Creativity in community centres

"Creativity is at the core of what we do. The building has been repurposed with the mission to increase social connections, giving people a place to be, weaving together the often damaged social fabric of our communities and to make space for people that doesn’t require a monetary exchange.

Since opening our doors, we’ve been supported by a number of funders and partners. We now looking for longer-term, core funding. We’re also aiming to grow our volunteers known as ‘People of The Place’ and have a calendar of exciting events lined up.

The Place is moving from strength to strength! Every town, city and community should have a space like this. A building brimming with a positive attitude that celebrates culture and makes new connections!”

"There's always loads going on here - from visual arts and dance, to play sessions for under 8’s and employment support for adults. We offer a wide range of activities designed for people with complex disabilities, as well as the facilities you might expect at a community centre. We host accessible art exhibitions, have a cafe, rooms for hire, and are building a sensory garden.

Most of the activities are open to the people we support and the wider community. We’re all about bringing people together to do something fun. We tailor our sessions to support access needs. For example, we’ll adapt tools in visual arts workshops, use sensory balls that make sounds or light up in sports activities, and use vibrating backpacks in music sessions so that sound can be felt as well as heard. Our programmes are directed by disabled artists who’re experts in their areas. We’re constantly learning and trialling new things.

Arts and sports are a huge part of what we do at Sense. We believe that everyone has the right to a creative, cultured, active life. We provide opportunities to get involved in something a bit different and to try new things. We don’t just put on arts activities and hope that people enjoy them. We tailor them to ensure that people can join in in a way that’s meaningful to them, whether that’s by jumping around in a dance class or enjoying a theatre performance without shoes and socks. This is why TouchBase is always a brilliantly busy and buzzing space!”

“Art and creativity runs like a golden thread through the Cube. We have beautiful gardens with direct views up to the Malvern Hills, with a fire pit, pizza oven and story circle, frequently used by Malvern Storytellers and other groups. Inside, every day of the week and practically every day of the year, we have a wide range of workshops, talks, courses and activities, most with a strongly creative focus. We have a community choir, host gigs and even have a piano in the café for anyone to use. A couple in their 80s regularly come to play. They moved into a care home close-by but couldn’t bring their piano with them.

In the cafe, we’ve a community artist exhibition space. Free for artists to exhibit, each person has a month to show their work. On more permanent display is artwork created by Garage Art, a group for adults with additional physical and learning needs. They express themselves through paint, collage, fabrics and mixed media with powerful results.

Visitors to the Cube frequently comment on the friendly vibe and inclusive atmosphere. When people feel safe and are connected to others and to their space, creativity in all its forms can flourish. We really celebrate that here.”