Community Programmes
Low-pressure, supported creative activity
Community programmes at the Smiddy offer practical ways to take part in creative activity within a calm, welcoming environment.
These programmes sit within the wider Our Community approach at the Smiddy, which centres care, access, and social wellbeing. They are shaped by listening, responsiveness, and an understanding that community needs change over time.
How community programmes work
Community programmes are designed to reduce pressure rather than create it.
They provide time, space, materials, and gentle facilitation, allowing people to engage at their own pace and in their own way. There is no expectation to produce finished work, develop skills, or progress towards other activity.
Some people attend to connect with others. Some attend to work quietly. Some attend simply to be present. All forms of participation are equally welcome.
Community programmes at the Smiddy
Current community programmes include the following.
Making Space
Monthly supported creative sessions
Making Space offers calm, open-ended time to make alongside others.
Each session introduces a simple process or material that can be approached in different ways. Participants are free to engage as much or as little as they wish, with no requirement to talk, share, or complete anything.
Making Space (LGBTQ+ Edition)
A clearly stated welcoming environment
Making Space (LGBTQ+ Edition) follows the same structure and principles as Making Space, offering a clearly stated welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ participants.
The session exists to support comfort and ease, while remaining focused on shared creative time rather than discussion or instruction.
Community Programmes (developing)
Additional Community Programmes may develop over time in response to need, partnership, or feedback.
Programmes may be trialled, adapted, paused, or introduced as capacity allows. Growth is shaped by care rather than expansion.
Details of new or temporary programmes will be shared here as they arise.
Taking part
If you are unsure whether a community programme is right for you, you are welcome to read through the individual programme pages or get in touch with questions.