Creative Connections: Drumming, Dance & Creativity for SEND Communities
We’re thrilled to continue our Creative Connections programme with communities across Nottingham and Mansfield, supported by Arts Council England. Our team of creative practitioners is bringing together expressive arts workshops specially designed for children and young people with SEND (neurodivergence, additional learning needs, and mental-health challenges). Through rhythm, dance, visual arts and drama, the aim is simple: to create joyful, inclusive spaces where creativity, connection and confidence can flourish.
In Mansfield, we’ve been working with groups in local venues, led by our inclusive creative practitioners who specialise in adapting activities so that every participant can engage, contribute and feel proud of their achievements. The emphasis is on teamwork, discovery and self-expression rather than “perfect performance”, whether tapping out rhythms, exploring movement with peers, painting their own visuals, or developing short drama pieces that reflect their experiences in life and society.
A special shout-out goes to Angela from Pulp Friction CIC. Pulp Friction is Nottingham-based charity/social enterprise that supports learning disabled and autistic adults through creative and work-skills opportunities. They’re built around empowerment, inclusion and purpose, offering a place to learn, make friends, gain confidence and take part in meaningful projects. Angela has been instrumental in our programme: she has led sessions, supported young participants to step into assistant-leader roles, and fostered peer-led creativity so that participants become co-creators. Angela’s work connects the ethos of Pulp Friction - valuing every voice and enabling everyone to make a contribution - with our Creative Connections vision.
The impact we’re seeing is encouraging:
Communities who might feel isolated are forming connections through shared rhythm and movement.
Neurodivergent participants are accessing art forms in sensory-friendly ways and discovering new strengths.
Participants are taking leadership roles, helping to mentor peers, building skills and pride.
Families are noticing improved confidence, more willingness to engage socially and delight at seeing their children take centre-stage in their own way.
We’re very much looking forward to the next phase in the new year: more drumming circles in Mansfield, more explorative dance workshops, more visual arts sessions and drama pieces developed with participants themselves. If you’re in Nottingham or Mansfield and know a group that would love to take part in a Creative Connections workshop, get in touch - everyone is welcome. Please get in touch through our Contact Us page.
Enjoy this short showreel just below that shows the shared joy and creativity in our project…
