Thank you for taking the time to explore my project Oceans of Imagination. Below is a selection of information prepared in support of my Arts Council Grant application.

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• Two supporting letters:

  • Following meetings with the team at Queen Alexandra Hospital and Aidan's Activity Fund, both organisations have expressed their enthusiasm for the project.

  • They have provided written support to further strengthen my application.

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• Feedback received from the ongoing initial Pilot project:

  • Play Specialist  on the Starfish and Shipwreck Ward feedback.

  • Parent Feedback.

  • Children's Feedback

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•  Images colated from sessions delivered at the pilot project:​

  • Week 1 Fidget boards: Fidget boards help reduce anxiety in children by giving them a calming, hands-on distraction in an unfamiliar hospital environment. They also support sensory needs and keep children engaged, making their stay feel more comfortable and less stressful. An activtiy that both children and their parented enjoyed joining in with.​

  • Week 2: Spring Lanterns: Crafting spring lanterns gives children a positive, creative activity that distracts from the stress of being in hospital. It can lift their mood, encourage self-expression, and make the ward feel more cheerful and less clinical.

  • Week 3: Worry Monsters/Pocket palls: Making worry monsters or pocket pals helps children express and manage their worries in a simple, comforting way while in hospital. It gives them a sense of control and provides a small, personal source of reassurance during a stressful time

  • Week 4: Foam Bag Printing: calming creative activity that helps children build confidence, focus, and fine motor skills while designing their own personalised bag. Using simple materials that are easy to recreate at home, each child leaves with a special handmade keepsake to be proud of.

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• Portfolio of previous work:

  • A selection of images showcasing 8years of creative delivery, including:

    • After-school craft clubs

    • School holiday clubs

    • Pop-up holiday workshops

    • Creative camps

    • School murals

    • Additional community focused creative projects

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• Images from the 2022 ‘We Shine’ light event (funded by Portsmouth Creates):

  • Delivered a Fairy and Elf Door Workshop for more than 100 children across Portsmouth, including participants from the children’s wards at Queen Alexandra Hospital and several local schools.

  • I collected all completed doors and designed and built a large-scale magical installation in Victoria Park, Portsmouth, exhibited across three nights in November.

  • After the event the fairy and Elf doors were returned to the children to enjoy. 

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• Creative practitioners who have expressed an interest in the project:

  • I regularly deliver a wide range of workshops to give children the opportunity to explore various art forms.

  • For this project, I plan to invite experienced creative practitioners throughout the year to deliver in-depth, specialist workshops that complement and extend the creative experiences offered.