Support Service to expand the ways it supports people experiencing grief and loss.
The organisation said:
“This project enabled us to pilot a new activity for our clients. This means we can now include creative workshops in our portfolio of support for adults, children, and young people. We are exploring delivering creative workshops using poetry, storytelling, and letter writing.”
This is an important outcome from the project. As well as offering a positive experience for those who attended, the pilot has given the service the confidence and evidence to make creative activity part of its future support.
Walsall Bereavement Support Service also recognised the guidance it received throughout the project:
“We would like to thank the whole team, Gavin, Kat and Richard for their ongoing and informative support throughout this project.”
The feedback shows how a carefully supported creative session can offer much more than an opportunity to make something. It can create a safe space to talk, find moments of calm and explore difficult experiences alongside others.