Making Space
A calm place to spend time making
Making Space is a monthly community programme offering a calm, welcoming environment where people can spend time making alongside others.
These sessions are not classes and do not require any prior experience. They are designed to provide gentle access to creative activity without pressure to perform, produce, or socialise.
Making Space is part of the Smiddy’s wider community approach, which centres care, access, and social wellbeing.
Booking and availability
Upcoming Making Space sessions and availability.
COMING SOON
If you have questions before booking, you are welcome to get in touch.
Session structure
Making Space runs as a monthly programme.
Each session:
Lasts approximately two hours
Includes all materials and tools
Is facilitated gently to support different ways of participating
Is standalone, with no expectation of repeat attendance
Group sizes are kept small to help maintain a calm and supported environment.
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Making Space offers shared time in the workshop with simple, open-ended creative processes.
Each session introduces a material or process that can be approached in different ways. Participants are free to engage at their own pace, explore materials quietly, or take breaks as needed.
Materials, tools, and gentle facilitation are provided. Support is available if you want it, but participation is always optional and self-directed.
There is no right or wrong way to take part.
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Making Space is open to adults of all backgrounds and experience levels.
It is suitable for people who:
Are new to making
Are returning to creativity after time away
Are managing stress, anxiety, or low confidence
Want to be in a shared space without obligation
Prefer open-ended, supported activity
You do not need to talk, share, or explain yourself to take part.
What to expect on the day
When you arrive, you will be welcomed and shown the space.
The facilitator will introduce the materials or process and explain how the session will run. You are then free to take part in whatever way feels right for you, whether that means making continuously, dipping in and out, or simply spending time in the space.
You are welcome to:
Work quietly
Chat with others
Take breaks
Stop early if needed
All of these are valid ways of taking part.
Relationship to other community activity
Making Space sits alongside other community programmes at the Smiddy.
For those who would prefer a clearly stated LGBTQ+ welcoming environment, an alternative session is available.