We’d like to introduce you to our three newest recruits, Nathan, Rachael and Lizzie! This dynamic trio is the dream team behind our new arts and wellbeing programme called Six Pillars.
Six Pillars was commissioned by Healthy North East Derbyshire Partnership and the Bolsover Partnership with funding from Derbyshire County Council.
The aim of Six Pillars is to support the emotional health and wellbeing of young people, aged 11-18, in six communities across Bolsover district and North East Derbyshire, through a series of artistic workshops and residencies, involving exciting and diverse art forms, chosen by the young people themselves.
From painting in VR, puppetry, filmmaking and storytelling, the new work created through each residency will be brought together in spring 2024 for a special showcase.
Our Wellbeing Coordinators’ role is to support the young people who attend the sessions. Offering them emotional support but also giving participants autonomy in their own creative choices to develop confidence and build their self-esteem.
Nathan, is the youngest member of the team, bringing energy and a host of creative ideas into the mix. He has a background in youth work and non-formal education, both in the UK and internationally, delivering workshops in schools and local communities. He started his Junction Arts career as a Marketing and Communications Intern at Junction Arts, quickly becoming a highly valued member of the team, so it came as no surprise when his application for the new role of wellbeing coordinator was successful!
He said “Six Pillars is such an inspiring project that aims to improve the wellbeing of young people across the region. It’s been extremely special to be part of it and to see the growth in those we have worked with already is amazing. It is such a rewarding position, that I feel very grateful to be part of the wellbeing team.”
Rachael has a wealth of experience when it comes to supporting young people having worked in both Steiner Waldorf and mainstream education, before joining Junction Arts. She also has experience in supporting SEND pupils and has been a Safeguarding Lead. Some of her other previous work adventures include leadership and mentoring for a Swedish charity organisation and running her own creative business.
She said: “One of the best parts of my job so far has been working together with such an inspiring mix of young people, seeing them create wonderful things whilst growing in confidence and competence each week. It’s been great trying out different art forms and new ways to be creative together, it will be interesting to see what we get up to in future sessions!”
Lizzie, our third wellbeing musketeer has a passion for supporting young people with their mental health and wellbeing. Her qualifications include a degree in Psychology and a PGCE in Emotional Education from the University of Derby.
Lizzie has 15 years of experience in working with young people in a Secondary SEN setting and supporting young people’s wellbeing in the community. In 2018 she became a qualified ‘Relax Kids’ and ‘Charge Up’ Coach and delivered emotional education sessions across Derby City, and South Derbyshire schools and community groups.
She said: “I have enjoyed helping to deliver the Six Pillars Arts and Wellbeing projects in Clay Cross, Dronfield and Bolsover this summer, and very much look forward to continuing our work with young people in Bolsover and North East Derbyshire over the course of the Six Pillars project.”
What an impressive team, we’re so pleased to have them on board!
